New Members

CORPORATE

Cassels We are proud to join the CCCJ to strengthen our international business connections and support cross-border investment. We have deep experience advising on multi-billion-dollar major projects across energy, mining, infrastructure, AI and data centers, Indigenous partnerships and defense. We joined the CCCJ to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Canadian and Japanese stakeholders. Our goal is to help Japanese companies navigate Canada’s complex project development landscape. – Jeremy Barretto, Partner, Co-Chair of the Major Projects Group, and Chair of the Regulatory Law Group at Cassels.

Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Over more than 100 years of our history, the Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Group has contributed to the development of attractive communities along the Group’s railway lines by offering rich lifestyles to our customers. As the core Group company, we are comprehensive developers dedicated to urban development along the Hankyu and Hanshin rail lines, particularly in the Osaka-Umeda area, the Group’s most important business hub. We are also active in various residential businesses, including sales of condominiums. In recent years, utilizing our knowhow accumulated through rail line development we have expanded our business to the Tokyo area and overseas, mainly in Asia but also in Australia, Canada and the U.S.

McMillan LLP is a national business law firm that has served clients across key industries in Canada and internationally for over 120 years. With recognized expertise in cross-border transactions and inbound investment to Canada, exceptional industry insight in energy and natural resources, and acknowledged leadership in major business sectors, we deliver solutions-oriented legal advice through our offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. With over 35 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, McMillan has developed a strong and unique capability in advising clients from Japan, South Korea and China. We have long-standing relationships with many Japanese clients and advise on a wide range of matters, including inbound investment, joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions and international corporate expansion. We also act for various Japanese governmental and non-governmental organizations. Most importantly, our team of lawyers and business professionals are deeply familiar with Japanese business practices, industry dynamics and cultural nuances – ensuring that our clients receive legal advice that is not only technically sound but culturally attuned.

SMALL BUSINESS

JBYJ is an award-winning production company specializing in video projects that support Canada-
Japan engagement across business, culture and tourism. Led by Toronto-based producer Jinung Chung, who brings 20 years of experience living in Tokyo, JBYJ helps clients communicate their cross-border stories with clarity and impact. JBYJ’s clients include the Embassy of Japan in Canada, Consulate General of Japan in Toronto, The Regional Municipality of Durham, Town of Ajax, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and Tourism Shizuoka Japan. https://www.jbyj.ca / jinung@jbyj.ca

KiFor helps teams grow stronger by doing good together. Through real-world workshops, we connect people to purpose, supporting social issues like child poverty, single motherhood and homelessness in Japan. Last year, KiFor helped raise over ¥660,000 in donations, distributed 100+ laptops and food boxes and supported employees through hands-on experiences. We’re excited to join the CCCJ community, to connect, collaborate and build a stronger bridge between purpose-driven business and people in Japan.” – Francis Fung

McLaren Group Marketing is a boutique, Japan-based end-to-end marketing consultancy. We bring more than 15 years of Japan-focused business and marketing experience, supporting the growth of world-class global brands. To date, we’ve supported the market entry of over 50 clients across categories including food & beverage, personal goods and retail. Our clients range from global leaders such as Google and Meta to government organizations and fast-growing start-ups. We offer full support, from consumer research through to strategy development and execution. We pride ourselves on delivering Japanese-level service quality with the flexibility and speed international teams expect.

Take-5 Global partners with CEOs and senior leadership teams to build future-ready organizations through strategic advisory, executive coaching and leadership development programs. Our flagship Future Ready Leadership Gym™ workshops deliver practical, high-impact tools that strengthen culture, capability and performance. We also provide 1:1 and group coaching, bespoke leadership programs and strategy advisory with specialization in intercultural leadership, transformation, employer branding, succession planning and PMI. Our work is grounded in real-life leadership experience & proven frameworks, including the best-selling book ‘The E5 Movement’ by CEO, Paul Dupuis. Our mission is clear; to enable leaders and their teams to be future-ready. (Services provided in English & Japanese) Contact: info@take5-global.com / website: https://take5-global.com/ceos-message

John (Dino) Zendano After 40 years in investment banking, I recently started an independent IT practice, Paramatrix Technologies KK. As a kid growing up in Buffalo, New York, we looked at the bridge to Canada as our gateway to fun and adventure. In the 1970s we would ride our bikes across the border without ID just to go to the Crystal Beach amusement park. And our family had summer cottages in Ontario. Later on, we went across the bridge for winery visits and golf. And visits have always gone both ways. When the Buffalo Sabres hockey team started there were more season ticket holders from Canada than Buffalo. So, for me the border has always been meaningless, and Canada is home just as much as Buffalo. Since Canada is very much part of my life, I would like to participate in the CCCJ to meet friendly people and make Canadian business contacts. And I love the magazine!

INDIVIDUAL

Ryosuke Mori, President & CEO of Nippack International Co., Ltd., a Japan-based logistics and packaging company. “For many years, our company has supported global brands entering the Japanese market. Recently, we have worked on reintroducing the iconic beverage brand Clearly Canadian to Japan, which has strengthened our connection with Canada. I look forward to connecting with fellow members, exchanging insights and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Yukiko Seo, MBA, is a media professional with experience in both newspapers and broadcasting. She currently oversees communication and PR training programs at a newspaper company, with a focus on improving writing, speaking and listening skills. She is also a certified Japanese language teacher.

