A Special Canada Day in Tokyo with Randy Bachman
On July 1, all Canadians and their friends around the world celebrate Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day. It celebrates the “birthday” of Canada (July 1, 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act, which united three British colonies into a new country called Canada) with parties, concerts and, of course, barbecues.
This year, the Canadian Embassy in Japan and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCCJ) went all out to celebrate this special occasion with rock legend Randy Bachman, and to make it a day to remember.
Randy Bachman reunited with his long-lost guitar
It truly was a special day for all involved as Randy Bachman entered the stage at the indoor event hall at the Canadian embassy in Tokyo to be reunited with his long-lost guitar. Bachman is the founding member of the bands The Guess Who and Bachman–Turner Overdrive, and is famous for writing songs such as “American Woman” and “Takin’ Care of Business.”
The story of Randy’s long-lost guitar is fascinating, and is chronicled in the upcoming documentary “Lost and Found” to be released later this year. It’s about love, passion for music, and the will to never to give up hope that ends with a happy ending at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo 45 years later.
The Canadian Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Mr. Ian G. McKay, who gave his opening speech in three languages (Japanese, French, and English), emphasized the importance of Canada Day to all Canadians around the world and the strong friendship with Japan. He noted that he was delighted to play a little role in this wonderful story of Randy being reunited with his guitar on Canada Day.
After the handover celebration, the audience stood up and sang the Canadian anthem, which brought tears into the eyes of a few attendees, including MC Marty Freedman.
CCCJ BBQ and Randy concert
To celebrate Canada Day and to share the inspiring story of Randy Bachman with the Canadian community in Japan, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) hosted a special Canada Day barbecue for its members and friends of the embassy two days later on Sunday, July 3.
There were mountains of Canadian bacon, beef, and hot dogs with cold brew and rock & roll music. Needless to say, all attendees had a great time despite Japanese summer weather conditions that felt like a Swedish sauna at times. The highlights of the event were Randy Bachman’s performance and raffles with a give-away of two tickets to Canada, courtesy of main sponsor Air Canada.
Congratulations to the Canadian embassy, CCCJ, and, of course, Randy Bachman, who made this year’s Canada Day to an extra-special day to remember.
- For more information on Randy’s long-lost guitar, visit Canadian Embassy.
- To become a member of CCCJ, visit the CCCJ website.
