Wilf Wakely (1950-2021)

Driving Force in CCCJ’s
Second Quarter-Century

When the Chamber was founded in 1975, Wilf Wakely was already a noted figure in Canada-Japan relations. Expo pavilion host, Japanese TV comedian, diplomat, lawyer – Wilf wore many hats, not least his pivotal role as Chair in our second quarter-century. Sadly, Wilf died in 2021 after a difficult illness, leaving behind his wife, Takako, and children Conan and Tara.

Below, Greg Rozitis , Invest Alberta’s man in Japan, offers a tribute and overview of Wilf’s career, followed by tributes from Chamber Governor Neil Van Wouw and CCCJ Chair Marc Bolduc .

Greg Rozitis: Wilf’s story is woven deeply into the fabric of Canada-Japan relations, defined by his decades of passionate service, pioneering leadership and remarkable hunger to connect. His passing was deeply felt in our Canadian community here, and among the countless business relationships he helped develop. As Chair and longtime driving force behind the CCCJ, Wilf was much more than a diplomat, lawyer or facilitator, he was a force for positive change whose legacy will endure on both sides of the Pacific.

Born in Vancouver, Wilf caught the ‘Japan bug’ at young age during a student exchange in 1965. Returning to Japan in 1970, he was a host at Canada’s Expo ’70 pavilion in Osaka – an experience that led him to put down roots in Kansai. Becoming fluent in the distinctive Kansai dialect (as well as standard Japanese) led to a career as a TV comedian – which made him a much-loved celebrity.

Going home to Vancouver, Wilf completed a law degree at the University of British Columbia before returning to Japan. Serving as First Secretary at the Canadian Embassy (1984-’87) Wilf played a key role in redeveloping the chancery, a landmark example of public-private partnership and an iconic symbol of Canada’s presence in Japan.

In international business, few people have left a legacy as multifaceted and enduring as Wilf’s. For decades, he was the heartbeat of the CCCJ, transforming it from a quiet social club into a dynamic force for economic, cultural and social change. His story is one of vision, relentless advocacy and a deep commitment to connecting Canada and Japan in ways that continue to benefit both nations today.

When Wilf took the helm as Chair in 2011, a seat he held through 2015, the CCCJ was at a crossroads. The ‘Bubble Economy’ had burst and the Chamber’s business focus had faded. Seeing an opportunity and responsibility to restore the CCCJ’s relevance, Wilf poured energy into its revitalization, transforming the Chamber into a vibrant, influential organization that attracted the attention of policymakers, business leaders and diplomats from both countries.

Under his leadership, the CCCJ grew to over 300 members across 33 business sectors, including Canadian companies operating in Japan, Japanese firms with Canadian ties and a diverse array of entrepreneurs and professionals. Wilf’s open-door policy and talent for building relationships made the Chamber a hub for new ideas and collaboration.

One of his most enduring legacies lies in advocacy for stronger economic ties between Canada and Japan. He spearheaded the CCCJ’s involvement in negotiations toward the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), ensuring that Canadian interests were front and center.

Organizing high-level symposiums and conferences, he brought together government officials, business leaders and experts to discuss strategies for eliminating trade barriers and fostering bilateral cooperation. The CCCJ launched the EPA Research Fund, supporting sector-by-sector

analysis of tariff and non-tariff issues, and directly engaged with negotiators to advocate for Canadian business interests.

These efforts paid off: the CCCJ became a respected voice in trade policy, and Wilf’s advocacy contributed to the eventual debut of the TPP in 2018.

Beyond trade, Wilf was passionate about building bridges between Canadians and Japanese. He championed youth exchange programs, cultural initiatives and professional development, mentoring a new generation of Canadian “Japanists” and fostering cross-cultural partnerships.

Wilf’s generosity extended to sharing time and expertise with young talent, helping many to launch successful careers in Japan-related business and law. Wilf also facilitated partnerships between the CCCJ and Japanese organizations, such as the Japan PFI/PPP Association, encouraging knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Wilf’s commitment to justice was legendary. He was a tireless advocate for parents denied access to their children by Japan’s courts, dedicating countless hours helping those in need, often pro bono. His work led to successful reunifications and humanitarian medical evacuations for Canadians facing hardship in Japan.

He also led the CCCJ’s push for legal reforms on parental child abduction, pressing for meaningful changes to Japanese law and greater recognition of joint custodial arrangements. Wilf’s advocacy extended to disaster relief, mobilizing Chamber resources to support victims of the Kobe and Tohoku earthquakes.

Wilf identified early-on that the public–private partnership (PPP) model, proven in Canada over decades, was something that Japan needed. His determination to introduce PPP was evident in landmark projects such as the redevelopment of the Canadian embassy in the 1980s. He was instrumental in pioneering this PPP model, making the embassy an iconic symbol of Canada in Japan and one of the most revered structures in the Canadian foreign service.

Recognizing the importance of communication, Wilf oversaw the launch of a new interactive CCCJ website, featuring interviews, videos and member resources. He organized speaker series, seminars and networking events, and maintained close ties with other chambers, further expanding the CCCJ’s reach. Much of his work continues in our Chamber today.

Wilf’s leadership was marked by intensity, enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge the status quo. He inspired others with engaging conversations and the ability to motivate action. His generosity extended to offering free legal advice and support to those in need, often putting aside personal business interests for the greater good.

Wilf’s CCCJ legacy is one of vision, action and compassion. His many accomplishments and initiatives have shaped the Chamber’s role in Canada–Japan relations and set a standard for leadership, advocacy and community building that will endure for years to come.

As the Canadian business community in Japan continues to grow and evolve, it does so on the foundation built by Wilf, one of integrity, innovation and a deep commitment to bridging cultures and economies across the Pacific.

CCCJ Chair Marc Bolduc: Wilf was very passionate about making the CCCJ more open to all, regardless of age or gender. When I joined the Chamber in 2009 as a young businessman from Quebec, I perceived at first that it wasn’t so open to younger people. But when I met Wilf and learned of his vision for the CCCJ I became a convert. His progressive mindset included opening CCCJ elections to allow any member to run for a position on the Board of Governors. He also created our Honorary Board of Advisors – a first among the foreign chambers in Japan. This has given us valuable access to Japan’s corporate and public-sector elite. Beyond such milestone changes, Wilf made our Chamber feel more like a family. And for me, Wilf became a dear friend and a strong supporter of my own career. Simply put, he became my best friend and mentor! Thank you, Wilf!

Neil Van Wouw, CCCJ Governor: Wilf was the reason I got involved with the CCCJ. His passion for the Chamber was infectious. After he reached out as Chair to get me more engaged, within a year I was on committees, on the board and about as involved as I could be. I spent quite a lot of time with Wilf over the next few years and bit-by-bit learned about his amazing past, of all the hats he wore as he contributed to building bridges between Canada and Japan. His drive, and “think big” attitude continue to inspire many of us at the Chamber who knew him. And through the many initiatives he put in place, the fingerprints of which are still noticeable today, I think we can say that Wilf is still a “force” in the CCCJ.