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2008 News and Information

Japan and Richmond Celebrate the Roots of a Fruitful Relationship

31 March 2008

The year 2008 has significant meaning to the relationship between Canada and Japan. For these two great countries, 2008 marks 80 years since diplomatic relations were established with the creation of a strong bilateral relationship based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and market economy.

“The City of Richmond has played, and continues to play, an important role in Canada-Japan relations,” said Consul General Seiichi Otsuka. “Many of the earliest Japanese immigrants made Richmond their first Canadian home. Since then, the City has cultivated and developed a vibrant Sister-City relationship with Wakayama, which has been an exemplary model of strong local level international relations for the past 35 years.”

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the strong Canada-Japan partnership, Consul General Seiichi Otsuka, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie and a Japanese civic delegation from the Canada and Japan Friendship Society planted cherry trees at the north end of the No. 2 Road bridge – one of the Gateways to Richmond – on the afternoon of Saturday, March 29.

Twenty-six elementary and junior high school students, who are participants of the Society’s Canada Friendship Ambassador Program, assisted in planting one of twelve Akebono cherry trees generously donated by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver.

In 1928, Canada and Japan agreed to establish diplomatic relations, with Japan opening its first Legation in Ottawa. In 1929, Canada opened its first Legation in Tokyo, where the Canadian flag was raised for the first time in Asia.

The natural partnership of Canada and Japan stems from their shared core values. The 80th anniversary of this relationship is an occasion to reflect on the history, friendship and cooperation of these two countries, while also looking ahead to the next 80 years with great optimism.