2025 Emperor's Birthday Reception
2025/2/27
On February 21st, the Consul-General of Japan in Calgary Takehiko Wajima hosted a reception to celebrate the 65th Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
Approximately 400 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields, including Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Todd Goudy and other government officials, MLAs, business, cultural, and educational representatives. Following both national anthems, speeches were made from Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper; Consul-General Wajima. A toast was then offered by Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani and Consul-General Wajima.
The event consisted of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, a variety of sake, and Japanese green tea. Guests enjoyed a captivating taiko drum performance by Yama no Oto, along with booths featuring local Japanese businesses. In addition, a Hokkaido booth was set up in collaboration with the Hokkaido Government, and together with volunteers from the Southern Alberta JET Alumni Association, the booth promoted Hokkaido's food, tourism and Ainu culture.
Approximately 400 guests attended the reception from a variety of fields, including Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, Todd Goudy and other government officials, MLAs, business, cultural, and educational representatives. Following both national anthems, speeches were made from Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek; the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Nathan Cooper; Consul-General Wajima. A toast was then offered by Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani and Consul-General Wajima.
The event consisted of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, a variety of sake, and Japanese green tea. Guests enjoyed a captivating taiko drum performance by Yama no Oto, along with booths featuring local Japanese businesses. In addition, a Hokkaido booth was set up in collaboration with the Hokkaido Government, and together with volunteers from the Southern Alberta JET Alumni Association, the booth promoted Hokkaido's food, tourism and Ainu culture.
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| Speech from the Honourable Salma Lakhani | Speech from Mayor Jyoti Gondek |
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| Speech from Speaker Nathan Cooper | Speech from Consul-General Wajima |
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| Toast | The reception in progress |
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| Taiko drum performance | Sake booth |
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| Matsu Kaze Tea booth | Nanao Kimono booth |
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| UNIQLO booth | Hokkaido Booth |
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| WestJet Booth |