A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN | SPRING 2016 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 02

* MASAYO HANDO ON DISCOVERING ONE’S TRUE SELF BY TRAVELLING TO NEW PLACES

Masayo Hando | Destination Canada

TheCanadian

*I WANTED TO PORTRAY CANADA

AS AN EXCITING PLACE WHERE

PEOPLE CAN CREATE THEIR

OWN STORY

The Canadian / 03

The Canadian

SPRING 2016 VOLUME 16 ISSUE 02

Chairman Ron HaighToyota Motor Corporationronhaigh@icloud.com

Vice-Chairman Eric DeGrootIcynene Asia Pacific Ltd.ed.groot@icynene-ap.com

Executive Director Andrew Lambertandrew.lambert@cccj.or.jp

Operations AssociateHikaru Hashimotoadmin@cccj.or.jp

7F Parkside Sepia3-13-10 Nishi-AzabuMinato-ku, TokyoJapan 106-0031

Tel: +81 (0)3 5775-9500Fax: +81 (0)3 5775-9507

www.cccj.or.jpLinkedIn: http://bit.ly/cccjaponFacebook: www.facebook.com/cccjaponTwitter: @cccjaponYouTube: cccjapon

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in JapanLa Chambre de commerce du Canada au JaponThe Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan is a private sector, not-for-profit business organization that has, since 1975, promoted the development of commerce between Canada and Japan.

CONTENTS

Education Trends 024 / Timeline 026

Calendar 028 / New Members 031 / Business Directory 032

Chamber Voices 034 / Retrography 035

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Published by GPlusMediaGPlus Media K.K. 3F Minotomi Bldg., 3-1-1 Shiba KoenMinato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011

Editor-in-Chief: Jeff W. Richards [ jeff@gplusmedia.com]

Art Director: Niklas Wendt

Sales Director: Peter Lackner [ lackner@gplusmedia.com]

Contributors: Perrin Beatty, Matthew Fraser, Ron Haigh, Trevor Kennedy, Annabelle Landry, Vivian Morelli, Robert Sakai-Irvine

For advertising inquiries: ads@gplusmedia.com Tel: +81 (0)3 5403-7781, Fax: +81 (0)3 5403-2775 www.gplusmedia.com

On the cover: Masayo Hando, managing director of the Destination Canada Japan office as photographed by Benjamin Parks at the organization’s office in Shibuya.

The Canadian is the official publication of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ), published quarterly in Tokyo. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the opinions and views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the CCCJ or GPlusMedia. © 2016 GPlusMedia Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.

05 Chairman’s Perspective

05 Executive Director’s Note

07 Embassy Message

09 Brandspotting

010 Chamber Insights

012 Cover Story

018 Member Profile

020 Special Report

022 Asia Pacific View

Get The Canadian in digitalGet it for free at bit.ly/thecanadianC

(From left to right) Joseph Caron, Donald Campbell, Leonard Edwards, Derek Burney and current Canadian Ambassador to Japan Mackenzie Clugston at the JCCC Symposium in Vancouver, British Columbia on March 21, 2016.

The Canadian / 05

Chairman’s Perspective

It has been a privilege for me to serve two years as executive director of the CCCJ. As I leave for new op-portunities, I take with me the warmest of recollections about my time at the chamber. It’s been a wonderful professional experience, and I’m happy to have played on this team.

During my term, I’ve seen much growth in Jap-anese corporate membership and I’m proud that we’ve become more connected with the Embassy of Canada, the four provincial offices and the Japan-To-kyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We’ve upped the number and quality of our events, relaunched The Canadian magazine and gone digital with an app.

Energy and infrastructure have become prominent sectors for us with bilateral cooperation only expected to grow—putting our chamber in a strategic position for business advocacy.

I want to extend my gratitude to the membership for its support. Two chairmen, Wilf Wakely and Ron Haigh, have given me nothing but support and constructive guidance—the chamber is stronger for their leader-ship. The dedication and hard work of Hikaru Hashi-moto, our office manager, has helped me immensely.

I wish the chamber continued success in the pro-motion of Canada-Japan business relations, and I look forward to joining as a member.

Executive Director’s Note

CCCJ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ANDREW LAMBERT

RON HAIGH C

E

We all love spring (allergies aside). What the springtime makes clear is that we definitely want to stick around to see what comes next! Ironically, the season undercuts this message with unpredictable forecasts: one day it’s heaven on earth and the next it’s a replay of winter’s “I-don’t-want-to-get-out-bed” weather. Spring, in the context of cccj activities, served up both unpredictability and strong assurances.

In February, our seminar on Canada’s changing energy landscape (see p. 22) demonstrated that while prices for traditional Canadian resources have slumped, the country’s innovation and its collaboration with Japanese partners have produced plenty of new business opportunities—and strong commitments to invest in renewable energy.

On March 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Canadian provincial premiers. The first ministers’ communiqué showed that any meaningful environmental policy must balance actions for effective greenhouse gas reduction with job creation and economic growth through green innovation.

Later that month, the second joint symposium of the Japan-Canada Chambers Council took place with the full support of the cccj. The conference clearly illustrated that when Canadian and Japanese companies work together to offer products and services suitable to the needs of the two markets, there are many opportunities to prosper.

Finally, when I mentioned “love” in my introduction, perhaps the image of a blossoming romance came to mind. But I was referring to the all-weather, more foundational deep sympathy and respect for our fellow man. Five years ago, the March 11 disaster devastated the Tohoku region and Japan in general. Many Canadians, and people from across the globe, went all out to communicate that the region will not move forward alone—friends are there to help.

In that regard, the cccj in collaboration with the Ganbatte 365 organization, was proud to continue its Tohoku Student Internship Project this March. Your chamber is committed to taking part in initiatives that seek to help and encourage all those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Help and encouragement are hallmarks of true love and traits that should always be with us. That spring is in the air this time of year is wonderful—but love is with us regardless of the weather.

BLOSSOMS OF HOPE

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The Canadian / 07

Embassy Message

BY MATT FRASER

FOREIGN POLICIES

This year, the 42nd annual G7 summit in Ise-Shi-ma, Mie Prefecture, will bring together leaders of seven of the world’s most industrialized nations and is expected to address a number of global chal-lenges such as the economic downturn, terrorism, humanitarian crises and ongoing conflicts. In addi-tion to the leaders’ summit to be held May 26-27, separate meetings will also take place throughout the year at various locations around Japan for oth-er G7 ministers, such as those in charge of foreign affairs, finance, agriculture, energy, education, en-vironment, health and transport.

In April, Japan will also host the 2016 Junior 7 (J7) summit, to encourage dialogue and debate be-tween young representatives from each of the G7 member countries, including Canada.

Formally called the Group of Seven, the G7 in-cludes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Represent-atives from the European Union will also attend the conference. While the leaders of these countries are in regular contact, they meet in summit format as the G7 once each year.

The G7 was officially established in 1985 to fa-cilitate economic cooperation among the world’s largest industrial nations, though summit meetings with the members actually began in 1975. Between 1997 and 2013, the G7 met in a G8 format as Russia was also invited to join the group in recognition of the economic and democratic reforms it had un-dertaken at that time. In 2014, however, Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity led to its suspension from participation in the g8, and the meetings returned to the G7 format.

It is in the interest of all Canadians that Cana-da participates in international discussions with its

key partners. Membership in the G7 enables Can-ada to advance its broad foreign policy, economic and commercial agenda, and help to shape global developments on a range of issues—including re-sponses to global crises. Hosting of the G7 rotates among member countries. The next summit Cana-da is scheduled to host is in 2018.

As for the summit this May, the planning is ex-tensive and already well underway. In addition to the responsibilities of Japan (which has assumed the G7 presidency for 2016-17), preparations are also being undertaken by official aides to each head of government—known as “sherpas.” Just as in mountain climbing, G7 sherpas maintain close contact with each other and help guide their lead-ers throughout the run-up to the actual summit meetings. The Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and its consulate in Nagoya play important roles in as-sisting and facilitating this process, especially with logistical elements.

