Monthly Reflections

October Monthly Reflections

It has become quite chill. Just when I think the rainy season has arrived, we now have blue skies and I feel the seasons are clashing. There have also been various tense situations in the international community, and there have been related demonstrations and rallies in Vancouver. So far, there have been no major disruptions in this area, but please always keep your own safety in mind. I hope that this heartbreaking situation will be brought to an end soon.

○Introduction of Japanese Products

Strengthening the economic relationship between Japan and Canada is becoming increasingly important, and introducing a variety of Japanese products to Canada is a very significant part of this. In October, I had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Suzuki, Mayor of Tsubame City in Niigata Prefecture and Mr. Nakano, President of the Yamagata Sake Makers Association from Japan, who gave me a rare opportunity to hear about their products and their promotional activities in Vancouver. I thought I knew a little about the metalworking products of the Tsubame-Sanjo area, which boasts a 400-year tradition as described in Japanese textbooks, but I had never heard that the industry began with the manufacture of “wakugi” ("Japanese nails"), which were in great demand in Edo, where fires often occurred, and that cutlery produced in Tsubame-Sanjo has been used on the table at the Nobel Prize banquet for many years. 
While sake has already gained recognition and popularity overseas, I also heard about the strong expectations for the future of the market, especially in Canada, as well as the various challenges involved in exporting sake overseas. It was impressive to hear that each of these companies is making efforts to diversify their business and train successors with an eye to exporting overseas. The Consulate General of Japan will continue to provide support in terms of relations with local governments, and public relations.

○Nikkei Community

At the Nikkei Home in Burnaby, the residents are engaged in a variety of activities, including practicing calligraphy. In October, I was invited to the Home and had the opportunity to enjoy calligraphy with the seniors. As you see in the "Activities of Consul General" section of our website, I gave a demonstration of writing on large sheets of paper, and participants also showed the results of their practice by writing on a piece of square paper and took it home as a memento. Of course, I am not in a position to teach them, but I learnt a lot from the calligraphy of the seniors who have long life experience.

○Japan-Canada Relations

I continued meeting with members of parliament, including Senator Yuen Pau Woo, MP Ken Hardie, and MP John Aldag. We shared our concern about the current international situation, particularly the painful feelings of Canadians involved in the act of terrorism by Hamas against Israel. We also exchanged views on other international situations and Japan-Canada relations.

○Cultural Exchange

Earlier in October, I was invited to the Urasenke Tankokai Vancouver Association's 60th Anniversary Tea Ceremony held at Ichibo-an tea house in the Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Although I don’t know much about the customs expected at a traditional tea ceremony, I had an opportunity to appreciate the precious calligraphy and tea utensils and enjoyed a cup of tea, which made me think about the richness of Japanese culture and cultural exchange between Japan and Canada. The following week, I visited UBC and had the opportunity to see the botanical garden, which is a vast site with an abundance of plants and also visited an Asian-style garden. I was struck again by the difference in size from Japan.

P.S. 

Starting in October, the works of calligraphy from "CG's Show Room" – which are posted on our social media and website – are now on display in the waiting room of the Consulate General. Please have a look when you stop by!