News
It is election time once again, and we’d like to cordially ask you to help the Chamber, and help yourself become even more involved in the Canadian community in Japan, by running for the Board of Governors of the CCCJ!
You will need to have another member fill out the document below if you wish to be nominated. If you do not know someone to do this, please let Nicolas Chow Chin Sung, Gordon Hatton or Seiji Omote know who will be more than happy to help you find a nominator.
Greater activity in the Chamber will not only make your Japan/Canada exposure more effective, but more enjoyable and constructive.
You will need to have another member fill out the document below if you wish to be nominated. If you do not know someone to do this, please let Nicolas Chow Chin Sung, Gordon Hatton or Seiji Omote know who will be more than happy to help you find a nominator.
Greater activity in the Chamber will not only make your Japan/Canada exposure more effective, but more enjoyable and constructive.
- Event Report
On Friday, December 6, over 250 distinguished guests gathered at The Okura Tokyo for the annual Maple Leaf Gala, hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ). This year’s theme, Régénération, set the tone for an evening of renewal, connection, and celebration.
Guests were treated to a vibrant atmosphere with lively music, a meticulously curated eight-course meal, and opportunities to reconnect with peers in the business community. Among the evening's esteemed attendees were Ian McKay, Canada’s Ambassador to Japan and Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific; Christa Deguchi, Gold Medalist in Women’s Judo 52kg at the Paris Olympics; Kelly Deguchi, representing Canada in Women’s Judo 57kg; and Myaku-Myaku, a cultural ambassador for the Osaka Expo 2025.
Guests were treated to a vibrant atmosphere with lively music, a meticulously curated eight-course meal, and opportunities to reconnect with peers in the business community. Among the evening's esteemed attendees were Ian McKay, Canada’s Ambassador to Japan and Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific; Christa Deguchi, Gold Medalist in Women’s Judo 52kg at the Paris Olympics; Kelly Deguchi, representing Canada in Women’s Judo 57kg; and Myaku-Myaku, a cultural ambassador for the Osaka Expo 2025.
- Event Report
The popular networking event was Back! On Thursday, October 17th, at the cool Coaster in Shimo-kitazawa, CCCJ welcomed a vibrant crowd, ushering in various industries- marketing, legal, government and more- all eager to reconnect with fellow alumni. The warm atmosphere coupled with a beer in hand, more than 70 attendees mingled with new connections within the business community over turkey dishes and poutine by adding the Fall festivities.
A huge thank you goes out to Coaster for providing an excellent venue, ensuring the drinks flowed smoothly, and generous offer of Coaster T-shirts for the Quiz Show winners! We also express our sincere gratitude to all who joined us, many proudly repping their alumni merch as well as alumni offices back in home campases in Canada to contact their alumni in Japan for helping spreading words about this event.
A huge thank you goes out to Coaster for providing an excellent venue, ensuring the drinks flowed smoothly, and generous offer of Coaster T-shirts for the Quiz Show winners! We also express our sincere gratitude to all who joined us, many proudly repping their alumni merch as well as alumni offices back in home campases in Canada to contact their alumni in Japan for helping spreading words about this event.
- Event Report
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the CCCJ hosted the latest installment of its Net-Zero Forum Series. The event presentations focused on Canada’s pivotal role in supplying critical minerals and resources for Japan’s energy transition, followed by a panel discussion. Over 70 participants attended, learning about the landscape of Canadian’s critical materials, support programs for Japanese companies, and other key topics from industry experts.
We hope attendees gained valuable insights into Canada’s strategic resources. The evening concluded with appetizers, refreshments, and networking opportunities.
We hope attendees gained valuable insights into Canada’s strategic resources. The evening concluded with appetizers, refreshments, and networking opportunities.
- Event Report
On June 28th, CCCJ held Annual General Meeting to Japan at Embassy of Canada. Marc Bolduc, Chair welcomed members at the meeting.
Riyo Whitney and Neil van Wouw, co-chairs of the Election Supervision Committee announced the result of governing board election and introduced elected Governors for 2024 - 2026 term: Nicolas Chow Chin Sung, Christian Howes, Kayo Ito, Ai Nakagawa, Seiji Omote, and Greg Rozitis.
Riyo Whitney and Neil van Wouw, co-chairs of the Election Supervision Committee announced the result of governing board election and introduced elected Governors for 2024 - 2026 term: Nicolas Chow Chin Sung, Christian Howes, Kayo Ito, Ai Nakagawa, Seiji Omote, and Greg Rozitis.
Robert Walters Japan introduces new employee benefit: Social security benefits for same-sex partners
TOKYO, JAPAN - Robert Walters Japan, a specialist professional recruitment firm and CCCJ member, announced the introduction of social security benefits for employees with same-sex partners on June 1st 2024. Because same-sex marriage is currently not legal, same-sex partners in Japan miss out on social security benefits. This new report introduces a new financial benefit to Robert Walters employees that have a same-sex partner and meets the conditions for coverage by the Health Insurance Society.
