On this, the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, I would like to wish all Canadians at home and abroad a happy Canada Day. In the process of becoming a state, we have faced many struggles and challenges. And, having been put to the test, Canada has become ever more resilient as it faces this century’s major global challenges.

Canada continues to be a world leader in the areas of innovation and diversity, and we are committed to contributing to a sustainable world economy. Here, at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ), we are dedicated to reflecting Canada’s priorities in Japan’s Canadian business community.

The CCCJ has feted this Canada Day with Canada 150 Speaker Series events, as well as by attending the annual Canada–Japan Joint Chamber Council in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, aimed at continuing our advocacy push for a friendlier bilateral trade environment.

The CCCJ is collaborating with the Embassy of Canada to Japan to host the official Canada Day Celebration on June 30, while the Maple Leaf Gala in fall will be another focal point of the celebrations.

I want to thank all members, executives, and sponsors for your ongoing support of the CCCJ. We at the chamber office will continue to serve the interests of our members.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Senior Advisor David Cotter for volunteering his time to help the chamber. He has been an integral part of the chamber office and his experience and positive enthusiasm will be greatly missed. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.