What's New
2011 Sakura-Con Opening Ceremony Speech and Skit by Consul General Ota - SCRIPT (April.22, 2011)
CG: “On behalf of Japan, I would like to thank Sakura-Con and all of you for your efforts to help those who were affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated!”
CG: “I am Kiyokazu OTA, Consul General of Japan in Seattle. 400 years ago, this is what I would have worn to work!
“Part of my job as the Consul General of Japan is to introduce Japanese culture, so I am very happy to have this chance to meet all of you and to share Japanese samurai culture! If you want to learn more about the samurai, please attend the presentation: “JUMP INTO JAPAN” tomorrow at 11:30 and VISIT OUR BOOTH, where you might have a chance to try on this armor!”
CG: “To be very frank with you, and just between us. It’s actually rather heavy and noisy when I move, so I am glad that I am a GENERAL of PEACE & FRIENDSHIP not war. I prefer to wear a business suit to work instead of armor!”
CG: “I have a big favor to ask of you. Will you please be my army of Cultural Ambassadors for Japan? I want you to learn as much about Japan as possible and share what you learn with your friends and family. Please teach people the proper way to say Japanese words! For example – If you hear someone say…”
ALANA: “Oh look it’s a SAAAMARAI” [Alana points at CG when she says this incorrectly]
CG: “What?!”
ALANA: “SAAAMERAI?” [again bad pronunciation]
CG: “WRONG!” [Lynn is in the background doing the “×” gesture]
“It’s Samurai!” [ Lynn does the “○” gesture]
CG: “If you hear….”
ALANA: “Let’s go sing KEHREEOHKEE” [Lynn does the “×” gesture again]
CG: “WRONG! It’s Karaoke!” [Lynn does the “○” gesture]
CG: “So, do you accept this mission to be my army of Cultural Ambassadors for Japan?!”
[Lynn & Alana hold up “yes” signs]
CG: “One last favor I have to ask: can you join me in sending a message of support to Japan? Let’s say: “Gambare Nippon”! – Gambare means to “try your best” [Alana holds up the “Gambare” sign & CG points to it with his gunbai, a military leader’s fan].
Audience: “Gambare!”
CG: “Nippon”is the name for Japan [Lynn holds up the “Nippon” sign].
Audience: “Nippon!”
CG: “Very Good! Let’s say it loudly together ………READY?!?”
CG: “Gambare” [points to Alana his gunbai]
[Alana holds up Gambare Sign]
Audience: “Gambare!”
CG:“Nippon” [points to Lynn his gunbai ] …”
Audience: “Nippon!”
[ALANA & LYNN hold up signs & CG leads the audience by pointing to the signs with gunbai – do this three times]
CG: “THANK YOU and ENJOY Sakura-Con 2011!”
CG: [Points off stage with his gunbai and leads Alana & Lynn off stage!]
“Owari!”