Since the 1980s our Maple Leaf Gala has been the Chamber’s signature event and a focal point that brings together members of Canada’s business community, their ‘significant others’ and friends. Always an elegant event, with many guests clad in tuxedos, ballgowns or kimonos, it is a night to celebrate with fine food and drink, a variety of entertainment, music and dancing.

A glittering venue

This year’s Gala, on Friday November 14th, was held in a glamorous new venue: The Fairmont Tokyo, a brand new five-star hotel near Hamamatsucho Station on Tokyo’s waterfront. Fairmont Hotels are very familiar to most Canadians, and many of us have stayed or dined in one or more of their famed hostelries that include the Chateaus Frontenac and Laurier, Toronto’s Royal York, Banff Springs Hotel, Hotel Vancouver and Victoria’s Empress – to name but a few. Fairmont is now owned by France’s Accor Group.

Facilities in the new property are stunning, from the glittering ballroom to the 43rd floor lounge with its expansive view of the city. Festivities kicked off in this lofty venue with a pre-ball VIP reception for 40-plus sponsors and dignitaries. The reception was graciously hosted by Jeff Pentland, who runs Japan operations for Northleaf Capital Partners, a Vancouver-based financial services firm. Meanwhile, Robert Hoey of Funeral Support Services hosted a cocktail reception for other guests on the 4th floor.

Sumptuous fare

Guests were treated to a sumptuous five-course menu featuring Canadian specialties such as B.C. salmon carpaccio, Alberta sirloin, wild rice and baked Yukon for dessert. A selection of fine Italian wines was provided by the elegant Asa Nakano, CEO of Adria International. And Dave Enright of Evergreen Outdoor Center contributed a delightful sparkling white from Benjamin Bridge of Nova Scotia.

A full suite of ambassadors

When the ballroom doors opened at 6:30, among the 220 guests who streamed in were a full suite of ambassadors, present and former: current Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian McKay, three former Japan envoys Mackenzie Clugston, Don Campbell and Ian Burney, as well as Quebec Delegué-General Mario Girard and Sadaaki Numata, former Japanese ambassador to Canada and Chair of the Chamber’s Honorary Board of Advisors.

Rocking entertainment

Entertainment commenced once our perennial emcee Alex Hatton took to the mic. First up, was Hisaka Sakai, accompanied by her pianist husband. She is a multi-talented jazz singer and storyteller who used to live in Toronto. Next up was Japanese magician Atsushi Ono, who has spent many years in Canada and was a finalist on Canada’s Got Talent. Ono-san was followed by DJ Silverfox, veteran of Tokyo’s music scene whose sound ranges from jazz and soul to disco.

Due praise and thanks

One special highlight was the presentation of the CCCJ’s first Business Legacy Award to Ken Theriault, the Saskatchewan-born head of Costco Japan (see profile on P.20).

Special thanks to the Gala team who made it all happen, especially CCCJ Governor Riyo Whitney, the ‘general’ who led the way. Key personnel included CCCJ Governor Donovan Gordon (who was in charge of the evening’s flow), and Meabh Reidy, CCCJ Office Manager, who supervised a crew of young volunteers from Temple University Japan. Likewise, sincere thanks to our many sponsors who are listed on P.15.

It was certainly a night to remember!