This year the leaders will meet on Kashikojima, a small island off the Shima Peninsula. This part of eastern Mie Prefecture also includes Ise-Shima National Park and the cities of Ise (with its famous shrine), Toba and Shima.

The official logo for the Ise-Shima summit was chosen by the Japanese government from among thousands of entries submitted by students across the country. The winning design features a red disc in the center representing the circle of the sun and the hinomaru, Japan’s national flag. The central motif is encircled by sakura, or cherry blossom petals, a well-recognized symbol of Japan, with the number of petals signifying the participating G7 countries. The blue crescent in the background is the ocean surrounding Ise-Shima.

EMatthew Fraser is consul and senior trade commissioner at the Consulate of Canada in Nagoya, Japan

2016 G7 MeetingsForeign Ministers’ MeetingApr 10-11, 2016 Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Agriculture Ministers’ MeetingApr 23-24, 2016 Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

ICT Ministers’ MeetingApr 29-30, 2016 Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture

Energy Ministers’ MeetingMay 1-2, 2016 Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Education Ministers’ MeetingMay 14-15, 2016 Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Environment Ministers’ MeetingMay 15-16, 2016 Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture

Science and Technology Ministers’ MeetingMay 15-17, 2016 Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ MeetingMay 20-21, 2016 Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Health Ministers’ MeetingSep 11-12, 2016 Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Transport Ministers’ MeetingSep 24-25, 2016 Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture

DiplomaticDialogue

SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE G7 SUMMIT IN JAPAN

08 / The Canadian

The Canadian / 09

Brandspotting

BY VIVIAN MORELLI

KIDS ‘N PLAY B

STYLE UP THE TOTS FOR OUTDOOR FUN WITH THESE COOL CANADIAN AND JAPANESE ACTIVEWEAR BRANDS

ELEMENTAL COOL — Canada GooseWhen it comes to bundling up your little ones, you should always trust Canadians, who know a thing or two about braving the elements. The quintessential Canadian parka brand Canada Goose, which started out on the backs of Arctic explorers, is now being worn by in-the-know Tokyoites. The shoulder patch-adorned jackets are a must-have winter and early spring item—even for the mild Tokyo temperatures. Kids can also enjoy sporting the down-filled creations and fans will be happy to hear that Canada Goose has a compact yet appealing junior collection, which features colourful, hooded parkas, vests with a polar bear motif, waterproof snow pants and even mittens to keep those little fingers snug.

GET OUTSIDE — MontBell Already well known in the rest of the world, this Japanese company offers outdoor gear that follows the traditional philosophy of kinobi, or “function is beauty.” MontBell offers an affordable range of fleece vests, rain wear, swim wear, backpacks and hiking equipment suited for all sports and activities. The baby collection includes all rompers, bath towels, winter jackets, vests, swim suits and even organic cotton bibs and reusable nappies. The kids’ collection for summer includes gear for all your upcoming trips: adorable wetsuits for water sports lovers, stylish caps to protect from sensitive skin from the sun plus rain suits and waterproof ponchos for Japan’s looming rainy season.

BACKPACKERS — HerschelChances are you’ve spotted the signature hand-drawn Herschel logo on a backpack in Tokyo and squinted, trying to see the name so you could snatch up a similar one. The company, based in Vancouver and named after a rural town in Saskatchewan, was founded in 2009 by brothers Lyndon and Jamie Cormack. It’s become wildly successful amongst hip people across the world from Tokyo to New York City and gained an enormous Instagram following. Browse the online store to view their extensive selection of backpacks, wallets, luggage and totes.

Kids will love the newly released Disney collaboration, featuring Mickey prints on minimalist white or navy pouches and bags that can be used for school, as well as subtle Winnie the Pooh artwork adorning buttery-yellow textile.

FAMILY FUN — UniqloSet to open later this year in Toronto in two locations, the competitively-priced Japanese giant retailer Uniqlo will soon conquer the hearts and wardrobes of Canadians. While adults will be pleased at the comfortable yet stylish basics and numerous collaborations (Lemaire, Carine Roitfeld and Ines de La Fressange just to name a few), they will also be delighted to make it a one-stop family shopping trip. Families can stock up on high-quality apparel, ranging from newborn baby rompers and bear-eared fleece pajamas to seasonal gear and a plethora of socks and underwear and even blankets for children.

Courtesy Herschel Supply Co.

Cour

tesy

Mon

tBel

l

Courtesy Canada Goose.

Vivian Morelli is a Canadian freelance fashion writer living in Tokyo.

010 / The Canadian

Chamber Insights

FRIENDLY RELATIONSBY PERRIN BEATTY

C

REKINDLING THE RELATIONSHIP

WHY 2016 IS THE YEAR TO TAKE JAPAN-CANADA TIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The Honourable Perrin Beatty speaking at a CCCJ event in 2014.

The Canadian / 011

Chamber Insights

Relationship metaphors are common in international dealings. In Canada, we often refer to our American “best friends” or our European “cousins.” In the same vein, Japan and Canada are friendly acquaintances who, whenever they meet, realize that they have much in common. Yet despite the best of in-tentions, vague promises to get togeth-er more often never result in concrete plans, and the potential to be closer friends remains unfulfilled.

If ever there was a moment to take that next step to bring the Japan-Cana-da relationship closer, it’s now.

New trade agreements will go a long way toward removing the barriers that have hindered the free flow of goods and services between our nations. Ne-gotiations continue on the Canada-Ja-pan Economic Partnership Agreement, while the Trans-Pacific Partnership is on the verge of opening the doors to greater trade within the Asia-Pacific region.

After decades of low growth, the Japanese economy is turning a cor-ner. As the world’s third largest market and a dominant player in regional sup-ply chains, Japan is an essential part of Canada’s openness to Asia. Japan is Canada’s fourth largest export market and the largest Asian contributor of for-eign direct investment.

Like all good friends, Canada and Japan complement each other well. Can-ada’s agriculture, fisheries, forest prod-ucts and energy appeal to Japan’s need for natural resources, while Japan’s ex-pertise in motor vehicles, electronics and machinery are much in demand in Can-ada. There is also room to grow exchang-es of clean technology and services, as well as huge joint venture opportunities in both Asia and North America.

The best of intentions are simply not enough, however. Despite the obvious synergies between Canada and Japan, merchandise trade between the two countries has barely grown over the past decade. Both businesses and govern-ments need to take steps to lay the foun-

dation for the type of close partnership on economic and political matters that would benefit both our great nations.

That’s why the Japan-Canada Cham-bers Council (jccc) is bringing togeth-er over two hundred business leaders, policymakers and diplomats for one of the most significant bilateral business events in over decade.

Launched in 2014, the jccc is a plat-form to build relationships, share knowl-edge and advocate policies to support bilateral trade and investment. Its meth-ods include joint events, delegations, re-search, public statements and meetings with policymakers. Housed in the Ca-nadian Chamber of Commerce and the

Japan Chamber of Commerce and In-dustry, the council includes senior exec-utives from leading member companies in both groups. Leadership is provided by two national chairs: Shoei Utsuda, the global chairman of Mitsui & Co. (Japan) and Steve Dechka, former president and

ceo of Canpotex (Canada).The latest jccc symposium took

place last March 21 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Aptly entitled “Rekindling the Relationship,” the session focused on what both public and private sector leaders need to do to realize the tremen-dous potential of Canada-Japan trade.

The program drew on the insights of leaders from key industries like automo-tive (Honda), transportation (Port Metro Vancouver), entertainment (Capcom and Rainmaker studios), and high-tech (Hi-tachi High Tech). Each participant shared their perspectives on the biggest bilateral opportunities, as well as the barriers that are holding back trade and investment.

Another session focused on the issue of investing in Japan’s regions. Japan is often seen as a difficult place for Cana-dian firms to invest. Companies have trouble navigating the rules and finding local partners to work with, and those who succeed tend to stay close to Tokyo. But things are changing. Governments at all levels are reforming the tax system and improving the business climate to attract new international investors.

Of course, relationships between countries, just like relationships between people, are not based on economics alone. The experiences of real people—including tourists and students—as well as cultural exchanges are crucial to how Canadian and Japanese people perceive each other. British Columbia’s Minister of Trade Theresa Wat and former Ambas-sador to Japan Joseph Caron participated in a discussion exploring these essential connections.

