By Sean Coombs
Expo Reporter
OSAKA, Japan – It doesn’t get much more quintessentially Canadian than Mounties in trademark Red Serge.
This week, two RCMP officers joined the ranks of Canadians from an array of professional and cultural backgrounds who have participated in events at the Canada pavilion to represent Canada at its best.
In cooperation with Global Affairs Canada, RCMP Constables Alexander Zaganas and Candace Harris were stationed at the Canadian pavilion at the Osaka Expo to greet visitors and pose for pictures in their ceremonial Red Serge uniforms.
While their participation at the Expo lasted just a week, the cultural exchanges they had with guests seemed to have made a lasting impact.
From opening special pavilion events like Canada Day to milling around the pavilion posing for photos and videos with visitors, Zaganas and Harris have put in their best to bring the spirit of the RCMP to Japan.
“When we found out that Global Affairs would be sending RCMP members to the expo in Osaka, there was a great deal of interest. Everybody wanted to go,” said Zaganas. “I feel lucky and privileged that I was selected.”
“I found out approximately three days before I flew here,” said Harris. “But I’m very happy to be here in Osaka.”
While their Expo duties may seem simple enough, both Constables describe a busy experience full of memorable interactions.
“I’ve met so many Japanese people and people from around the world that shared stories with us about their experiences and their memories of visiting Canada and their connections,” said Zaganas. “It’s moving to me because I used to live in Japan and I have those same fond memories of the time I spent in Japan. So, we’re delighted to hear from other people of what makes Canada special for them.”
Some of the visitors that met them had visited the Canada Pavilion at the first Osaka World Expo in 1970.
“She took a picture with the Mounties in 1970, and she was so happy and delighted that she was able to meet the RCMP again,” said Harris. “That story really moved me. I was so happy to hear that.
A more challenging surprise they’ve had to deal with has been the constant heat that the summer weather has brought to the Expo.
With daily temperatures consistently at over 30 C, the two constables did their best to withstand the heat in their thick uniforms.
“We’re getting in and out all the time and we’re drinking lots of water,” said Zaganas. “We don’t want to go back inside! We’re so excited to be meeting all these people.”
The Osaka Expo recently celebrated its ten millionth visitor, and although the crowds have been very large at times, Harris saw it as a positive thing.
“I was commenting to my partner this morning that Canada can learn so much from Japanese culture,” said Harris. “I love the orderly, organized chaos of it all. Yes, there’s a great population, but everything moves so smoothly.”
While their tenure at the Expo has wrapped up, Zaganas says they’ll be eager to return. “It inspires me to improve myself and learn from the Japanese people and their culture. I always look forward to coming back.”
More Mounties may take part in the Expo before it ends on Oct. 13.
