St. Patrick's Day in Sapporo !

by Kazu

Needless to say, March 17(Sun.) was St. Patrick's Day but the people in Hokkaido are not used to the custom to celebrate the day. Baed on the request from the Embassy of Ireland in Japan, the St. Patrick's Parade was conducted at  Odori Park in Sapporo,

It was the first St. Patrick's event in Hokkaido including Sapporo.The steering committee members of the event were preparing for the opening ceremony on the stage.
His Excellency Mr. Paul Kavanagh, Ambassador of Ireland visited Sapporo and took part in the ceremony and the parade. Honorary Consul Mr. Kasama arranged the event and Vice Governor of Hokkaido Mr. Yasuhiro Tsuji and Vice Mayor of Sapporo Mr. Machida joined the event.