The next symposium will take place in Japan in 2017. In the meantime, the jccc will continue to allow Canadian and Japanese businesses to build con-nections, as well as to raise the impor-tance of a closer Japan-Canada relation-ship with governments.

Japan and Canada’s friendly rela-tionship often gets taken for granted. With the jccc, we hope to ensure this friendship gets the attention it deserves.

Relationships between countries, just like relationships between people, are not based on economics alone ”

The Honourable Perrin Beatty is president and CEO of the Canadian

Chamber of Commerce.

The Honourable Perrin Beatty speaking at a CCCJ event in 2014.

012 / The Canadian

The Canadian / 013

Northern Lights, Camera,Action!

DESTINATION CANADA SCREENS A NEW STORY FOR JAPANESE TRAVELLERS

Cover Story

MASAYO HANDO C

Destination Canada, the organiza-tion formerly known as the Canadian Tourism Commission, has recently embarked on a bold new marketing strategy. Its innovative three-year, mul-ti-tiered content promotional campaign to inspire “high-yield” Japanese travel-lers to visit Canada is nothing short of a tourism sector masterstroke.

Developed in concert with Imagica bs, nhk, bs Fuji and other media part-ners, the Canada Theatre project aims to celebrate Canada in the lead up to to the

country’s landmark birthday celebra-tions in 2017. “We wanted to do some-thing special to mark Canada’s 150th birthday and engage potential Japanese travellers,” explains Masayo Hando, managing director of Destination Can-ada’s Japan office. “So, we discussed our options with our media partners, whose producers and editors are well acquaint-ed with Canada. After much brainstorm-ing, internally and externally, we created the Canada Theatre program.”

From this initiative the Canada

Theatre website (http://canada.jp) was born, a comprehensive portal show-casing various content about Canada and its unique cultural, culinary and historical travel experiences, along with explorative travel packages. The set piece is a 12-episode docudrama tel-evision series, Mosaic Canada, that lets viewers experience Canada through the program’s main character, a young Destination Canada team member named Nana Akizuki.

“The website,” says Hando, “is a

BY ANNABELLE LANDRY • PHOTOS BENJAMIN PARKS

014 / The Canadian

good tool for existing Japanese fans of Canada, while the drama and other so-cial media content help to reach a new audience that may not initially have been interested in Canada, but who will hopefully become more inclined to travel there in time.”

Out of the five things the Japanese look for in overseas travel (according to statistics from Destination Canada’s “Global Tourism Watch” reports), na-tional parks and cities that are in close proximity to nature are most popular for Canada. “However, Canada must showcase historic, cultural and culinary experiences as these are also strong mo-tivators for Japanese customers. Mosaic Canada was developed in response to these travel trends,” says Hando.

A recent shift in demographics indicates that 75 per cent of Japanese travellers to Canada are under the age of 55. “We now have younger customers and they are looking for more active experiences,” says Hando.

One of Canada Theatre’s main objectives is to encourage Japanese tour operators to develop new products to meet those needs. A change in mind-set, however, was necessary. Hando explains: “At first, some tour operators were reluctant to take this step, prefer-

ring to stick with traditional packages, mostly geared toward an older clientele. Since our website combines media con-

tent with travel packages, tour operators eventually opened up to the idea. They felt they didn’t have to take any extra risks in promoting these products.”

FICTIONAL REALITY More than a mere promotional tool, Mosaic Canada cleverly fuses fact and fiction, appealing to viewers’ emotional core values.

“One thing we wanted to do was to have both the reality and the drama of the story moving together,” says Hando. The idea, however, necessitat-ed much negotiation. “The Japanese broadcaster wanted to focus on Nana’s personal journey, but we really wanted to feature Canada, so there were a few bumps in the road.”

The series, which revolves around three main characters, was inspired by the lives of the Destination Canada Japan team—all of whom were women. At the time, the head of the office was a woman of Japanese descent. “The char-acter of Emily Kurashina was largely inspired by Maureen Riley, our for-mer managing director,” says Hando. “Through Emily, some characteristics of a Canadian business environment and attitudes can be seen, in contrast to the more traditional tendencies of Nana and her Japanese colleagues.”

Akin to a bildungsroman, the Mosaic Canada story follows Nana through her formative journey across Canada. As she travels, her character evolves—not merely in the drama, but in real life as well. “Nana’s attitude at first is simply to take in what Canadian people have to say,” Hando explains. “Until episode six, the actress was only

We now have younger

customers and they’re looking for

more active experiences”

The Canadian / 015

given the script to recite, but now she’s getting further involved in the pro-duction process and asking her own questions as her English improves. In order to achieve this, we decided to do workshops at the Destination Canada office and brainstorm together how we wanted to build the storyline. She could possibly become a real member of the Destination Canada team.”

For Saki Yasuda, the Japanese actress from Fukushima Prefecture playing the lead role—her first—each episode has helped refine her acting skills. “In the beginning, Nana was just like me,” she says. “So it was acting, but then again, not really. I feel I’m getting better and better now, though.”

LAUNCH CHALLENGESOriginally, the producer’s idea was for the series launch to coincide with the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2014.

The first episode, which serves as the prologue, was partly filmed in Winni-peg during the GoMedia Canada event, Destination Canada’s annual inbound marketplace. Colleagues from the Desti-nation Canada head office in Vancouver were asked to take part in the filming. “Our chief marketing officer even had a walk-on part in it,” says Hando. Filming the drama during a real event, however, proved to be challenging since the crew weren’t allowed to disturb meetings and disrupt the marketplace.

Revisiting the old East-versus-West paradigm, the debut episode taps into

differences between Canadian and Jap-anese people and culture. Viewers are introduced to a diligent—if uncompro-mising—Nana, who initially appears re-luctant to travel to Canada for business. With a word of encouragement from her boss and a piece of Nanaimo bar for comfort food, she flies to Winnipeg to at-tend GoMedia and present Destination

Canada’s marketing plan for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations.

REEL LIFECarefully filmed to reflect Canadian multiculturalism, lifestyle, culture, values and history; each Mosaic Cana-da episode features a different theme linked to Canada Theatre’s unique selling propositions. The docudrama even goes a step further, engaging the public in global issues with a host of

sub-themes that set the tone for the entire series.

“We wanted to feature Canadian val-ues,” says Hando. “And so it made sense to include topics like sustainability and diversity, for instance.”

In episodes two and three, “Walk-ing” and “Living with Nature,” Nana learns about Canada’s efforts to promote sustainability and preserve the envi-ronment for future generations. Later, in episodes four and five, she gets a taste of Canadian hospitality, sampling multi-ethnic regional foods grown atop urban rooftop gardens or on local or-ganic farms, and embarking on friendly adventures and historical quests.

Nana also experiences first-hand the “relaxed” Canadian lifestyle, as she walks or cycles through cities or quietly paddles on the ocean. In Vancouver, her kayaking guide even offers his own bit of wisdom on how best to clear one’s mind, likening kayaking to walking.

In a recent interview, Yasuda recount-ed a similar experience canoeing on the Yukon River while filming episode five: “As I paddled, I wasn’t actually thinking of anything. I was just open to the nature all around me, letting the river flow through me. No worries, no thoughts in my mind. That surprised me a lot.”

This, Hando remarks, is a clear sign that Canadian lifestyle values are start-ing to “rub off on her.”

SPIRITED STORIES Destination Canada’s slogan, “Cana-da, Keep Exploring,” is not only about discovering new places, it’s about

Cover Story

Respecting and accepting others is highly valued in Canada. We Japanese can learn a lot from the Canadian lifestyle”

016 / The Canadian

Cover Story

DESTINATION CANADAC

discovering oneself. “I wanted to portray Canada as an exciting place where people can create their own story,” says Hando. “In Japan, we have a kind of model or social decorum that dictates how we should behave. When I was in Canada, after only a couple days, I felt much more relaxed. I didn’t have to worry about anything because others were totally fine with me being me.”

The stories of two Japanese expats in episode two epitomize this.

