Canadian business has received the memo, and trade diversification is front and centre in what they are pursuing. A testimony to this activity is the Team Canada Trade a that took place in June, which brought out aa record attendance from our business communities, demonstrating the growing importance of our bilateral relationship and the significant opportunities for collaboration across a wide range of sectors.

The momentum continued in late September with the Japan–Canada Chambers Council meeting in Tokyo, which provided an important platform for executive-level business leaders and stakeholders from both countries to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and identify new opportunities for cooperation.

The event coincided with a visit from the Ottawa-headquartered Canadian Chamber of Commerce and their vibrant business delegation to Tokyo and Osaka. We are certain we will hear of new business agreements resulting from this activity.

In energy, Canada is continuing to expand its foothold in the Indo-Pacific, with significant announcements in recent weeks. The CCCJ is pleased to hear that LNG Canada approved their Phase 2 expansion at their facility in Kitimat, British Columbia. Equally, we would like to congratulate our sustaining member AltaGas on the successful launch of their second new LPG vessel. These milestones represent important steps in strengthening Canada’s energy partnership with Japan and underscore the long-term commitment of Canadian industry in supporting Japan’s energy security and economic growth.

I am pleased to see the CCCJ is continuing to demonstrate remarkable vitality. This year’s board elections attracted an outstanding turnout of 12 candidates, reflecting the strong engagement of our membership and the enthusiasm of professionals committed to advancing the chamber’s mission. Thank you to all the members who ran to make these elections a stellar success. I would like to congratulate the returning governors and welcome the arrival of Kaori (Mick) Namiki, former president and CEO of Mitsubishi Canada Ltd., and Aaron Reist, head of professional services at Woven by Toyota, Inc. Both will bring strong leadership and drive during their two-year mandate.

Finally, a critical announcement for the CCCJ this year is related to our Honorary Board of Advisors (HBA). I am pleased to share that former Ambassador of Japan to Canada Kanji Yamanouchi has accepted the role of chair of the HBA while Seiji Omote, a senior adviser in overseas market development, has accepted the role of vice-chair in supporting the future of this important group within the CCCJ.

We thank former Ambassador of Japan to Canada Sadaaki Numata for his strong support of the HBA leadership over the last 14 years and are encouraged that he will remain a member of the HBA as a supporter of its mission. 

We are energized in building on this momentum and continuing to foster stronger commercial, educational and cultural ties between our two countries.  

A message from Kanji Yamanouchi

It is a great pleasure to introduce myself to CCCJ members. Until July, I had the privilege of serving as Ambassador of Japan to Canada for some four years. I have since returned to Japan and retired from government service after 42 years.

I am deeply honoured to have been appointed chair of the CCCJ’s HBA.

As we look around the world today, we are confronted with harsh geopolitical realities — from Ukraine and the Middle East to North Korea and the South China Sea. At the same time, global warming is accelerating, making decarbonization an urgent imperative. This transformation is having a profound impact not only on environmental policy, but also on the way we do business and conduct public policy debates.

Meanwhile, cutting-edge technologies and deep tech — including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, life sciences and nanotechnology — are rapidly transforming our daily lives, our businesses, and defense and security affairs.

In this era of profound change, I firmly believe that there is enormous potential for cooperation between Canada and Japan: two countries that share fundamental values and are both members of the G7 and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership. Canada–Japan co-operation is not simply an option; it is a necessity.

Against this backdrop, the CCCJ has an important role to play in connecting Canadian and Japanese businesses. Building on the deep and enduring trust between our two countries, there are tremendous opportunities for co-operation across a wide range of fields, from food and energy security to the decarbonized economy, critical minerals and cutting-edge technologies.

As HBA chair, I will do my utmost to contribute to the further development of business relations between Japan and Canada. Thank you, and I very much look forward to working with all of you.  

A message from Seiji Omote

It is a great honour to serve as vice chair of the HBA of the CCCJ. I look forward to supporting our new chair, Kanji Yamanouchi, and working with fellow members to strengthen Canada–Japan ties and advance business opportunities in both countries.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Sadaaki Numata for his leadership of the HBA. His longstanding dedication and thoughtful guidance have contributed greatly to the CCCJ and to Canada–Japan relations. As we begin a new chapter, we will build on the strong foundation he has helped establish.

My association with the CCCJ spans approximately 40 years, with more active involvement since joining the HBA in 2013 and becoming a governor several years ago.

As vice-chair, I will focus on three priorities: listening to members’ voices to enrich our activities; strengthening co-operation between the HBA and the governors while supporting Yamanouchi’s leadership; and engaging young professionals to help shape the CCCJ’s future.

I warmly invite both longstanding and new members to participate and share their perspectives. Together, we can turn connections into meaningful partnerships and further strengthen the CCCJ’s role as a bridge between Canada and Japan.

I look forward to working with you all.