VEMU’s 11th Annual Fundraising Dinner – “Japan is Far”

VEMU’s 11th Fundraising Evening is Dedicated to Movement and Japan

“Japan is far/ Estonia is further/ the winds whisper” writes poet Juhan Viiding in his haiku, which was published in his collection “Ma olin Jüri Üdi” (I Was Jüri Üdi) in 1978. Any foreign country seemed far away and unattainable in Estonia at the time. Even a free Estonia wasn’t within arm’s reach at that point — that idea can be gleaned from Viiding’s haiku.

We live in a world without borders that’s becoming increasingly smaller for someone that travels. Yet there are still places that feel culturally distant and exotic to us. One of those countries is Japan. But there is an individual who has done more than any diplomat in terms of strengthening ties between Japan and Estonia, and bringing them closer together. That individual is Kaido Höövelson also known by fighting name Baruto Kaito, born in Ebavere near Väike-Maarja. He became the first Estonian professional sumo wrestler in Japan. Baruto’s stellar athletic career and charming personality has made way for him to become a huge star in Japan, not only in the wrestling ring but also in public life, in television and elsewhere. His achievements have also been highly regarded in Estonia. Kaido Höövelson has received the Cultural Endowment of Estonia’s Fitness and Athletics Award of the Year for introducing Estonia in Eastern culture (2010), the Order of the Estonian Olympic Committee (2011), the Order of the White Star third class (2012), and the Medal of Estonian Honour and Glory (2018). Kaido Höövelson ended his professional sumo career in 2013. From 2019-2023, he was a representative in Estonian parliament for the Estonian Centre Party.

The upcoming VEMU fundraising evening is dedicated to Japanese culture, the year of movement and Kaido Höövelson, who very fittingly ties all of those aspects together. In addition to listening to main speaker Baruto, we’ll hear Japanese music performed by Toronto duo “tan tan.” Japanese cuisine will be offered courtesy of Toronto’s EDO restaurant and “sake” will be served thanks to our own Ken Valvur, owner of The Ontario Spring Water Sake Company. We also hope to see our local Japanese friends at the fundraiser, who have helped us prepare for Baruto’s visit.

We hope to see all friends of VEMU attending the fundraising evening at Tartu College on Saturday, April 29th, 2023; starting at 6 p.m.

Admission for the evening is $200, a part of which will go towards the construction of VEMU’s new building (the supporter will receive a tax receipt).

Register between April 5 -24th here: https://estoniancentre.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/estoniancentre/event.jsp?event=8&

Or call the Tartu College office at 416 925 9405 (Monday – Friday from 9 – 4 pm)

On Sunday, April 30th at 2:30 p.m., Baruto will be presenting a public lecture at the Japan Foundation (2 Bloor St. East, Suite 300). More info coming soon, stay tuned!

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Prepared by EDO Restaurant, Toronto

Beverages

Sake from The Ontario Spring Water Sake Company

Red and White Wine

Japanese Beer

Hor D’Oeuvres

Kyu-Maki – Cucumber Wrapped Avocado & Sweet Inari Tofu Roll, Tozasu Rice Vinaigrette

Yaki-Tori  – Grilled Chicken & Green Onion Skewers, EDO Teriyaki Sauce

Tiger Tuna Tataki – Seared Red Samurai Tuna, Japanese Mustard-Miso, Balsamic Reduction

Miso Eggplant (V) Asian Eggplant, Dengaku Miso Glaze

Veal & Ginger Gyoza – Pan-Seared Homemade Dumplings

À la Table

Truffled Edamame – Soybean Pods, Truffled Salt

EDO salad – Mixed Greens, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Carrot, EDO Ginger Dressing

Chef’s Selection Sushi – Chef’s Choice Maki and Nigiri

Main Course –

Served with Steamed Rice, Grilled Seasonal Vegetables

Chicken Teriyaki  – Marinated White & Dark Meat Chicken with EDO Teriyaki Sauce

OR

Miso Black Cod – Charbroiled Sake-Miso Marinated Black Cod

OR

Sesame Tofu Steak – Vegetarian Main Course Option

Dessert

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Fresh Fruit Medley