Kawakami, an ex-salary man who turned to making guitars after moving to Canada, says he likes the “Canadian spirit” that promotes acceptance and respect of others regardless of their backgrounds. Chef and restaurant owner Tojo explains how Canada inspired him to express himself freely through his culinary art.

For lead actress Yasuda, the Mosaic Canada pro-ject was an eye-opener. Having moved to Tokyo from Fukushima, she says she was scared to go out or meet anyone. “I lived in a box. There were so many things I hadn’t tried or couldn’t do—like riding a bicycle, paddling or skiing. I didn’t challenge myself. Looking back, I think I was very selfish and closed off. Now I am more generous and open-minded and I want to listen to others and be more interested in them. I’ve changed a lot.”

Hando echoes that: “Changing one’s perspective can be a real discovery for Japanese people. I hope the audience can be inspired to change, too.”

ANNIVERSARY PRESENTScheduled to be aired just before Canada Day in 2017, the last episode of the series will be a fictional wrap-up commemorating Canada’s 150th anniversary. “Beans Co. are launching a Canadian experiential theme park in Toyosu, adjacent to the new fish market” in Tokyo’s port-lands, says Hando. “The people behind it are hoping to have the grand opening on Canada Day this year, though autumn may be more realistic.”

The Mosaic Canada crew and the Canada theme park team will collaborate on some of the promotional events. “Maybe Nana is planning the program to help mark Canada’s anniversary and introduce the theme park,” Hando hints. Regardless, the park will be featured in the epilogue—with real media events as part of it, much like a bookend to the first episode of the series.

At the time of this interview, the crew was in Canada filming episodes six and seven, which are set to take place in Quebec, Ottawa and the Northwest Territories. The featured themes—arts and culture, history and trans-portation—will revolve around a traditional spring sugar shack brunch, Quebec’s winter carnival and its mascot Bonhomme, the Group of Seven, and travelling via bush plane, dog sled and snowmobile among other things.

Hailing from Fukushima Prefecture, Saki Yasuda, the Japanese actress play-ing the lead role in the Destination Canada and Imagica BS TV series Mosaic Canada, can’t hide her enthusiasm for the country.

Can you tell us about the casting process?Saki Yasuda: I heard about the audition through my management company. I was very much interested in it because I’d never been abroad and all I knew about Canada was stuff like maple syrup and Niagara Falls. My manager told me there were 300 candidates auditioning. In addition to the usual audtion process, we were asked to do a presentation about Canada. Masayo Hando, who sat on the casting panel, was impressed with my presentation.

Mosaic Canada producer: We were looking for an actress who could have fun and work and grow together with us. We found Yasuda-san had the greatest potential. She had never been in a drama before; that’s why we chose her for Nana’s role.

What was it like filming the series in Canada?SY: At first, everything was new and interesting. Canadians are kind, accepting and welcoming. They were always willing to show me everything. I met a lot of people. I became good friends with Jon, the Destination Canada chief marketing officer.

How do you feel about Canada now that you’re an expert?SY: I feel that I am “a beginner’s expert.” I learned a lot about Canada mostly through the many people I met and experienced different aspects of its cultures. I wanted to share my discoveries with the audience and inspire people to travel to Canada.

What’s on the horizon for you career-wise?SY: I’m currently working on several new projects such as reporting and commercials, but my main goal is to become a better actress. So, right now, I want to focus on Mosaic Canada and do my best until the last episode. I want to show a completely different Nana—a Nana who’s grown and changed. I also want to learn more about Canada as a country and meet more Canadians. I want to share my love of Canada with the audience and inspire them to visit. I saw how Canadians enjoy their lives and I want to enjoy mine—and smile like Canadians, who make others smile.

Q&A: SAKI YASUDA

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018 / The Canadian

Forging a Positive Role

for Working Mothers

BEING A STAY-AT-HOME MOM WASN’T EXACTLY THE KIND OF FUTURE AKIKO KOSUDA ENVISIONED FOR HERSELF

The Canadian / 019

BY ANNABELLE LANDRY

The Canadian / 019

Like many women, she wanted to pur-sue a fulfilling career.

“I found housekeeping boring. And, while taking care of my child was won-derful, I wanted to find something else to influence and change the world; I was ambitious,” Akiko Kosuda confides.

Her first job fresh out of universi-ty was with British Airways’ customer service department. After three years of dedicated work, she moved to the sales department where the majority of travel agents were men—women were blocked from obtaining those kinds of positions. She did, however, lay the groundwork for future generations: “I was the first female to become sales manager at the time,” she says. “In Japan, airlines were a man’s world.”

She had her first child—a baby girl— while still working for British Airways. “I had to go back to work within eight months following her birth.” In those days, nurseries and kindergartens were scarce, so she had to resort to niju hoiku (double daycare facilities) to care for her daughter. “The nursery school end-ed around 6 p.m., but I finished work around 8 or 9 p.m. So I had to hire a nan-ny to pick up my daughter and take her home,” she explains. While she spent more than half her salary on babysitting, Kosuda says the money she’s invested in childcare was well worth it. “I got it back 100 times. It was an investment for my future and my career.”

For Kosuda, it’s the quality, not the quantity, of time spent with one’s chil-dren that’s important. “Every weekend and holiday was dedicated to spending quality time with my daughter,” she says. “I focused on her and showered her with love, and she responded back to me.”

When her daughter was in high school, Kosuda took a few months sabbatical be-tween jobs to spend more time with her. “She didn’t like me being around the house too much,” Kosuda recalls, “because she was used to having her independence. She even wrote me a letter to tell me I was fail-ing to recognize her independence,” she laughs. “So I eventually kept a very com-fortable distance between us.”

There are conflicting opinions about the psychological impact that being raised by strangers may have on chil-dren, but Kosuda is confident that her life choices haven’t affected her daugh-ter negatively. On the contrary, she be-lieves she was a good influence. “When she was six or seven years old, I dis-cussed the ‘business mother’ with her,” she says. “I asked for her opinion, I influ-enced her. I shared a lot because I treat-ed her as another adult.”

Despite the difficulty juggling job and family, Kosuda says she wouldn’t have done anything differently. “I would have been worried had my daughter not want-ed to pursue a career of her own. I didn’t want her to become a shufu (housewife); that’s not the kind of model I wished to be for her.”

As a working mother, Kosuda certain-ly helped shape her daughter’s future; achieving work-life balance, however, proved to be more challenging. “I was a very bad example because I sacrificed my sleeping hours,” she says. When she re-turned home from work, she would have dinner with her family and then play with her daughter until about 11 p.m. After putting her to bed, she would stay up un-til 2 or 3 a.m. to work. “Maybe I was lucky because I had physical toughness. My husband was also very supportive. He en-couraged me to pursue my own career.”

As a seasoned coach, advisor and par-ent, her advice to young, career-minded mothers is to be a strong role model and “show your confidence and happiness to your kids.” She offers: “Senaka wo mite sodatsu (show your back to your kids),” meaning children learn by imi-tating their parents. She believes that if a woman is focused on her profession, she should not feel guilty about pursuing her dreams. “When one does what they are meant to, they are happier and less frus-trated, and children are consequently happier and more confident.”

“Dynamite Kosuda,” as cccj Exec-utive Director Andrew Lambert fondly calls her, never misses an opportunity to reach out to others. Now that her daugh-ter is grown-up, she’s turned to coaching

as a way to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Still very active within the business community, she sits on various boards and committees, notably as sen-ior advisor for the Japan pfi/ppp Associ-ation and executive coach and business development advisor for Coach A, one of the world’s largest executive coaching firms. As the Tokyo Girls Collection ex-ecutive committee supervisor, Kosuda helped organize the Nara Music Fest 2015 edition of Takenoko!!! Meets Kashihara Shrine which drew over 5,000 people.

In 2013, she joined the cccj Honorary Board of Advisors, making it her personal mission to advance the gender diversi-ty cause, leading such initiatives as the Women’s Leadership Program and, more recently, the Gender Diversity Roundta-ble Series. Her insatiable desire to further herself and to inspire others to do the same is undoubtedly reflected in the en-ergy and serenity she exudes. “I am very happy,” she says, “and it’s not the end: I am still investing in myself.”