To read more, download the pdf version.
Robert Walters, a corporate member, published a press release reporting trends in the hiring of foreign national candidates. Over the years, an increasing amount of companies are focusing on boosting diversity in their hiring process due to the lower domestic workforce. The report also discusses how the rate of foreign national candidates hired has been increasing.
To learn more, check out their website or download the pdfs below.
To learn more, check out their website or download the pdfs below.
- Event Report
The Alumni Mixer made its triumphant return on Thursday, March 28th, at the cozy Hobgoblin Pub in Shibuya, after a hiatus since 2019. CCCJ welcomed a vibrant crowd, ushering in more than 80 attendees from various industries- marketing, finance, machinery, education, automotive, IT, legal, government and more- all eager to reconnect with fellow alumni. The evening kicked off with Riyo Whitney, Chair of the CCCJ Education committee. The warm atmosphere coupled with a beer in hand, guests mingled with new connections within the business community.
A huge thank you goes out to Hobgoblin for providing an excellent venue and ensuring the drinks flowed smoothly! We also express our sincere gratitude to all who joined us, many proudly repping their alumni merch. Your enthusiasm for upcoming events pushes us to continually elevate CCCJ.
A huge thank you goes out to Hobgoblin for providing an excellent venue and ensuring the drinks flowed smoothly! We also express our sincere gratitude to all who joined us, many proudly repping their alumni merch. Your enthusiasm for upcoming events pushes us to continually elevate CCCJ.
Happy International Women's Day! Let's take a moment to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women globally. Investing in women isn't just about empowerment—it's about accelerating progress for everyone.
Here are inspiring messages from Governors of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Here are inspiring messages from Governors of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
- Event Report
On Monday, March 4, 2024, CCCJ launched Stage 1: Mobility & Infrastructure of the Net-Zero Forum series at the Oscar Peterson Theatre in the Canadian Embassy in Japan. Attendees listened to seven presentations delivered by industry leaders, followed by a panel discussion. The event concluded with a networking reception, providing guests with the opportunity to exchange ideas on fostering a sustainable future.
CCCJ extends gratitude to the Canadian Embassy and all those who contributed to the success of the Net-Zero Forum. Special thanks to our sponsors: Edmonton International Airport, Invest Alberta, Meiho Facility Works Ltd., and Natural Resources Canada. Stay tuned for updates on Stage 2!
CCCJ extends gratitude to the Canadian Embassy and all those who contributed to the success of the Net-Zero Forum. Special thanks to our sponsors: Edmonton International Airport, Invest Alberta, Meiho Facility Works Ltd., and Natural Resources Canada. Stay tuned for updates on Stage 2!
- Event Report
On Tuesday, February 20th, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce held its 2024 Shinnenkai at HyLife Pork Table. Guests were swiftly greeted with their choice of drinks served by attentive HyLife staff and the delicious, appetizing aroma of sizzling pork—so enticing that a solo traveler almost became a CCCJ member just for a slice of the pork.
Despite a chance of rain that evening, more than 70 eager people made their way to Daikanyama and were rewarded with a high-spirited, close-knit night of networking. After a welcoming toast from Annamarie Sasegawa, Vice-Chair, to kick-off the evening, guests were presented with a wonderful buffet by the chefs of HyLife Pork Table. Attendees had an array of premium cuts of pork to dine on- grilled, roast, ribs— you name it. And if you wanted to take a quick break from the pork, there was delicious pasta, pizza, and select appetizers to munch on!
Despite a chance of rain that evening, more than 70 eager people made their way to Daikanyama and were rewarded with a high-spirited, close-knit night of networking. After a welcoming toast from Annamarie Sasegawa, Vice-Chair, to kick-off the evening, guests were presented with a wonderful buffet by the chefs of HyLife Pork Table. Attendees had an array of premium cuts of pork to dine on- grilled, roast, ribs— you name it. And if you wanted to take a quick break from the pork, there was delicious pasta, pizza, and select appetizers to munch on!
It is election time once again, and we’d like to cordially ask you to help the Chamber, and help yourself become even more involved in the Canadian community in Japan, by running for the Board of Governors of the CCCJ!
You will need to have another member fill out the document below if you wish to be nominated. If you do not know someone to do this, please let either Neil van Wouw or Riyo Whitney know- they will be more than happy to help you find a nominator.
You will need to have another member fill out the document below if you wish to be nominated. If you do not know someone to do this, please let either Neil van Wouw or Riyo Whitney know- they will be more than happy to help you find a nominator.