Scott Wallace I’ve been a CCCJ member a couple times over my 20 years in Japan. I always enjoy the events and meeting fellow Canadians. Looking forward to seeing everyone again at the next St. Paddy’s event, or golf in the spring. Go Canada!”

 

NON-KANTO INDIVIDUAL

Jonathan Albrecht “I joined the CCCJ to deepen Canada-Japan business ties and contribute to a community that helps companies grow on both sides of the Pacific. The CCCJ gives me a forum to share insights, learn from peers, and stay close to market, policy, and partnership trends that matter to clients. I look forward to participating in events and committees. In short: I’m here to listen, contribute, and help turn good ideas into real opportunities.”

ACADEMIC

Winton Chou Spaulding is a graduate of the Waseda Graduate School of Political Science. Now working as a freelance writer and a research assistant at Waseda, he says he is “excited to contribute to the Chamber’s publications and apply my expertise to advancing the Canada-Japan relationship, an area that, thanks to the ties to both countries I have accumulated over the years, I am dedicated to advancing my career within.”

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

RJ Guatlo. “As a Canadian-born Filipino, I joined the CCCJ looking for ways to pursue my passions for Asian culture and Canadian business. I moved to Japan two years ago after working in the financial industry in Canada. I studied business at Simon Fraser University with a focus on finance. As a CCCJ member, I look forward to meeting people who share an interest in Japan-Canada business relations.”

William Jiang says he joined the CCCJ to build connections and better understand Japanese business culture as he pursues a Master’s in Finance at Waseda University. “As my goal is to build a career in Japan I see the CCCJ as a great opportunity to meet professionals who share similar interests while also learning from Japanese members and the broader community.”

Risa Kinoshita I was born in Tokyo but spent nearly seven years of my childhood in Woodbridge, Ontario. I have built my career in the automotive industry, primarily in sales. I recently joined Continental Tire Japan as an Order Management Specialist. As a CCCJ member, I‘m interested in engaging with Canada–Japan business initiatives, particularly in manufacturing and operations. I look forward to connecting with our fellow members.

Treat Schubert I’m working as a public policy analyst at GR Japan in Tokyo. I was born to a Canadian mom and an American dad in Washington State, USA. Since both my parents became international teachers, I spent 8 years growing up in Uruguay and Latvia. At age 17 I applied to the Rotary Youth Exchange and was sent to Iki, Nagasaki-ken by the Rotary’s Canadian-American multi-district 5060 (the same as Ambassador Mckay!). Since then, my life has been Japan-centric, apart from two internships at the Canadian Consulate in Seattle. I joined the CCCJ to continue strengthening my ties to Canada and to make new connections with other Canadians living in Japan. I look forward to getting to know you all at future events!

Kentaro Sunada My connection with Canada began in high school when I studied abroad in Vancouver. My host father, a former mayor, provided me with many invaluable experiences that sparked my interest in international politics. I joined the CCCJ to expand my professional insights and, in my own small way, give back to the Canadian community that has shaped who I am today. I very much look forward to joining in upcoming events and meeting other members.

Jesse Tian I joined the CCCJ because I value the sense of community, openness and integrity that define Canadian culture. Living abroad has made me appreciate our values even more: respect for diversity, emphasis on collaboration and genuine support for one another. In the CCCJ I hope to connect with others who share that spirit and to contribute to a community built on mutual respect and shared purpose. I believe the CCCJ provides both a space to grow professionally and a way to stay rooted in the values that shaped who I am. For me, more than just a networking opportunity this is a chance to stay connected to the Canadian spirit of community, kindness and cooperation while building meaningful relationships here in Japan.

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

CORPORATE MEMBERS

Alberta Japan Office

A&O Shearman

APEX K.K.

Bennett Jones LLP

Blackberry | QNX

BMO Japan Securities Ltd.

B.C. Trade and Investment Office, Japan

Calgary Economic Development

Canada Packers Japan Inc.

Canada Wood

Canadian National Railway

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC)

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP

CIBC World Markets (Japan) Inc.

Colliers International Japan

DLA Piper Tokyo Partnership

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Fasken

Forvis Mazars

Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corporation

Interex Forest Products (Japan) Ltd.

Intralox L.L.C. (Japan)

Invest Alberta

JAL CAE Flight Training Co., Ltd.

Japan Gold KK

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC)

JK Holdings Co., Ltd.

Linamar Japan Inc.

Manning Elliott LLP

McGill (Desautels Faculty of Management)

McMillan LLP

Meiho Facility Works Limited

Mosaic Forest Management

Niagara Region Economic Development

Nishimura & Asahi

Northleaf Capital Partners

Ontario Trade & Investment Office, Tokyo

Prinoth K.K.

Quebec Delegation Tokyo

Rio Tinto

Royal Bank of Canada

Sankyo Corporation

Saskatchewan, Canada

Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliance

Sprucegrove Investment Management

TD Securities (Japan) Co., Ltd.

The Embassy of Canada to Japan

Torys LLP

Vanten K.K.

Wayfarer

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