Monthly Reflections

2022/12/31

December Monthly Reflections

Year-end events

In December, I was invited to several year-end events and met many Japanese residents and people of Japanese descent. I had a great time at the wonderful get-togethers hosted by the Japanese business associations in Vancouver – Kiyukai and Konwakai – as well as the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce. I could really feel the organizers’ hard work. I also had the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony for those who have contributed and will contribute to the future of business between Japan and Canada, and again I was impressed by the vigorous activities of the local Japanese community. I felt as if I were just a small child when I learned about the hardships they have endured and the achievements they have made in this region over the decades.
I also visited the Christmas parties hosted by the Tonari Gumi Japanese Community Volunteers Association and Nikkei Place, and got to spend a heartwarming time with the seniors. Suddenly remembering my late grandparents, I was especially moved by the people involved, who devoted themselves to volunteer work. I was likewise profoundly touched by the fact that some of these Japanese-Canadians have roots in my hometown, which made me feel an even deeper personal connection to them.

Iwate governor's delegation visits Canada

　With the lifting of restrictions related to Covid-19, various activities between Canada and Japan are being accelerated. A delegation led by Iwate Governor Tasso visited cities in Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver) to promote agricultural products. An "Iwate Fair" was held here in Vancouver, the final stop on their trip. It was a very successful event. I took this opportunity to hear for the first time about the very heartwarming relationship that the Canadian national team had built through their volunteer work in the local community during the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, when their game with Namibia was cancelled due to a typhoon. I realized that there are good stories in many places that I am unaware of.

Heavy snowfall

　Following on from November, there was a considerable amount of snowfall in December. The Consulate General sent out information via its consular mailing list. I know that many of you were forced to change your schedules. I too had to cancel or change some of my plans. Please continue to be alert to the unfavourable winter weather.

BC and related cities

In December, I continued to pay courtesy calls on members of the legislative assembly and mayors. I met with Minister of Forest Conroy, now Minister of Finance, who had just finished her visit to Japan, to hear about the results of the visit and future plans. I also paid a courtesy call on Burnaby City Mayor Mike Hurley and we exchanged views on the Japanese-Canadian community and other issues.

　I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the various New Year's events and I hope to see many of you again in the year 2023.