“Building knowledge, vision, and a bridge between cultures,” Carleton was one of three institutions honoured Friday with a prestigious Ambassador’s Award in recognition of their ongoing efforts to deepen the bonds of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Canada.
In a ceremony characterized by humour, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion, Carleton shared the stage with other Award recipients from the Ottawa Japanese Language School and the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, University of Ottawa.
Accepting the award on Carleton’s behalf, long-time Japanese instructor Yoko Azuma-Prikryl shared highlights from the history of Carleton’s Japanese language program and emphasized the impact and enduring value of Japanese language courses for our students.
Yoko Azuma-Prikryl accepts award
She also spoke enthusiastically about the annual Japanese Speech Contest and the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, now offered at Carleton each December.
(L-R front row) Yoko Azuma-Prikryl, Betina Appel Kuzmarov, Yoriko Aizu, Noriko Yamamoto (Japan Foundation), Michael Rodgers (L-R back row) Jacob Kovalio, Yuu Ono, H.E. Ambassador Yamanouchi, H. Mona Fortier (MP Ottawa-Vanier), Mami Sasaki, Mizuki Hoshino, Mike Barker, Kaori Sugimura
Image Source: Embassy of Japan in Canada (Facebook)
The ceremony was held at the Japanese Ambassador’s Ottawa residence and after the formalities attendees were treated to a memorable pre-Canada Day performance of “Oh Canada” played on electric guitar by His Excellency Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi.
Congratulations to all Carleton Japanese language instructors for all your dedication and hard work – this award truly is a major accomplishment – and to all recipients for their continued commitment to the promotion of Japanese language and culture in Ottawa.