2013 Maple Leaf Gala

It's common to hear of "cultures colliding" whenever folks from different countries get in the same room together. And while the annual Maple Leaf Gala on Feb. 22 was certainly a multinational affair, what occurred in the ball room at the Tokyo American Club would better be described as cultures embracing, not to mention sharing a few drinks and more than a few laughs.

After speeches by His Excellency the Ambassador of Canada to Japan Mackenzie Clugston and CCCJ President Wilf Wakely on deepening Japan-Canada ties and this country's 40-year relationship with Québec, the evening kicked into high gear with live music and a falling-over funny performance by Canadian rakugo artist Katsura Sunshine.

Wine, food and song was not the only reason for the Maple Leaf bash, however, and guests took the evening's theme of partnership to heart. From bankers to figures in trade and academia, guests spoke to The Canadian of how mutually important and mutually complimentary the Japanese-Canadian partnership is. Many also lauded the CCCJ's ongoing Tohoku Initiative to help disaster-hit northeastern Japan, and expressed high hopes of an even deeper Japan-Canada partnership in the form of an economic partnership agreement.

One thing everyone seemed to agree on was that Japan and Canada made very good partners indeed, now and in the future. Cheers to that.

Special thanks goes out to all Sponsors, Committee Members and Volunteers for their great support. 

To view a video on the Gala, please click on the image above. 

To view a video featuring a number of interviews with Gala participants, please click here.