As Executive Director of the Japan Foundation, Toronto for the past four-and-a-half years, I have had the privilege of meeting many new friends and colleagues. I have been inspired by Canadians’ enthusiasm for culture and international exchange, and touched by your compassion in the aftermath of this year’s tsunami in Northeast Japan.

Recently I calculated that during this period, I have been involved in over 300 different projects, including exhibitions, concerts, lectures, film screenings, demonstrations, and workshops. It is my hope that our work at the Japan Foundation has contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the marvellous diversity of Canadian culture.

My appointment in Toronto is now drawing to a close, and I will soon be returning to Tokyo to assume a new post at Japan Foundation headquarters. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all those who have welcomed me to this city and supported the efforts of the Japan Foundation to introduce Japanese culture across Canada. I would especially like to thank the volunteers of the Japan Foundation, Toronto, whose enthusiasm and hard work have helped to make so many of our events successful.

In addition to my work at the Japan Foundation, I have enjoyed many other aspects of life in Canada: watching my children play baseball on the green fields in the summer, visiting Ontario’s excellent wineries and breweries, and taking the occasional cross-country driving trip through the back roads of Canada and the U.S. My sons have grown up in the Canadian school system, so Canada feels like a second home for my family. I hope to have the opportunity to return often in the future so that I can continue to explore this diverse and beautiful country.

I will be succeeded by Mr. Takashi Ishida, previously the Director General of the Japan Foundation London office. I would appreciate it very much if you could kindly extend the same support and friendship to him that you have shown to me.

I would again like to offer my sincere appreciation for your kindness and support, and extend best wishes for a bright and productive future to all of the friends and patrons of The Japan Foundation, Toronto.

Masayuki Suzuki
October 2011