When one does what they are meant to, they are happier and less frustrated, and children are consequently happier and more confident ”

Member Profile

AKIKO KOSUDA M

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Special Report

BY JEFF W. RICHARDS

RED HOT OPPORTUNITYThe Cool Japan Fund is a public-private partnership that ex-ists to actively promote demand overseas for Japanese prod-ucts and services. It provides a source of capital to businesses in a variety of areas including media, food, fashion and lifestyle—a resource Canadian companies in Japan would be wise to research.

The ceo of the Cool Japan Fund, Noboyuki Ota, is no stranger to the food, fashion and lifestyle industries. He worked for eight years as a fashion journalist in New York City and is cofounder of the Council of Fashion Designers Tokyo. He’s served as head of marketing for Matsuya, the president of internationally renowned brand Issey Miyake and current-ly sits on the board of directors for Tokyo Fashion Week. He’s well versed in “cool Japan,” to say the least.

Now, just two years after its official launch, Ota says the fund is invested in 13 major projects as of Feb. 2016—and looking for more. If chamber member companies are inter-ested in applying, take note: there are three main criteria.

First, the venture must be in alignment with cjf policy and its main goals. “We’re looking to bring excellent Japanese products and services to new overseas markets,” Ota says.

Second is performance. “We also look at an appropriate managerial structure, realistic expectations on return and the high probability of a successful exit,” he says.

The third benchmark is wider influence. While this may sound a little nebulous or hard to pin down, Ota says they

look at businesses that “support Japanese industry, collabo-rate with other companies or sectors, have a ‘broadcast’ effect and pioneer new markets.”

The first Cool Japan Fund investment—the highly suc-cessful Tokyo Otaku Mode site—created a Facebook page to broadcast Japanese pop culture around the world and used e-commerce sites to sell illustrations, figurines and other re-lated goods. The Facebook page provides English-language in-formation about Japanese anime, manga and games, and now boasts more than 18 million friends from around the world.

In April 2015, it injected approximately ¥260 million into Green Tea World u.s.a., a u.s.-based and Japanese-run com-pany (and the only current cjf investment in North America). Its cafés will serve authentic, high-quality Japanese tea with traditional sweets and other assorted goods from Nagasaki Prefecture so American customers can enjoy not only tea, but also Japanese culture and lifstyle.

In November last year, Sas Enis, a Paris-based company promoting authentic regional Japanese crafts to local con-sumers, retail shops and restaurants received around ¥100 million.

Canadian firms interested in promoting unique products from Japan should visit the Cool Japan Fund website (www.cj-fund.co.jp) for more information. On April 13, the cccj will present a seminar on the cjf with Ota and Tokyo Otaku Mode co-founder and ceo, Nao Kodaka (see “Events,” p. 29).

COOL JAPANS

CAPITAL FOR COMPANIES PROMOTING UNIQUE JAPANESE PRODUCTS IN CANADA

Hasami-yaki teaware by Hakusan Porcelain from the Japanese tea project. Photo: © Hakusan Porcelain Co. Ltd. Cool Japan Fund CEO Nobuyuki Ota. Photo: Courtesy Cool Japan Fund.

Cool Japan Fund CEO Nobuyuki Ota. Photo: Courtesy Cool Japan Fund.

022 / The Canadian

Asia Pacific View

CLEAN ENERGYBY RON HAIGH

A

Sustaining MomentumCANADA’S RESOURCES AND JAPAN’S TECHNOLOGIES MAKE TRADE ONLY NATURAL

As the global energy market faces a dra-matic downturn and new government policies are put in place to substantially cut greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions, Ja-pan faces renewed uncertainty regarding its future energy mix and Canada has a

further impetus to diversify its economy. At present, global energy opportunities represent about 10 per cent of Canada’s gdp and Canadians, at current rates of production, are sitting on a 120-year oil supply and a 300-year natural gas supply.

But perhaps common adversity forges the best partnerships. Natural resources re-main an export priority in Canada and Ja-pan is a logical partner. In the short term, however, resource production will need to be offset by greater efficiency provided by

Arun Alexander, commercial minister at the Embassy of Canada to Japan (third from right) prepares to toast to successful teamwork with provincial representatives at the “Canada’s Changing Energy Landscape” networking event.

Asia Pacific View

The Canadian / 023

Sustaining Momentum

advanced technologies. Fortunately, Can-ada and Japan are both world-class ener-gy innovators. And we must not lose sight of the long-term: global energy demand is expected to increase by close to 40 per cent by 2040.

It is against this challenging back-ground that the cccj hosted with the Embassy of Canada to Japan a seminar and networking event entitled “Canada’s Changing Energy Landscape” March 1. It was an undertaking impossible without our close partnership with the provinc-es of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.

The seminar focused on federal and provincial policy developments, as well as new commercial opportunities in traditional and renewable energy in Canada. Each province was requested to deliver an overview of strategy within its own jurisdiction. Alberta, possess-ing 80 per cent of Canada’s oil and 70 per cent of its natural gas, made a com-pelling case for why partnerships with Japanese companies were essential to viable development of these resources. British Columbia explained how it was making major investments in infrastruc-ture to keep local electricity rates stable and position itself as a major energy exporter to Asia and a North American climate leader. Ontario outlined how its making impressive progress on its ghg targets through energy diversification under its 2050 Vision. Finally, Quebec shared its approach to making energy the driving force for prosperity through a 2016-2025 New Energy Policy that targets innovation, sustainability, abundance and affordability.

What made the seminar especially relevant was a series of breakout sessions in which twenty-one of Canada’s leading clean technology companies and indus-try associations were on hand to present their expertise and exchange information. The seminar clearly demonstrated that these key players had versatile, mature technologies and services in oil and gas, solar, thermal, wind and hydrogen energy.

Regarding the traditional energy sec-tor, there has been much hand-wring-

ing about getting resources to market through the five major oil pipeline projects proposed, but Prime Minister Trudeau has stated in the recent Vancou-ver Communiqué of Canada’s First Min-isters, “We agreed on the importance and urgency of moving Canada’s resources to market in responsible, timely, predicta-ble and sustainable ways within existing jurisdictional frameworks.” This tension between reaching energy sustainability and expanding natural resource exports can only be resolved through better tech-nologies. And therein lies tremendous business opportunities for Canadian and Japanese companies.

As the seminar highlighted, Canada has the third largest renewab le energy

capacity and boasts one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world. 75 per cent of its electricity supply emits no ghg and the Canadian government has a target of 90 per cent by 2020. Canadi-an cities are positioning themselves to efficiently use that energy with over 60 Smart Grid initiatives underway and, through Mission Innovation, the Ca-nadian Federal government pledged at cop21 to double investment in clean en-ergy innovation over the next five years.

Where will the money go? We know that C$100 million annually will be in-vested on green producers to support emerging clean technology manufac-turers and for exporting clean technol-ogies. This is smart because export is a big part of the game. Close to 70 per cent of clean technology firms export,

with over half of total revenues generat-ed outside of Canada.

Another $200 million annually will be spent for innovation and use of clean technologies in the natural resource sec-tors. Already, Canada is home to three of the world’s 15 operational large scale ccs projects. And more broadly, Canadian companies are pioneers in hydrogen-re-lated research and have brought to market quicker and in greater volume a variety of novel technologies in fuel-cell, solar and wind energy.

The Investment, Energy, Natural Re-sources and Advanced Manufacturing section of the Canadian Embassy to Japan is headed by Senior Trade Commissioner Andrea Clements. Right at the start of the seminar she put concerns about the future of the energy business in proper perspec-tive: The clean energy sector is growing four times faster than any other sector of the Canadian economy. This is good news for both Canadian and Japanese compa-nies who are seeking to expand business and forge new partnerships.

Natural resources remain an export priority in Canada and Japan is a natural partner”

Ron Haigh is the chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Toyota Motors project

manager for the Americas group.

CCCJ Chairman Ron Haigh addresses the more than 100 participants at the networking reception.

Education Trends

SCHOOL’S INBY TREVOR KENNEDY

E

024 / The Canadian

Photos: Courtesy McGill M

BA Japan.

