Canada is the world's second largest national territory (about 27 times the size of Japan) and has a population of approximately 30 million people (1/4 of the population of Japan). Although it may seem that the population is dispersed across this extremely vast country, 75% of Canadians live within 300 kilometers of the U.S. border. In terms of inhabited areas, it could well be described as a long, narrow country like Japan (although it stretches from east to west as opposed to Japan's stretch from north to south).
Canada has close economic relations with the U.S. One reason for this, of course, is its close geographical proximity. The U.S. accounts for just over 80% of Canadian exports and a little under 70% of imports. Although the U.S. has a significant political and cultural impact on Canada, Canadians are very much aware of being a member of the British Commonwealth, as reflected in their currency, which bear an image of the queen. Also reflective of this is the fact that we live in a town called London and a river called the Thames runs through it. The Japanese imperial family receives wide media coverage here. I was surprised once to be congratulated after an auspicious event involving the imperial family took place.

Niagara is the place to go during the winter season. Even this huge waterfall is unable to defeat the cold as most of it freezes over. The volume of water drops considerably and the basins below the falls turn into mountains of ice, which is mystical to see. Naturally, there are hardly any tourists so it is not as crowded as in summer and so long as you do not freeze to death, you can view the falls at your leisure. However, people who have never had a chance to see Niagara Falls should definitely also consider visiting during the regular season.
The ice wine made during this season is another well-known Ontario specialty. It is a syrupy, sweet dessert wine, but has lately come to be served as an aperitif. Also, it may be fun to visit a sugar shack and eat some taffy, which is made by scattering hot maple syrup on pure white snow.

Hockey is by far the most popular sport. The local Toronto Maple Leafs are one of the favorite teams in the NHL (the National Hockey League) in North America. Getting tickets for their games is a very difficult task. Everyone talks about nothing but hockey from October to June, when many children can be seen having fun playing field hockey, with goals set up in the middle of roads even in towns. The simplicity of the rules and it being the fastest sport on land could be reasons for its popularity. Some actually say that the fights between the players are the secret reason for its popularity. I cannot help but smile when the referee makes no move to stop players until they become tired after a fight breaks out. This is probably part of the show.