2023 Emperor's Birthday Reception
2023/2/17
On February 17th, prior to the 63rd Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on February 23rd, the Consul-General of Japan in Calgary Takahiko Watabe hosted a reception to celebrate the occasion.
Approximately 340 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields, including the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (AB) Salma Lakhani, Deputy Premier Nathan Neudorf and other AB government officials, MLAs, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, other municipality officials, business, cultural, and educational representatives. Following both national anthems, speeches were made from Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Her Worship Jyodi Gondek, and Consul-General Watabe. A toast was then offered by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani and Consul-General Watabe.
At the event, the official chef prepared Japanese food including sushi, alongside sake tasting, a koto performance, and an ikebana flower display.
Approximately 340 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields, including the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (AB) Salma Lakhani, Deputy Premier Nathan Neudorf and other AB government officials, MLAs, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, other municipality officials, business, cultural, and educational representatives. Following both national anthems, speeches were made from Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Her Worship Jyodi Gondek, and Consul-General Watabe. A toast was then offered by Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani and Consul-General Watabe.
At the event, the official chef prepared Japanese food including sushi, alongside sake tasting, a koto performance, and an ikebana flower display.
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| Speech from Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta | Speech from Her Worship Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of Calgary |
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| Toast from Consul-General Watabe and Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani | Koto performance |
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| Japanese food from the Chef at the Official Residence | The reception in progress |