It’s hardly breaking news that both nations and individual universities want to recruit students from beyond their shores. Attracting brainpower (and student fees) from overseas has obvious advantages for both institution and country, while the students themselves get potentially life-changing opportuni-ties for broader education, experience and personal connections. But how successful are Japanese and Canadian universities at enticing these young minds into their classrooms—and just how strong are the foreign study links between our two countries?

The short answer is: “Quite well, but with a lot of room for improvement.” According to the Organisation for Eco-nomic Co-operation and Development (oecd) numbers there were 286,832 foreign students in Japan and 342,366 in Canada studying at the tertiary level or above.

Within those totals, Canada and Japan share a fairly healthy exchange of students, both full-time and exchange. According to Japan’s Ministry of Educa-tion, Culture, Sports, Science and Tech-nology, 6,614 of the country’s 2,868,872 university students in academic 2013 were studying in Canada—the most in any nation except the 16,794 hitting the books in the United States—and a hair

ahead of the 6,519 in the u.k. and 6,392 in Australia. Canada also has the world’s number two Japanese student to popu-lation ratio at 1-to-5,500, behind Austral-ia’s 1-to-3,500 but way ahead of the u.s. and the u.k. (at ratios of 1-to-20,000 and 1-to-10,000, respectively).

While Canada is doing quite well attracting Japanese students to its campuses, there aren’t many Canadians going the other way—or anywhere—for that matter. Though 97 per cent of Canadian universities offer interna-tional opportunities, just 3.2 per cent of students study abroad annually, with funding often cited as a major barrier for prospective exchange students. When it comes to opportunities in Japan, very few Canadians study here full-time, and Canada was Japan’s eighth largest source of exchange students in 2014, at 242.

Often, Canadian students simply are not aware of the many private and gov-ernment support programs available in Japan. Many would, for example, be el-igible for Japanese government-backed Japan Student Services Organisation (jasso) scholarships of ¥80,000 per month, available for applicants studying here anywhere from eight days to a year. Meanwhile, up to 100 students from the University of British Columbia, Carleton University and other Canadian schools

can apply for a fully funded cultural exchange to Japan for one to weeks under the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs-affiliated Kakehashi Project.

Continuing the Canadian participa-tion in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (jet) shows there is still high interest in visiting or living in Japan among Canadian young people. More Ca-nadian students are making the cross-Pa-cific trip, but increasing awareness may very well encourage even larger numbers of Canadians to make Japan their study abroad choice, further enriching our personal, cultural and economic ties.

Education Trends

The Canadian / 025

Trevor Kennedy is an M.A. candidate in Asia Pacific Policy Studies at the University of British Columbia. He writes on various policy-related issues in Northeast Asia on his blog, Asia Pacific

Policy (asiapacificpolicy.wordpress.com). Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorPKennedy

Canadianstudents are not aware of the many private and government support programs available inJapan ”

STUDENT EXCHANGES

THERE IS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR YOUNG CANADIANS WHO WANT TO STUDY IN JAPAN

026 / The Canadian

PAST EVENTSCHAMBER GOINGS ON AND BEYOND

Timeline

LOOKING BACKT

MCGILL FORUM & SHINNENKAI— January 14CCCJ members were invited to attend the annual McGill Forum and its shinnenkai that followed. The topic of this year’s event was “New Wave of Globalization of Japanese Companies” and it featured a panel discussion (in English) on the globalization of Japanese corporations and current challenges for Japanese firms in the global economy.

THE MAN WHO MIGHT HAVE BEEN — February 22CCCJ members were invited to a special screening of the film The Man Who Might Have Been: An Inquiry into the Life and Death of Herbert Norman with Yoshio Nakatani, former president of Toyota Canada. He was instrumental in the work’s new subtitles provided by Aoyama Gakuin students and the recent screening (for more info, see “Retrography,” p. 35).

TPP SYMPOSIUM— February 22Chamber members organized a trip to the Trans-Pacific Partnership symposium and networking reception put on by the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation).

DINNER WITH THE AMBASSADOR— February 16Governors and members of the CCCJ’s Honorary Board of Advisors were invited to a special dinner at the ambassador’s residence. The purpose of the gathering was to welcome the chamber’s new board of governors and celebrate the strong partnership between the Embassy of Canada and the CCCJ.

LANTERNS FOR TOHOKU— March 8-11Organized by the Canadian Embassy with support from the CCCJ, these lanterns were individually hand-painted by the embassy staff, students from their children’s international schools, junior high and elementary school students and residents in the Aoyama and Akasaka areas , as well as those at Akasaka Regional City Office, in remembrance of victims of the March 11, 2011 earthquake.

CHAMBER GOINGS ON AND BEYOND

jp.YourNextBigIdea.ca

028 / The Canadian

Calendar

DATEBOOKC

Events/SPRING-SUMMER 2016

With the weather warming and the grass greening, it’s a fine time to dust off the golf clubs and start preparing for the CCCJ 15th Annual Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament will take place at the beautiful Tsutsujigaoka Golf Course in Tochigi Prefecture.

The tournament will feature a round of golf over 18 pristine holes with lunch, beverages and a post-round after-party (with a number of great prizes) provided. A bus will be provided to transport participants to the links—departing from and returning to the Canadian Embassy. Mark your calendars, contact your guests and work on your swing in preparation for one of the most

enjoyable CCCJ events of the year. Registration and more information on the CCCJ website.

Date: May 27 | Time: 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Location: Tsutsujigaoka Golf Course, Tochigi Prefecture | Cost: ¥24,000 | www.cccj.or.jp/en/events

CCCJ Annual Golf Tournament

27MAY

The Canadian / 029

Calendar

DATEBOOK C

Canadian University Alumni MixerJoin the CCCJ and alumni associations from various Canadian universities for a casual spring mixer hosted at BrewDog in Roppongi. The goal of this event is to promote more chances for members and friends of the CCCJ to meet with graduates from the various Canadian univer-sity alumni associations active in Japan. No RSVP, no cover charge. Cash bar in effect.

Date: May 19 Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Cost: Cash bar, no cover charge Location: BrewDog Roppongi www.cccj.or.jp/en/events

23 JUNE

13 APRIL

19 MAY

14 APRIL

CCCJ-McGill MBA Japan Gender Diversity Roundtable SeriesJoin the CCCJ on April 14, 2016 at the Roppongi Hills Club for the third Gender Diversity (Womenomics) Roundtable session hosted by Akiko Kosuda, member of the CCCJ’s Honorary Board of Advisors and Tokyo Girls Collection executive committee supervisor. This meeting will focus on changing organizational culture.

Date: Apr 14 Time: 8-9 a.m. (breakfast will be served during this event) Cost: FreeLocation: Roppongi Hills Clubwww.cccj.or.jp/en/events

Joint Chamber Summer ReceptionBack by popular demand! One of the most popular joint chamber functions of the year hosted by the CCCJ, this party attracts a crowd of up to 340 business people for an evening of great food, drink, fun and networking. Register soon for this event, as tickets sell out quickly.

Date: June 23 Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.Cost: ¥8,500 (members), ¥12,000 (non-members)Location: Embassy of Canada to Japanwww.cccj.or.jp/en/event/joint-chamber-summer-sixteen

Joint Chamber Seminar Cool Japan FundOnly two years into its inception and the Cool Japan Fund already has an investment portfolio 13 strong. At this informative event, learn about some its most suc-cessful investments and future plans from CEO Noboyuki Ota, and hear how Tokyo Otaku Mode became its first project from Nao Kodaka, its co-founder and CFO.

Date: Apr 13 Time: 5-9 p.m. Cost: ¥2,700 (members), ¥3,700 (non-members) Location: Oscar Peterson Theatre of the Canadian Embassy www.cccj.or.jp/en/events

28 APRIL

The Grand Hyatt Tokyo will host its second 1980s-themed disco event on April 28, transforming its Grand Ballroom—a 1,000 square-metre, pillar-free venue with a 6.6-metre-high ceiling—into a lively nightclub complete with glittering mirror balls and themed décor where guests can dance the night away to the best 80’s disco classics. World-renowned DJ Osshy will spin the greatest ‘80s dance grooves while guests get down with unlimited beverage service and snacks throughout the evening. Tickets include 10 per cent off at all Grand Hyatt Tokyo restaurants and bars on the night.

