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Cities and Townships Host Special Events, Report 1.
"Dream Comes True" for Local Town - Haebaru Township Invites Canadian Prime Minister Chretien
Updated July 19, 13:00
Many Okinawan cities and townships have invited leaders of the G8 nations to their respective communities for cultural exchange with residents. Haebaru, a residential town famous for its production of traditional Ryukyu Kasuri cloth(textile), is one such place. The town is anxiously awaiting a visit from Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
The residents of Haebaru Town are proud of their connection with traditional Ryukyu fabric weaving. The town is also known for its agricultural production of pumpkins and loofahs. (Haebaru's production of loofahs is the highest in Japan.) Haebaru owns several shopping centers and has a growing population that considers the town to be one of the most "liveliest" in Okinawa.
Why do the residents of Haebaru want the Canadian Prime Minister to visit their town? The answer has something to do with their common interests in two topics that have nothing to do with each other - environmental issues and ice hockey! Canada is known throughout the world for its strong stance on environmental protection, and of course its love with ice hockey, which is the national sport.
Haebaru Town also takes environmental issues very seriously. And, the town is the home to the only ice hockey arena in the entire prefecture. Haebaru's first ice hockey team was formed on October 2, 1999. Since then, the town Mayor has taken the lead in bringing the Canadian Prime Minister for a visit to Haebaru. The Mayor says that inviting the Prime Minister is a chance to strengthen the roots of ice hockey in Haebaru Town, while promoting stronger cross-cultural ties with Canada in the future.
On December 15, 1999, the Mayor visited the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and handed an official letter to Ambassador Edwards, requesting a visit from Prime Minister Chretien.
In trying to sway the Canadian Prime Mister toward a visit to their town, The Haebaru Town Residents Council also planned three observation and research trips to Canada. A total of 200 town councilperson and residents joined the excursions. During their stay in Canada, the group visited Ottawa and held a reception party for Canadian Government Officials and the Japanese Ambassador to Canada. In Vancouver, group members had opportunity to exchange opinions with other Okinawans residing in Canada at an informal dinner party. Officials warmly welcomed the Haebaru group to Canada and were very impressed with their desire to have the Canadian Prime Minister visit Haebaru Town.
On May 26, Haebaru received a social visit from the Canadian Ambassador to Japan and his wife, bringing the town's request one step closer to reality.
On June 28, Mr. Matt Fraser, an official diplomat representing the Canadian Embassy, arrived in Haebaru with an official response from Prime Minister Chretien, stating his acceptance to the invitation extended by the Mayor and residents of Haebaru.
Canadian officials have since sent a huge stone to be made into a memorial statue - a gift from Canada to the residents of Haebaru.
On July 21, Canadian Prime Minister Chretien will meet with the children's ice hockey team at Haebaru's ice hockey arena.
Mr. Mitsuru Maeshiro, a member of The Haebaru Town Residents Council, said, "We tried everything we could to make this happen. Canadian officials must have felt our strong desire and sincerity. We received cooperation from so many people during our preparations, and we will keep working hard for this big day. In the future, the town will send some children to Canada to experience Canadian culture."
They prepared 5000 Canadian flags for the Prime Minister's visit, and residents have said that they are ready and looking forward to welcoming the G8 Summit.
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