On August 24, 2019 NTN Canada’s CEO, Paul Meo joined other Mississauga business leaders to welcome Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado during the Japan Festival Canada held at the City of Mississauga’s Celebration Square.

Her Imperial Highness was hosted by Mayor Bonnie Crombie at a gathering of local business and cultural leaders to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Canada and Japan’s diplomatic relations. Over the years, the City of Mississauga has developed rich cultural and economic ties with Japan and is the home to the highest concentration of Japanese companies in Canada. With the last visit taking place 15 years ago, it marks the first time a member of the Japanese Imperial Family has visited Mississauga.

“Our relationship with Japan is one that Mississauga is very proud of,” says Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Over the years, we have developed rich cultural and economic ties with Japan. In fact, our only sister-city relationship is with Kariya, Japan — a 38-year old friendship that we value deeply.”

NTN Canada received the honour of being part of a very special luncheon, hosted in honour of Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, and participated in the Japan Festival Canada celebration to mark the 90th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations. This occasion was a great honour as it marked a pivotal moment in our city’s history and served as a symbol to our rich cultural and economic ties with Japan.

The luncheon reception was attended by approximately 35 representatives from Japanese businesses headquartered in Mississauga, along with City Councillors and the Honourable Chancellor Hazel McCallion, who served as Mississauga’s Mayor for 36 years until 2014. Her Imperial Highness spent a fruitful time discussing various topics with the guests in attendance.

Her Imperial Highness also took part in the opening ceremonies of Japan Festival Canada, at Celebration Square adjacent to Mississauga City Hall. In a video message, the Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, welcomed Her Imperial Highness and extended congratulations on the 90th anniversary of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations. Her Imperial Highness spoke to the crowd of about 3,000, extending her own congratulations on the 90th anniversary and expressed hope for further strengthening of Japan-Canada relations in the future. Her Imperial Highness spoke on her family’s close ties with Canada, which began with His Imperial Highness the late Prince Tamakado’s period of study at Queen’s University. She also expressed her hope that Japan-Canada relations will continue to be full of goodwill, receiving a standing ovation from the guests.

Photo Caption: 

Paul Meo, CEO of NTN Bearing Corporation of Canada with Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado

See all News