Date: Apr 28 Time: 7:30 p.m.-midnight Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo Cost: ¥13,000 tokyo.grand.hyatt.com

We Love 80s Disco!

030 / The Canadian

The Canadian / 031

AIU Insurance Company JapanStarting business as a general insurance company in Japan in 1946, AIU Insurance Company, Japan Branch is locally incorporated and started business as AIU Insurance Company Ltd. in April 2013. AIU accesses the worldwide network and overseas market experience of American International Group (AIG), as well as its long proven track record in Japan, to provide customers with reliable insurance products and services.

Toyota MotorCorporationEstablished in 1937, Toyota now sells vehicles in over 170 countries and regions. With 53 manufacturing plants in 28 countries outside Japan, Toyota is a global company with deep local roots in all major markets. With 50 years in Canada, Toyota produces over half a million vehicles a year and employs more than 24,000 people there. Through ever-better cars and enriching the local community, the company seeks to satisfy stakeholders today and in the future.

HQ VancouverThe Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC), the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have entered into a partnership and funding agreement to establish HQ Vancouver. With a focused approach, this initiative will leverage Canada’s and British Columbia’s strategic location, high-quality infrastructure, sound government, and diverse and well-educated population to attract expanding medium-to-large sized Asian corporations to establish their North American head offices in the province.

Nakai Immigration ServicesAs a boutique immigration law firm with over 20 years of experience, we provide one-stop professional legal services to obtain visas for Japan. Our team includes gyoseishoshi (immigration) lawyers, a US attorney at law, a former supervisor at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau and a labor and social security attorney. Our multilingual staff speak native English, Spanish, native German, Chinese and Korean apart from Japanese. Correspondence is available in all of these languages.

JAL CAE Flight Training (JCFT) Co. Ltd. JCFT is a joint venture between CAE, a world-leading Canadian flight simulator manufacturer and training provider, and Japan Airlines. Our training center is located at Haneda Airport, where we provide airline operators the most comprehensive portfolio of pilot training and simulator maintenance services available in commercial aviation. Our team of experts provide customer focused solutions tailored to airline training requirements.

Nakagawa Japan Co. Ltd. Tower KnivesLocated in the heart of Osaka, Nakagawa Japan Co. Ltd. is a small trading company specialized in facilitating business relations between Japanese and international companies. Founded in 2012 with a focus on the export of Japanese-made knives, the company has since grown in volume and expanded its product ranges.

Solar Power Network K.K.Solar Power Network (SPN) is a wholly employee-owned Canadian power company founded with the goal of bringing Ontario into the renewable future. By installing high-yield, low-angle solar panels on unused commercial, institutional and industrial rooftops; SPN generates green energy locally—for local consumption. In addition to eliminating the losses associated with long-distance energy transportation, these installations provide peak power at times of peak consumption, thus reducing the province’s reliance on fossil fuewwls. SPN uses regional installation and operation teams for all sites, resulting in local jobs and commerce.

Scotia Securities Asia LimitedScotia Securities Asia Limited is an invest-ment banking arm of Scotiabank and pro-vides financial services such as fixed income, equities and M&A advisory.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)Borden Ladner Gervais is a pre-eminent full-service, Canadian law firm focusing on business law, commercial litigation and intellectual property solutions for our clients. BLG are experts in business and corporate commercial areas, electricity markets, public-private infrastructure projects as well as being a charities and not-for-profit solicitor.

New MembersDirectory D

Corporate

Corporate Sustaining

Corporate Non-Resident

Small Business & Professional

Directory

PwC CanadaIn Canada, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) has more than 6,500 partners and staff in locations from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia. With more than 100 years of excellence in Canada, we provide industry focused assurance, advisory and tax services for public, private and government clients. As part of a larger network of over 180,000 people in 158 countries, we work to provide clients with the best of our collective thinking, experience and solutions to build public trust and enhance value for our clients and their stakeholders.

032 / The Canadian

Accounting & Tax

KPMGwww.kpmg.com

Manulifewww.manulife.co.jp

Nagamine & Mishimawww.nagamine-mishima.com

Solid Japan K.K.www.solidjapan.com/global

PwC Canadahttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en

Takahashi Tax & Accounting Officehttp://tk-tax-accounting.com

Advertising & Marketing

Akuntsuwww.akuntsu.com

HQ Vancouverwww.bcbc.com/hq-vancouver

Southwestern Ontario Marketing Alliancewww.somasite.com

Airlines & Aerospace

Air Canadawww.aircanada.jp

Avcorp Industries Incwww.avcorp.com

Bombardier Aerospacewww.bombardier.com

JAL CAE Flight Training(JCFT) Co. Ltd. http://www.jalsim.com/

Associations & Foundations

The Board Director Training Institute of Japan (BDTI)http://bdti.or.jp/english

Canadian Chamber of Commerce/ La Chambre De Commerce Du Canadawww.chamber.ca

Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical companieswww.canadapharma.org

The Canada-Japan Societywww.canadajapansociety.jp

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association of Canadawww.jama.ca

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centrewww.jccc.on.ca

The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industrywww.jcci.or.jp

Japan PFI/PPP Associationwww.pfikyokai.or.jp

The Japan Societywww.japansocietycanada.com

The Overseas Construction Association of Japan Inc.www.ocaji.or.jp

Tokyo American Clubwww.tokyoamericanclub.org

Audio, Visual & Media

Vanten K.K.www.vanten.com

Vega Projecthttp://vega-global.co.jp

Automobiles & Auto Parts

Toyota Motor Corporationwww.toyota.co.jp

Banking, Investment & Financial Services

CIBC World Markets (Japan) Inc.www.cibcwm.com

Manulifewww.manulife.co.jp

Royal Bank of Canadawww.rbccm.com/japan/jp

Regalia Financial Groupwww.regalia-financial.com

Scotia Securities Asia Limited (Tokyo Branch)www.scotiasecurities.jpn.scotiabank.com

TSI International Groupwww.tsi-international.comwww.tsi-direct.com

Tokyo Investment Research Services Inc.

