A New Chapter in Canada-Japan Relations: A Giant Leap Forward

In the midst of complicated geopolitical realities, it is essential for Japan to strengthen relations with Canada, with which it shares fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Moreover, Canada occupies a pivotal position in the North American economic market and also plays a leading role in the fields of advanced technology, AI and quantum technology. This lecture discusses the significance and recent progress of Canada-Japan cooperation in the strategic areas of the Indo-Pacific, economic security, climate change and more.
Ambassador Yamanouchi is a distinguished diplomat with a career spanning decades of service. After graduating from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in 1984, he rose through diplomatic ranks, holding key positions such as First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. (1997) and director of various divisions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan including First Southeast Asia Division, Press Division, and First North America Division. His notable appointments include serving as Minister for Economic Affair at the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. (2013), as Assistant Minister/ Director General, Economic Bureau and as Ambassador, Consul-General of Japan in New York (2018). In May 2022, he took up the role of Ambassador of Japan to Canada, continuing his legacy of fostering strong bilateral relations. Throughout his career, Kanji Yamanouchi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and diplomatic skill, he was chosen as one of the Top 50 Influencing Foreign Policy by the Hill Times.
Organized by the Centre for the Study of Global Japan, University of Toronto.