On July 11
th, Consul-General Wajima attended the Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) held at the Edmonton Japanese Community Association (EJCA) Centre in Edmonton. He delivered a speech to express his appreciation and respect for the organizers, EJCA, and volunteers, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Natsu Matsuri. During this year’s festival, the Consul-General awarded three past presidents of the Edmonton Japanese Community Association with the Consul-General’s Commendation Award for their dedicated service.
The festival featured performances by Kita no Taiko, as well as cultural demonstrations such as Jodo, Shinobue, Karate, and Iaido, and more. Both inside and outdoors, a variety of Japanese food and beverages were on offer. Mr. Masataka Kobayashi, leader of the professional Japanese Dram Team “Bonten,” visiting Edmonton in a private capacity, also joined Kita no Taiko for a special performance.
Approximately halfway through the festival there was a massive unexpected yet short-lived downpour, which left many people soaked to the bone, and even swept a commercial tent into the parking lot. Nevertheless, everyone remained safe and the participants kept a positive attitude and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon, concluding with a Bon Odori dance once everyone was (mostly) dry!
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| Consul-General Wajima delivering a speech |
Kagami-Biraki (Sake barrel opening ceremony） |
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| Past President Yoko Azumaya receiving the Consul-General’s Commendation |
Past President Paul Fujishige receiving the Consul-General’s Commendation |
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| Past President Hitomi Suzuta receiving the Consul-General’s Commendation |
With representatives of EJCA |
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| Mr. Masataka Kobayashi, from the Japanese Dram Team “Bonten,” |
With Kita no Taiko |
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| A wet Consul-General Wajima taking part in the Bon Odori Dance |
