2015 National Day Reception (December 15, 2015)
2015/12/16
Consul-General Ito gave greetings and remarks Remarks by Governor Hickenlooper 2015 Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation
U.S.National Anthem Japanese National Anthem Toasting
'Kanpai' (A toast) by Mr. Eric Hiraga, President Governor Hickenlooper, The 2015 National Day reception
of the Japan America Society of Colorado CG and Mrs. Ito had a wonderful turnout
of the Japan America Society of Colorado CG and Mrs. Ito had a wonderful turnout
Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) by Ohara School
On Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 5:30pm, Consul-General Makoto Ito and Mrs. Ito hosted the 2015 National Day Reception at a Downtown Denver hotel, in commemoration of the birthday of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Despite heavy snow, approximately 200 guests attended the occasion, including Colorado Governor Hickenlooper, Mayors from Englewood and Greenwood Village and other VIPs.
The ceremony was started under solemn atmosphere with the U.S. national anthem by Ms. Andrea Pares from Colorado University of Denver and the Japanese national anthem by opera singer Mrs. Chiaki Okuyama. Following a greeting and opening remarks from Consul-General Ito, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper in his speech expressed congratulations for the birthday of His Imperial Majesty and strong will for further enhancement of economic exchange between Japan and Colorado based on his successful Japan visit in this October.
Then, Denver Botanic Garden was conferred with certificate of commendation by CG Ito as this year's local recipient of the Commendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. In the end of the ceremony, a toast was made by Mr. Eric Hiraga, President of the Japan America Society of Colorado.
Along with beautiful Ikebana arranged by members(Ohara School) of Ikebana International on display at the venue, the Consulate provided a PR booth with Japanese sake introduction and testing, providing information brochures about Japan and a DVD playing to introduce Japan, in addition, five 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.
The ceremony was started under solemn atmosphere with the U.S. national anthem by Ms. Andrea Pares from Colorado University of Denver and the Japanese national anthem by opera singer Mrs. Chiaki Okuyama. Following a greeting and opening remarks from Consul-General Ito, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper in his speech expressed congratulations for the birthday of His Imperial Majesty and strong will for further enhancement of economic exchange between Japan and Colorado based on his successful Japan visit in this October.
Then, Denver Botanic Garden was conferred with certificate of commendation by CG Ito as this year's local recipient of the Commendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. In the end of the ceremony, a toast was made by Mr. Eric Hiraga, President of the Japan America Society of Colorado.
Along with beautiful Ikebana arranged by members(Ohara School) of Ikebana International on display at the venue, the Consulate provided a PR booth with Japanese sake introduction and testing, providing information brochures about Japan and a DVD playing to introduce Japan, in addition, five 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.