【Event Report】May 17. Celebrations 2020: Huge Turnout Online
May 17. 2020 – Two events, more than 50 attendees, resonating speeches and cultural contributions
On May 17. Norwegians and friends in Japan and in Norway gathered to celebrate the arguably most important day of the year for Norwegians: The Constitution Day. Due to the circumstances caused by the ongoing pandemic, this year’s celebration was held online using the Remo platform. Thanks to the 17. May Committee and various contributors, the day was a huge success with a great turnout and excellent feedback from the participants.
The first event started at noon with a greeting by H.E. Ambassador Inga M. W. Nyhamar, a speech by sjømannsprest Steinar Rishaug and then the singing of the National Anthem and other 17. May songs.
Other contributions followed, among them a hardanger fiddle and piano performance by Rio Yamase and Mari Nakamura, words from the community and a greeting from Prime Minister Erna Solberg and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide. The event was rounded off with a Kahoot quiz, final words from the 17. May committee and mingling that exceeded the planned schedule.
Later in the evening The Norway-Japan Society together with the NCCJ invited still party-tuned participants to an informal mingling session. Both events were huge successes and the video of the main event that started from noon is uploaded to YouTube and can be viewed here below:
The committee, contributors and the event:
On behalf of its members and Norwegians everywhere, the NCCJ would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the 17. May Committee and all participants for making this wonderful event a reality. Coming together and celebrating freedom and diversity is especially important in these challenging times and the NCCJ is proud to have been able to take part in this great celebration on this most special of days. We are looking forward to next year and then to hopefully see you all in person.
Hipp, hipp hurra!