Greetings from Consul General
2024/11/8

Message upon Assuming Office
Hello everyone,
My name is TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki, and I assumed the position of Consul General of Japan in Vancouver on October 30th last week. I served in Singapore for three years (2021–2024), and prior to that, I was assigned to the Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan for two years (2019–2021). This marks my third consecutive overseas posting, and I have previously worked in countries such as the Netherlands and Thailand.
I have visited Canada several times for work and on personal trips, but one of my most memorable experiences was about ten years ago when I participated in an international maritime conference held in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, approximately 50 kilometers from Vancouver. It was the same season as now, with the city's trees turning red and yellow. Looking toward the harbour, numerous yachts were floating, and I recall feeling envious of the outside world while working inside the conference room.
The area under our Consulate's General jurisdiction includes British Columbia and Yukon, which together are nearly four times the size of Japan. There is a rich natural environment and a culture that has been nurtured over a long period. Even in Vancouver, lined with modern architecture, you can feel this essence. Indigenous art is frequently seen throughout the city, allowing one to experience nature and culture while walking around, enriching the spirit.
Here in Vancouver, Japan is on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Although the distance is great, there is nothing in-between to obstruct us. In fact, I think that for Japanese people, Vancouver is a place where they feel a sense of closeness, even psychologically. There is a history of immigration from Japan dating back many generations, and currently, nearly 30,000 Japanese nationals reside in Vancouver alone. Many people are here making use of working holidays and other opportunities to test their abilities and to learn English. In terms of the economy, British Columbia's exports to Japan are the highest of any Canadian province, and it exports lumber, energy, agricultural, and marine products to Japan, which support the Japanese economy. This is also a sign of the strong ties between Japan and British Columbia.
As one of the overseas missions in Canada located at the gateway connecting Japan and Canada, we will strive to further promote mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries by enhancing our services for Japanese residents, supporting Japanese companies in Canada, and promoting cultural activities.
I look forward to working with all of you.
November 2024
TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki
TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki
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