Monthly Reflections
2023/9/30
September Monthly Reflections
Autumn has deepened considerably. Supermarkets and markets are decorated with orange pumpkins, reminding us that Halloween is around the corner. It has been a year since I came to Vancouver and, I am looking back on the days I spent with all of you. I would like to thank you for the many opportunities you have given me. The rainy season is approaching, but I would like to enjoy the events that are unique to this time of year.
• Japan-Canada Relations
The economic mission led by Yukon Premier Pillai visited Japan for a wide-ranging schedule that included meetings with related companies and an Arctic roundtable. I saw the premier off at Vancouver International Airport upon his departure on September 8, and was impressed by his usual enthusiastic expression as he spoke of his expectations for his visit to Japan. I told the delegation to be aware that unlike the Yukon, Tokyo is very hot, but they looked well prepared for the heat. Premier Pillai even said that he would like to make time in his tight schedule to go jogging around the Imperial Palace. I will ask him next time if he actually went for the jog.
This month, I had the opportunity to discuss Japan-Canada relations with Minister Osborne (Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation), who was part of BC Premier Eby's mission to Japan in May. She spoke of her own personal connection to Japan, and I was also impressed by her affection for her hometown of Tofino.
I also continued my meetings with Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly. I met with MP Dhaliwal and MP Noormohamed, respectively. I also met with Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry, who is also Deputy Mayor of Vancouver, and exchanged views on the expansion of Japan-Canada relations and city exchanges. I had an opportunity to meet with BC MLA Routledge as well, whom I had not seen since we met at an event in the summer.
• Nikkei Community
Since the cherry blossom season in the spring, I have been invited to various festivals around the province. I attended the Nikkei Matsuri held at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre during the fall harvest season and I believe this was the first round of attendance at festival events held in this region. The venue was filled with people in a festive mood, and the mayor of Burnaby, BC cabinet ministers, city councillors, and others were also in attendance. I was deeply moved to see the o-mikoshi (portable shrine) and visit various Japanese-style food stalls even here in Canada. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work.
• 50th Anniversary of the Vancouver Japanese School and Entrance Ceremony for the Japanese Language School
The Vancouver Japanese School celebrated its 50th anniversary, and on this occasion the Commendation from the Foreign Minister of Japan was awarded to the school. I was also invited to the commemorative ceremony and had the honour of presenting the certificate of commendation. Ms. Sumiyoshi Miki, a freelance announcer and graduate of the school, flew in from Japan and gave a commemorative lecture. The students who attended the ceremony were of various ages, including younger students. I am sure that being in the presence of an actual graduate, who has continued her spectacular activities, was a wonderful message to the students and left a lasting impression on their hearts. I felt like saying to each of them that they might be the one to give a commemorative speech on the 70th or 80th anniversary of the school.
In September, the Vancouver Japanese Language School also held its entrance ceremony, and I visited the school to encourage the young incoming students. They may have wondered who the Consul General is, but I would like to offer my heartfelt support.
I am impressed by the efforts of those who engage in the operation of both the Vancouver Japanese School and Vancouver Japanese Language School. As I see the children enjoying their time at school, I am reminded by the importance of each institution. I wish for the continued prosperity of these schools.
Autumn has deepened considerably. Supermarkets and markets are decorated with orange pumpkins, reminding us that Halloween is around the corner. It has been a year since I came to Vancouver and, I am looking back on the days I spent with all of you. I would like to thank you for the many opportunities you have given me. The rainy season is approaching, but I would like to enjoy the events that are unique to this time of year.
• Japan-Canada Relations
The economic mission led by Yukon Premier Pillai visited Japan for a wide-ranging schedule that included meetings with related companies and an Arctic roundtable. I saw the premier off at Vancouver International Airport upon his departure on September 8, and was impressed by his usual enthusiastic expression as he spoke of his expectations for his visit to Japan. I told the delegation to be aware that unlike the Yukon, Tokyo is very hot, but they looked well prepared for the heat. Premier Pillai even said that he would like to make time in his tight schedule to go jogging around the Imperial Palace. I will ask him next time if he actually went for the jog.
This month, I had the opportunity to discuss Japan-Canada relations with Minister Osborne (Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation), who was part of BC Premier Eby's mission to Japan in May. She spoke of her own personal connection to Japan, and I was also impressed by her affection for her hometown of Tofino.
I also continued my meetings with Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly. I met with MP Dhaliwal and MP Noormohamed, respectively. I also met with Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry, who is also Deputy Mayor of Vancouver, and exchanged views on the expansion of Japan-Canada relations and city exchanges. I had an opportunity to meet with BC MLA Routledge as well, whom I had not seen since we met at an event in the summer.
• Nikkei Community
Since the cherry blossom season in the spring, I have been invited to various festivals around the province. I attended the Nikkei Matsuri held at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre during the fall harvest season and I believe this was the first round of attendance at festival events held in this region. The venue was filled with people in a festive mood, and the mayor of Burnaby, BC cabinet ministers, city councillors, and others were also in attendance. I was deeply moved to see the o-mikoshi (portable shrine) and visit various Japanese-style food stalls even here in Canada. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work.
• 50th Anniversary of the Vancouver Japanese School and Entrance Ceremony for the Japanese Language School
The Vancouver Japanese School celebrated its 50th anniversary, and on this occasion the Commendation from the Foreign Minister of Japan was awarded to the school. I was also invited to the commemorative ceremony and had the honour of presenting the certificate of commendation. Ms. Sumiyoshi Miki, a freelance announcer and graduate of the school, flew in from Japan and gave a commemorative lecture. The students who attended the ceremony were of various ages, including younger students. I am sure that being in the presence of an actual graduate, who has continued her spectacular activities, was a wonderful message to the students and left a lasting impression on their hearts. I felt like saying to each of them that they might be the one to give a commemorative speech on the 70th or 80th anniversary of the school.
In September, the Vancouver Japanese Language School also held its entrance ceremony, and I visited the school to encourage the young incoming students. They may have wondered who the Consul General is, but I would like to offer my heartfelt support.
I am impressed by the efforts of those who engage in the operation of both the Vancouver Japanese School and Vancouver Japanese Language School. As I see the children enjoying their time at school, I am reminded by the importance of each institution. I wish for the continued prosperity of these schools.