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2014 National Day Reception (December 10, 2014)
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On Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm, Consul-General Ikuhiko Ono hosted the 2014 National Day Reception at a downtown Denver hotel, in commemoration of the birthday of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Approximately 360 guests attended the occasion, including Brigadier General Matthew Molloy, Deputy Director of Operations of U.S. Northern Command and other military officers; Dr. Ryosei Kokubun, President of the National Defense Academy of Japan; State Senator Larry Crowder; Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; and Mayors from Aurora, Westminster, Cherry Hills Village and Laramie (Wyoming).
The ceremony was started under solemn atmosphere with the U.S. national anthem by the U.S. Air Force Academy the Cadet Chorale and the Japanese national anthem by opera singer Mrs. Chiaki Okuyama. Following a greeting and opening remarks from Consul-General Ono, a congratulatory guest speech by Denver Mayor Hancock and a proclamation by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper expressed congratulations for the birthday of His Imperial Majesty and strong will for further enhancement of the mutual relationship and development of human exchange between Japan, Colorado and Denver. Then, Master of ceremony Deputy Consul-General Yamaguchi introduced, to deserved applause, this year's local recipients of Japanese government awards (Imperial Decorations, the Commendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Commendation of the Consul-General of Japan).
After a toast by Mr. Eric Hiraga, President of the Japan America Society of Colorado, people in the reception fully enjoyed powerful Japanese taiko drumming music for celebration by the Denver Taiko and beautiful traditional Okinawa dance by the Colorado Okinawa Kenjinkai dance group which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year.
Along with beautiful Ikebana arranged by members of Ikebana International on display at the venue, the Consulate provided a PR booth with brochures and a DVD playing to introduce Japan, in addition, six locally active Japanese firms etc. also prepared booths to show their products, technology and services, taking the opportunity to display the attractiveness of Japanese brands.
(photo caption)
1 Consul-General Ono gave greetings and remarks
2 Denver Mayor Michael Hancock expressed congratulations for the celebration of Japan's National Day and the Emperor's birthday
3 'Kanpai' (A toast) by Mr. Eric Hiraga, President of the Japan America Society of Colorado
4 Ｎational anthems by opera singer Mrs. Chiaki Okuyama and U.S. Air Force Academy the Cadet Chorale
5 Japanese taiko drumming music by the Denver Taiko
6 Ttraditional Okinawa dance by the Colorado Okinawa Kenjinkai dance group
7 The 2014 National Day reception had a wonderful turnout
8 Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) by Ikenobo School