By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Japanese Imperial family member joining Nikka Yuko 50th anniversary event

Jun 26, 2017 | 3:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE – One high profile guest will help celebrate a few of Lethbridge’s biggest milestones this summer.
 
Japanese Imperial family member, Princess Ayako of Takamado, will make an appearance at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and University of Lethbridge 50th anniversary celebrations.
 
On July 14 and 15, the garden will commemorate its status as Lethbridge’s centennial project with an “Experience the Friendship” event, featuring public tours, presentations and plenty of entertainment.
 
Mayor Chris Spearman explained that a delegation group from the city hand delivered the invitation to the Imperial Palace back in February. He noted that the Imperial family attended the opening of the gardens in 1967, as well as the 25th anniversary in 1992, and believed it would be appropriate to extend an invite for the 50th anniversary.
 
“We are honoured to continue to have that relationship with the Imperial family in Japan, and the respect that they have for our Nikka Yuko Japanese gardens,” Spearman added.
 
“Making sure that they are represented at this important event, it is a compliment to the City of Lethbridge and to the work that’s been done here at Nikka Yuko. This is a very vibrant gardens. We’re being recognized now increasingly for the quality of this gardens… It’s part of what makes Lethbridge special.”
 
During her first visit to the city, the princess will be given an official tour of the Nikka Yuko gardens and unveil a commemorative plaque. She’ll also enjoy the Nikkei Cultural Society’s Bon Odori Dance and be the guest of honour at a banquet at the Enmax Centre.
 
Princess Ayako will be spending some time at the University of Lethbridge, as well. The university has run a professor and student exchange with the Hokkai Gakuen University in Sapporo Hokkaido for 36 years.
 
Janice Varzari, chancellor, says the school will be hosting a brunch on July 15 for its faculty who have taught in Japan, Japanese students and administration.
 
Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell has also confirmed her attendance, and other invites have been sent to various levels of the provincial and federal governments.