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Canada - Japan Relations
Canada and Japan are celebrating the 80th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2008-2009, following the opening by Japan of its legation in Ottawa in 1928 and Canadas establishment of its mission in Tokyo in 1929. The Embassy of Japan and Japans Consulates-General in Canada have an active calendar of events showcasing all aspects of Japan-Canada relations. Both countries are keen to deepen what is already a solid relationship.
Canada-Japan relations are underpinned by personal and economic ties, and bolstered by common values and positive perceptions of each other. Today Canada and Japan are partners in numerous international groups and organizations including the G8, APEC and the OECD. Canada and Japan share a common interest in helping to shape the future of the Asia-Pacific region, whose continued economic vitality, cooperative political relations and development matter to both countries, through institutions such as the U.N. and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
High-level visits have contributed immeasurably to mutual ties. In July 2008 Prime Minister Harper participated in the G8 Summit in Lake Toyako, Hokkaido, followed by a bilateral visit to Tokyo. At that time, the Emperor and Empress of Japan accepted an invitation to visit Canada in 2009. There were also a number of visits by Canadian Ministers to Japan associated with Japans 2008 Chairmanship of the G8. Additionally, there are annual parliamentary exchanges between Canada and Japan aimed at developing a better mutual understanding of bilateral issues.
Japan's like-mindedness, role in the Asia-Pacific region and its commitment to Afghanistan make it a key security partner for Canada. Japan's growing diplomatic activism has led Canada to seek the expansion of its peace and security cooperation with Japan. Our 2005 Peace and Security Cooperation Agenda is an affirmation of the steadily-rising levels of bilateral collaboration.
As the worlds second-largest economy, Japan remains a priority market for Canada. It is the third-largest market for Canadian goods exports ($9.2 billion in 2007) and Canadas fourth-largest source of imported goods ($15.4 billion in 2007). There is also substantial two-way trade in services (approaching $5 billion annually.) Bilateral direct investment between Canada and Japan is also substantial, with Canadian investment in Japan totalling $3.6 billion and Japanese direct investment in Canada totalling $13.4 billion as of 2007.
Both governments have taken steps to deepen economic ties, including through a formal Economic Framework consisting of 15 priority areas of cooperation and a Canada-Japan Joint Study. Released in October 2007, the Study highlighted positive economic relations between Canada and Japan and indicated that more could be done to strengthen our commercial ties. Following the conclusion of the Study, at the January 2008 meeting of the Canada-Japan Joint Economic Committee, the two governments agreed to establish a Trade and Investment Dialogue, to include (i) regulatory cooperation, (ii) trade policy and (iii) the business environment.
Canada and Japan enjoy cultural and people-to-people linkages at many levels. Pop culture has become the principal vehicle by which thousands of Canadians and Japanese are exposed to each others music, film, art and sport. On the academic front, seven Canadian studies centres or programs exist at various Japanese universities. These are supported by the Japanese Association for Canadian Studies.
A number of government programs are in place to help facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Prominent among these is the Working Holiday Program which has just been expanded in 2008 to accommodate 9500 Japanese and Canadians on short term travel and work opportunities. In addition, some 600 Canadians are currently enrolled in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, teaching English in schools across Japan. Finally, more than 70 cities and towns across Canada have sister-city relationships with municipalities in Japan, including a sister-province relationship between Alberta and Hokkaido.
August 2008
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