The Chamber had a phenomenal 2022, benefitting from our borders opening and society starting to gather again in person. The CCCJ is all about bringing the Canada-Japan business community together, and we were finally able to do so again after the long COVID break. It’s also always impressive to see how the CCCJ Board, our various committees, our HBA, and our dedicated secretariat come together to fulfill our mandate of strengthening Canada-Japan commercial relations. It was a pleasure to host over twenty-five business and social gatherings that reunited and strengthened our community. Some highlights on the business side: 

• Over seventy CCCJ and JCCC members joined the “Mitsubishi—Activity in Canada” online event in May. Presentation topics by Kaori Namiki, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Canada Ltd. (Japan), included: “Mitsubishi’s Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Society” (by halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050), $20 billion (CAD) in investments related to energy transformation, an integrated energy transformation/digital transformation initiative to create a new future, as well as a US$100 million investment in a breakthrough energy catalyst to reduce its carbon footprint.

Commercial Minister Tracy Reynolds from the Canadian Embassy in Japan described Canada and Japan’s ongoing trade and investment relationship, the Canadian government’s Net Zero goal, and how Japanese companies contribute to a greener economy through partnerships and investments.

Kosuke Abe, Invest in Canada’s senior service advisor for Japan, discussed how to promote and drive foreign direct investment in Canada through support for innovation, a Strategic Innovation Fund, progressive tax incentives and a global skills fund.

• September’s Japan Canada Chambers Council meeting in Ontario, which was emceed by CCCJ Executive Director Noriko Ishida. Topics presented included: “Supply Chain—Ensuring Trade Flows Efficiently” by Ichiro Sone, JETRO Toronto’s executive director; a discussion on “The Friendsourcing of Energy” by Shaheen Amirali, executive vice president of AltaGas, Ian Burney, senior advisor at Paradigm Capital, and Kaori Namiki, president of Mitsubishi Canada; and “High-Quality Foods in a Time of Crisis” by Tatsuji Hidaka, president of Mitsui Canada.

The social events came back strong as well. It was great to reinstate our monthly mixers and see our membership’s avid interest in getting social again. Thanks to all our participants and wonderful host venues—including The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon and HyLife Pork Table—for your hospitality. Our popular Golf Scramble drew seventy-two happy golfers to Tsutsujigaoka Country Club in Tochigi in May.

Our most memorable event was the Canada Day BBQ at the Ambassador’s Official Residence. More than 150 members and their families and friends celebrated while enjoying Canadian beef, pork, and Quebecois ciders. Randy Bachman, his son Tal and daughter-in-law Koko performed at the event, which ended with everyone singing “O Canada.” 

We concluded 2022 with a bonenkai on December 15 at The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. Our Honorary Board of Advisors, chaired by former Ambassador Sadaaki Numata, joined nearly ninety participants. It was heartening to see them sharing their experiences over a spread of fine food and drinks.

From the summer 2022 issue, The Canadian is being produced in-house,    led by Publication and Communication Committee Vice Chair Annamarie Sasagawa. I’d like to thank Custom
Media for their support and welcome Doug Jackson as the magazine’s new editor-in-chief and Andrew Pothecary as its art director. 

So what’s coming up? The Annual Election and General Meeting. And of course the inaugural TPP Cup on May 26 at the Taiheiyo Club’s Narita course. And another signature event is returning—the Maple Leaf Gala, last held three years ago. Details will follow shortly, so please stay tuned by subscribing to our weekly e-newsletter and following our social media accounts!