2019 Alberta Japan Business Association Networking Reception On January 28th, 2019 the Consul-General Kobayashi hosted the AJBA (Alberta Japan Business Association) Networking reception at his Official Residence. This year we were fortunate enough to have the Deputy Minister of Energy Ms. Colleen Volk and AJBA President Mr. Koji Matsukawa speak at the event. Approximately 50 people attended the reception from the Alberta economy including both the energy sector and the government. Some sake and food-product distributors promoted Japanese products. As the CPTPP Agreement came into effect at the end of last year, many Japanese products were on display to promote exports from Japan. Finally, to bring forth good fortune and prosperity to Alberta, Japan, and the AJBA over the next year we had a Kagami Biraki ceremony and then the networking commenced. The event was a resounding success and we hope to build on this success for next year.

Opening Remarks by Consul-General,Kobayashi

Keynote speech by Deputy Minister, Ms. Volk

Traditional Kagami Biraki Ceremony

Mr. Koji Matsukawa, President of the AJBA, introducing AJBA member

Remarks on the CPTPP by Economic Consul, Ikeyama

Exhibition of Japanese products

Promotion of gluten-free rice flour bread

Sushi demonstration by Sushi chef in Calgary

Tempura demonstration by Chef for Consul-General

Sake demonstration by Sake distributors

Dashi demonstration by Wholesalers

Japanese green tea demonstration by Japanese Tea Ambassador

Japanese tea tools