In marking its 50th anniversary this year, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan celebrates a significant milestone: half a century of dedicated work in promoting trade and friendship between two globally important nations. Since 1975, the CCCJ has focused on providing a unified voice and a supportive network for Canadian interests in Japan. What began as a small, forward-thinking group of businesspeople has evolved into a thriving and influential organization, reflecting the deep and enduring economic and cultural relationship between Canada and Japan. More than just a commemoration of our past, this Anniversary is a testament to the Chamber’s enduring relevance and its pivotal role in shaping a prosperous future for bilateral economic relations.

In recent years, as part of our evolution and to ensure transparency and accountability, the CCCJ has held open elections to its Board of Governors. To ensure continuity though, each year we only vote on half the Board seats. This year however we had a bigger-than-usual slate with 9 of 15 positions up for a vote, including Chair and Vice Chair. I’m pleased to say that the vote has resulted in a Board that is more diverse than ever, with good representation across genders, ages and linguistic/ethnic groups

Among our new Governors I’m pleased to welcome Jim Zhang (Senior Manager at the Executive Centre and a former CCCJ Executive Director), Donovan Gordon (CEO of Elites 1st and our Gala Committee Chair) and Shawn Lawlor (Managing Director, Canada Wood and a former CCCJ Governor).

Among the returnees, Peter Armstrong will be our Vice-Chair and Riyo Whitney will be Corporate Secretary. Kayo Ito, Neil Van Wouw, Tomoko Ebine, and Annamarie Sasagawa, they will be continuing the oversight of specific committees. Ongoing governors, Ai Nakagawa (Treasurer), Seiji Omote, Greg Rozitis, and Christian Howes will continue their strong support of our organization for another year.

In recent years the CCCJ has adapted to a rapidly changing global landscape. We have played a key role in advocating policies that benefit our members.By maintaining close ties with Canada’s embassy and other Canadian Chambers in the Indo-Pacific Region, the CCCJ has effectively amplified the voice of the Canada-Japan business community on matters of shared interest.

Along the way, we can boast a series of notable achievements, including our highly successful Net-Zero series of events support by the Energy Committee. And, of course, our annual Maple Leaf Gala, which we will hold for a 47th year on Friday November 14th – the pinnacle of our 50th anniversary celebrations.

As we mark our 50th Anniversary,we face both exciting opportunities and new challenges. In an era of growing regionalization pressures and rapid technological advancement, the Chamber remains committed to its core mandate of fostering a dynamic and inclusive business environment. The Anniversary is a moment to not only reflect on the successes of the past but also to reaffirm our commitment to building on that legacy. The CCCJ’s journey over the past five decades is a powerful example of how sustained collaboration and a shared vision can lead to long-term prosperity for both nations in the Indo-Pacific region.