Building Products & Construction

2x4 Applied Technologieshttp://2x4appliedtechnologies.com

Canada Woodwww.canadawood.jp

Icynene Asia Pacific Inc.www.icynene.co.jp

TSI International Groupwww.tsi-international.comwww.tsi-direct.com

Tsuda Sangyowww.tsuda.co.jp

Xypex Chemical Corporationwww.xypex.com

Consulting

Apex K. K.www.apexkk.com

Ashton Consultingwww.ashton.jp

C-Mach Internationalwww.cmach-int.com

Currie & Brownwww.curriebrown.com

Focus Cubed Inc.www.focus-cubed.com

Slate Executive Search Groupwww.slate.co.jp

Strategic Consulting Japan G.K.www.consulting-japan.com

Consumer Products

GaiaWorks Inc.www.gaiaworks.com

Toys “R” Us, Japanwww.toysrus.co.jp

Tower Knives Osakawww.towerknives.com

Education

Eurocentres Canada / Oxford International Education Group www.languagecanada.com

Hello Kids Myogadaniwww.hellokids-myogadani.jp

MacEwan Universitywww.macewan.ca/asiapacific

McGill MBA Japanwww.mcgillmbajapan.com

Energy

Canadian Solarhttp://canadiansolar.co.jp

Directory

Members DirectoryMEMBERSD

The Canadian / 033

Directory

Daruma Energyhttp://en.darumaenergy.com

FortisBCwww.fortisbc.com

Solar Power Network K.K.http://solarpowernetwork.co.jp

Engineering

Avcorp Industries Inc.www.avcorp.com

JGC Corporationwww.jgc.co.jp

Linamar Japan Inc.www.linamar.com

West Nippon Expressway Companyhttp://global.w-nexco.co.jp

Food & Beverage

KMDI Internationalhttp://kmdi.co.jp

Maple Leaf Foods Japan Inc.www.mlfj.jp

Royal Canadian Water Company Ltd.www.royalcanadianwater.com

Forestry

Interexhttp://interexfp.com

TimberWest Forest Corp.www.timberwest.com

General Trading Houses

Hitachi High-Technologies Corporationwww.hitachi-hitec.com

Mitsubishi Corporationwww.mitsubishicorp.com

Government Representatives

Alberta Japan Officewww.albertacanada.com/japan

British Columbia Trade and Investment Office, Japanwww.britishcolumbia.ca

Délégation générale du Québec à Tokyowww.mri.gouv.qc.ca/tokyo

Embassy Of Canadawww.canadainternational.gc.ca/japan-japon

Ontario International Marketing Centrewww.investinontario.com

Yukon Government Economic Developmentwww.economicdevelopment.gov.yk.ca

Health & Wellness

Inaba Dental Clinicwww.ireba-inaba.jp

High Technology

TechInsights Japan K.K.www.techinsights.com

Thaleswww.thalesgroup.com/en

Hotels & Accommodation

Grand Hyatt Tokyohttp://tokyo.grand.hyatt.com

New Otani Co. Ltd.www.newotani.co.jp

Holding Companies

Lixil Group Corporationwww.lixil-group.co.jp

Human Resources & Training

Pasona Canada Inc.www.pasona.comwww.pasonagroup.co.jp

Randstad K.K.www.randstad.co.jp

Insurance

AIU Insurance Companywww.aiu.co.jp

Bridges International Insurance Servicewww.biis.ca

Manulifewww.manulife.co.jpInterpretation &

Translation

Office M-Brains

Thomas Consultants International Co. Ltd.ww.thomasconsultantsintl.com

YPS Internationalwww.yps-international.com

IT & Software

Emissary Computer Solutions www.emissary.co.jp

Lawyers & Legal Services

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP www.blg.com/en

Bull Housserwww.bht.com

Davis LLP – Davis & Takahashiwww.davis.jp

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLPwww.gowlings.com

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLPwww.osler.com

Nakai Immigration Services LPCwww.tokyovisa.co.jp

TMI Associateswww.tmi.gr.jp

Torys LLPwww.torys.com

Transfer Canada Pacific Management Ltd.www.tcpm-21.com

White & Case LLPwww.whitecase.comwww.whitecase.co.jp

Management

North Plainswww.northplains.com

Marketing & Communications

Thomson Reutershttp://thomsonreuters.com

Minerals & Metals

Canpotex (Japan) Limitedwww.canpotex.com

Rio Tintowww.riotinto.com

Movers & Relocation

Asian Tigers Mobilitywww.asiantigers-japan.com

Petroleum Products

Chevron International Gas Inc.www.chevron.com

Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd.www.idemitsu.com

Pharmaceuticals

Sato Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. www.sato-seiyaku.co.jp

Real Estate & Property

Century 21 Sky Realtywww.century21japan.com

Colliers Internationalwww.colliers.com

Showa Sangyowww.showa-sangyo.co.jp

TSI International Groupwww.tsi-international.com

www.tsi-direct.comTransportation & Freight

Fednavwww.fednav.com/en

Testing & Certification

CSA Group Japanwww.csagroup.org

Disclaimer:

As this list will be made public, no information regarding individual members will be available. Individual membership information and member representative contacts will be made available to the general CCCJ membership in the Annual Membership Directory.This information is also available—for members only—on the CCCJ website. www.cccj.or.jp

034 / The Canadian

Chamber Voices

BY R. SAKAI-IRVINE

GLORIOUS & FREECRobert Sakai-Irvine is a journalist

and university lecturer in Tokyo. jp.linkedin.com/in/RSakaiIrvine

DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTHWELCOMING SYRIAN REFUGEES TO CANADA IS AN ACT OF TRUE PATRIOT LOVE

One of the proudest days I’ve ever had as a Canadian was Dec. 10, 2015. That was the day (technically Dec. 11 here in Japan) the first planeload of Syrian refu-gees in an ambitious Canadian govern-ment-backed airlift arrived at Pearson International Airport just outside Toron-to, met by a welcome committee headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“You are home. Welcome home,” the prime minister told one family of new-comers, among the first of 25,000 Syrians who would arrive in Canada by Feb. 27 this year. And it was just the opening act. The government announced on March 8 that it was aiming to accept 51,000-57,000 refugees (not only Syrians) in 2016, and 285,000-305,000 new residents in to-tal. The maximum targets for 2015 were 30,200 and 285,000, respectively.

That airport scene reverberated around the world, but it struck an espe-cially deep chord with many Canadians like myself, perhaps because it summed up in a few powerful moments what many of us understand Canada—and “Canadian-ness”—to be in the 21st cen-tury. Many, including myself, are from families who came to Canada relatively recently. Arrival in a new country and all the hardship and potential that it rep-resents is a core narrative in our stories. What’s more, we watched and read and tweeted in the knowledge that, on the whole, the Syrians walking on Canadian soil for the first time that night would be welcomed into their new nation.

“Diversity our strength” is the civic motto of Toronto, but it could very well be that of all Canada. And not just because of the macro-level economic and social dynamism that openness and immigra-tion bring. No, this could be our maxim because Canada’s openness often has a

striking impact on the personal develop-ment of all of us who grew up in or joined our diverse national family.

The very fact that hundreds of thou-sands of people from all over the world become Canadian every year, that all of us live our lives together studying, working, talking, arguing, partying and squishing into overstuffed ttc subway cars means that acceptance of people as

they are is simply essential to day-to-day existence. So much so that this accept-ance can become just another part of our mental furniture—solid, dependa-ble, always there and therefore little no-ticed. Difference is the norm, cultural cross-pollination a fact of the everyday.

All this is, I believe, an advantage to Canadian expats, including many read-

ers of this magazine. An OS-level accept-ance of things done differently means adaptability without compromising our core identities. It means we can fit into our overseas homes with little friction, making us better able to capitalize on the many things we have in common with our neighbours rather than get snagged on the few differences. This doesn’t erase the possibility for disagreement, but in the aggregate contemporary Canadian programming is an enormous plus, in business, in friendship and in romance.

Sitting in Japan as I watched the Syr-ians’ arrival, however, the moment was tinged with a sad, doubled-edged frus-tration. On one side of the blade there was the certainty that, despite the obvi-ous humanitarian need, no such happy photo ops would be happening anytime soon in Japan, though it may be one of the richest nations on Earth (and one with a declining population). On the other, was the understanding of how rich Canada has become both cultural-ly and economically exactly because it opened its doors—advantages I hope my adopted home country will have as well.

As an immigrant to Japan in all but name, I know that this country can be accepting as well, that it generally values different cultures and contact with peo-ple from all over. And yet the Japanese government rejects the vast majority of refugee claims and has no true immigra-tion policy to speak of. But whatever risks Japan sees in accepting new people—es-pecially those in most dire need of help, like the millions of Syrians now in refu-gee camps—the potential for cultural growth, for infusing the economy with a fresh dynamism, for creating global cit-izens are far greater. The modern Cana-dian experience is, I hope, proof of this.

You are home. Welcome

home”— Justin Trudeau to Syrian newcomers to Canada, Dec. 10, 2015 in Toronto

The Canadian / 035

Retrography

FILM NOIR R

The Canadian / 035

NEGLECTED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN— E. Herbert NormanCanadian diplomat and historian Herbert Norman was born in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture in 1909 to Methodist missionaries.

He studied Japanese history at the universities of Toronto, Cambridge and Harvard (where he earned his PhD) before publishing Japan’s Emergence as a Modern State in 1940. During the Allied occupation of Japan, he served as the Canadian representative to Douglas MacArthur’s administra-tion. Later, as Canada’s Ambassa-dor to Egypt, he was instrumental to peacemaking during the Suez Canal crisis. Suspected of being a communist and a spy, Norman took his own life in Cairo under the unrelenting pressure—a tragic end to a brilliant career.

The 1998 John Kramer film The Man Who Might Have Been documents his story. It recently screened at the Canadian Embas-sy to mark the 15th anniversary of the E.H. Norman Library at the Embassy of Canada in Japan.

PHOTO COURTESY EMBASSY OF CANADA, TOKYO