Farewell Reception for Consul General Tanabe
On March 15th and 16th a farewell reception was held at the official residence for Consul General Tanabe and Mrs. Tanabe at which approximately 170 guests were in attendance, including Hon. Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Manitoba; Hon. Dan Hays, Former Speaker of the Senate and Mrs. Hays; Hon. Bob Benzen Member of Parliament; Her Worship Tammy Burke, Mayor of Rocky Mountain House; Alberta Members of the Legislative Assembly; provincial politicians; members of academia; Japanese & Canadian business figures; and members of the Japanese-Canadian community.
At the reception Consul General Tanabe gave opening remarks, looking back on the last 2 years, which included highlights such as the visit by Her Imperial Highness, Princess Ayako of Takamado for the 50th Anniversary of Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, the expansion of Japanese business activities, active communication and exchange between people via tourism and the Kakehashi Project, while he also expressed his gratitude to all those that have cooperated with the Consulate-General office. In addition, as representatives of the guests, Her Worship Tammy Burke, Mayor of Rocky Mountain House, as well as Hon. Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Manitoba, both offered remarks and presented a toast for the evening. At the reception guests had the opportunity to taste a variety of fine Japanese sakes and teas, as well as view a tempura-frying demonstration by the official residence chef, while they could also enjoy Japanese cuisine before regrettably saying their final farewells to Mr. and Mrs. Tanabe.
