Monthly Reflections

March Monthly Reflections

I had the impression that the cherry blossoms bloomed much earlier this year, but there are still days when the temperature drops again, and I feel that the season is going back and forth. Daylight saving time has started and the days are getting longer. Please take care of your health, stay safe and enjoy the wonderful season ahead.


○Youth exchanges

In March, I continued to attend many events. At the karate tournament in Steveston, Richmond, the children in their martial arts uniforms looked dignified and once again reminded me of the long history of exchange between Wakayama and Steveston. At the BC Japanese Speech Contest as well as the Metro Vancouver Japan Bowl (a quiz competition for high school students) which I attended, I was surprised by the young Canadians’ strong interest in Japan, their enthusiasm for learning Japanese, and their high level of proficiency. At the closing ceremony of last year's quiz competition, I asked an additional quiz in my speech: “How many Consuls General have there been in Vancouver including me?” but received no response. When I mentioned this again in my speech this year, I received one email from a student who assumed the number of consuls general based on the years since the opening of our Consulate General. It was not the right answer, but I was struck by the deep affection for the competition and was very happy. I hope that many young Canadian will continue to participate in both the speech contest and Japan Bowl in the future. I also hope that many people will come to see the contests.

○Commendation

In March, I held a ceremony to convey the Foreign Minister of Japan’s Commendation to Lorene Gayle Oikawa, former president of the National Association of Japanese Canadians. This award was presented to Ms. Oikawa for her  significant contributions to the development of the Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities, and to the promotion of friendship between Japan and Canada. I would like to once again extend my congratulations to Ms. Oikawa and wish her continued good health.

○Graduation Ceremony

One again this year I was able to attend the graduation ceremony of the Vancouver Japanese School. I was impressed by the dignified manner in which the graduates behaved and the words they spoke, as their families, school faculty and staff, and steering committee members warmly watched their graduation. I was very proud of the solemn and refreshingly moving ceremony, which is unique to Japanese overseas schools, where students from kindergarten to high school gather together to celebrate their graduation.

○National Day Reception
The Emperor's Birthday Celebration Reception was held as Japan's National Day Reception. Many Members of both the Senate and House of Commons, the Speaker of the BC Legislative Assembly, cabinet ministers and MLAs, mayors and city councillors from across BC, a representative of Yukon, Consuls General from various countries, and representatives of related organizations, businesses, Japanese and Japanese Canadian communities attended the reception

○Visits to Victoria and Yukon
In March, at the invitation of the BC government, I traveled to Victoria to attend government briefings and events at the Lieutenant Governor's residence. On this occasion, I also paid a courtesy call on BC Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety, Mr. Farnworth. He addressed various challenges including  safety issues which he has been tackling and he also spoke fondly of his time working for a railroad company when mandarin oranges were imported from Japan and shipped domestically by rail.

At the end of March, I made a second visit to Whitehorse, Yukon, where I met with Premier Pillai, relevant ministers, and Japanese organizations for the first time in a while. I also paid a courtesy call on Commissioner Adeline Webber. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to see the Northern Lights this time again but above all I received a very warm welcome in the Legislative Assembly, and Premier Pillai and many MLAs congratulated me on my visit and the 15th anniversary of the Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon. I also had an opportunity to visit the MacBride Museum, where I learned extensively about Yukon's history, nature, and art. I would like to thank all the people involved.