The Toronto based Consul-General of Japan is paying her first visit to northwestern Ontario today.
Takako Ito tells us so far her day was spent speaking with a representative from the Japanese Canadian community at City Hall.
“Actually I’m learning about the exchange between Thunder Bay and Japan, specifically Thunder Bay is a sister city of Gifu. So I’m looking forward to learning more about what is taking place between Thunder Bay and Gifu.”
Ito is in Thunder Bay to speak at Lakehead University about Canada and Japan’s 90-year relationship which she suggests could be enhanced in the future through our economies, students and tourism.
“We do want to have many Japanese students go abroad and study in a foreign country and also we would like to welcome the Canadian students and people from Thunder Bay to Japan to learn about our culture, our people and our history.”
She goes on to say she will be touching on the economy in her speech and what opportunities there are for young people to come to Japan.
Ito also described Thunder Bay’s lakes and forested scenery as breathtaking.
As for similarities between our two countries she says they are both developed nations which share common values and are invaluable partners within the G7.
