December is upon us. For many people, it is a time to get together with colleagues, family and friends to celebrate the holiday season and look back on the year that was as it comes to a close. In that spirit, I wish to sum up the highlights of 2024 for our organization.
As always, there were networking events throughout the year. Typically, these events are held in the evening on a weekday. However, for some people, evenings are not convenient due to family or work commitments. Therefore, this year we decided to try having the occasional networking event in the middle of the day during lunch hour. Although these events were held downtown, we hope it allowed other people to participate who normally cannot make our evening events.
Speaking of networking events, we had a special one in August to welcome the new Consul of Economic Affairs, Masayuki Kiyama. Consul Kiyama succeeded Keiji Hisata, who served in that position for three years. We had a fun time getting to know Consul Kiyama over food, drinks, games and laughter. As many of you know, we also bid farewell to Consul General Kohei Maruyama recently. Some of us attended the welcome reception for the new Consul General, Yoshiaki Takahashi, in November. We look forward to working with Consul General Takahashi.
In addition to our popular networking events, we hosted our “MBA” series of seminars throughout the year. The topics covered this year included environmental awareness activities such as beach clean-ups, investment and tax advice, insurance and group benefits plans, and tax advice for small business owners.
In the spring, we once again participated in the Japan Fair held at VanDusen Botanical Garden. The two-day event is an opportunity to experience hanami in Vancouver. Visitors can enjoy various Japanese vendors and performances while admiring the cherry blossoms. Many people came dressed up in yukata or even cosplay outfits. It is a great way to celebrate Japanese culture, both old and new.
In late June, we co-hosted an annual golf tournament with Konwakai (Vancouver Japanese Business Association of Commerce and Industry) and the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce. The tournament, which was once again held at Meadow Gardens Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, attracts avid golfers who are members of the various Japanese business groups in Vancouver. We thank all those who participated.
For those who prefer indoor sports, we also held our annual bowling tournament in late October at REVS Bowling & Entertainment Centre in Burnaby. This is a casual affair and includes members from other business groups. It is always great to find ways to connect with other members of the local Japanese business community.
Of course, we held our annual summer barbeque in July. Like recent years, the barbeque was held at the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre in Burnaby. It is a chance for members and their families to get together to enjoy a Japanese-style barbeque. A big thank you goes to the directors and volunteers who prepared the delicious food.
The last event of the year is our annual Nikkei Business Awards Ceremony & Christmas Party, which will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre on December 8. We are looking forward to celebrating this year’s award winners and enjoying a Christmas buffet lunch. Hope to see many of you there!
With that, have a wonderful holiday season and a yoi otoshi wo!