Board of Governors

It is a great honour to have been elected as Chair in the 2023 election. I have been involved with the CCCJ for many years, serving on the board from 2011-2015 and 2020-2023, including a term as vice chair from 2012-2014. The CCCJ has become a second family to me here in Japan and I am proud to see the Chamber grow over the years under the leadership of past Chairs Wilf Wakely, Neil Van Wouw, and David Anderson.

I have also had the pleasure to serve on other boards such as the Forum Quebec-Japon and the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia during my time back in Canada. I now look forward to contributing to the CCCJ and supporting the various committees that are striving to have a positive impact on Canada-Japan business. 

In my professional life I have been supporting business between Canada and Japan for over 25 years. I have worked for large multinational companies such as Nestlé, Sumitomo Corporation, Hitachi High-Tech, Fleury Michon and in my current role at Intralox Japan as head of their Industrial Food Business and Country Director. Over the years, I have also done market entry consulting work for Quebec-based companies looking to build their presence in the Japanese market, such as Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The 7 Fingers) and Artika.

I look forward to furthering trade and investment relations between Canada and Japan with the support of our Vice Chair Annamarie Sasagawa, our board of Governors, our Executive Director Noriko Ishida and our office staff. 

I grew up in British Columbia and first came to Japan 18 years ago. I’m a cultural anthropologist by training and worked in tourism operations and research consulting before my current role in global communications at a Japanese multinational.

The CCCJ exists to develop the Japan-Canada business relationship, and I want this to be a relationship based on shared values and an eagerness to learn from each other. Business success is never easy or predictable but I believe access to the knowledge and support of a diverse and experienced community like the CCCJ makes a real difference.

As CCCJ vice-chair, I look forward to supporting the Chair, Executive Director, and Board of Governors in our shared goal of making the CCCJ the go-to place for both business support and friendly community for anyone who considers themselves a stakeholder in the Canada-Japan business relationship. We’re happy to have you; please get involved!

Japan has been a consistent focus throughout my academic and professional career. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, I attended Columbia University where I majored in East Asian Language and Cultures, with a concentration in Japanese literature. In my third year I spent a semester abroad studying at Kyoto University.

My first professional experience in Japan was, like many, via the JET Program. I spent two years based in Gifu Prefecture where I had the pleasure of negotiating and supporting the establishment of a sister-city arrangement between Motosu City and Devon, Alberta. This experience cemented my desire to develop a career dedicated to supporting the Canada-Japan relationship.

Since graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, my legal career has been split between Toronto and Tokyo.  I am currently a partner at DLA Piper.  DLA Piper is an international law firm with offices in over 40 countries, including (in no particular order) offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal. My practice has a particular focus on Japan-Canada matters.  I regularly advise Canadian entities on investments into Japan and support Japanese entities on their business opportunities in Canada. As a proud Canadian in Tokyo I was honored to provide pro bono legal support to the Canadian Olympic Committee during the recent Tokyo Olympic Games.

I have been an active member of the CCCJ since 2010 and am eager to contribute to its continued growth and success. As a Governor, I will be committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming environment that encourages participation and collaboration.  

I will work hard to support our membership and develop opportunities to promote our collective knowledge and expertise.  

I am of Sino-Mauritian descent, born and raised in Montreal. I studied mechanical and mechatronics engineering at Concordia University and later obtained my MBA from McGill University becoming the first student from the main campus to complete my studies at the Tokyo campus. I have lived in Japan since 2018 and worked across various industries, but always in startups.

In Canada, I worked in manufacturing, automation, and quality assurance developing software and simulations to program robots for various applications mainly in aerospace and automotive. In moving to Japan, I made the leap into logistics and material handling. At Kyoto robotics, I was developing a clothes picking application for an automated warehouse. And then, I moved into robotics consulting at Innovatech Studio to evaluate various warehouse automation technologies. I was able to leverage that experience and take on the head of engineering role at Telexistence, where I lead the development team in designing and manufacturing a system to restock kombini shelves. The Telexistence robot, TX Scara, has been deployed at over 100 stores throughout Japan; you can see them working behind the cold beverages at certain FamilyMarts. After leaving Telexistence, I worked on a short project with ROMS to develop a simulation for their robotic picking system (RPS).

Now, I have started a new career in developing robots for space at Astroscale Japan. Together with JAXA, we are tackling the issue of removing space debris in order to make the use of space sustainable for future generations. You can follow our progress on LinkedIn or X as we enter a critical phase in our current mission to categorize an uncollaborative inactive piece of debris.

My career in robotics would not have been possible without the spark from my high school robotics team. After graduating, I became a mentor for the program called FIRST robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). My team, The Northern Knights, is the longest running Canadian team, and also the 1st Canadian team to win the world championship competition. One of my former students created her own team in Tokyo, and there are now several teams across Japan who participate in the competition.

In my spare time, I also practice Aikido and play ice hockey. I've travelled across Japan by shinkansen, and once hiked Mt.Fuji twice in the same week. I look forward to serving our community!

Joining CCCJ has been a pleasure, as it allows me to expand my communication network and has become an important part of my life. I was born in Iran and raised in the U.S.A. and Japan, as my father was a diplomat with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This upbringing gave me the opportunity to experience various cultures and meet people from countries like

Korea, Brazil, and others, which fostered my understanding of cultural differences.

After graduating from Tsuda University in Japan, founded by Umeko Tsuda (who is featured on the 5000-yen bill), I chose to work for a Japanese trading company. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of gaining experience in diverse fields, including Corporate Planning, where I was involved in Canadian liaison work and executive support. I have also worked in Global Environment, Integrated Digital Strategy, Finance, Internal Auditing, and served as Secretary & Assistant to the Board. Currently, I am assigned to my company’s think tank, where I support the business headquarters through foresight consulting and global intelligence research.

I am passionate about contributing to the collaboration between Canada and Japan through CCCJ, particularly in the areas of women’s inclusion and education. I hold a certification as an English teacher for junior high and high schools and have a daughter. My experience as a woman and mother working in a traditional Japanese company has given me a unique perspective.

One of my missions is to promote the best aspects of Canada to my colleagues and friends. Based on my experience, many Japanese people have a positive impression of Canada, but they may not fully realize how friendly and compatible Canada is as a partner for Japan. I would like to encourage them to get to know Canada better and help strengthen the community between our two nations.

As a Saskatchewan native who attended the U of S, I did what a lot of us do when we graduate – move away for what we saw as “better opportunities”. Since I have joined the workforce in the telecommunications/IT industry, I have been very lucky to work in the US/APAC and in Japan over the last 20 years. However, the one place that work has yet to take me is Canada. Therefore, I have been looking for opportunities to strengthen ties back to the Canadian community and came across the CCCJ as a way to get involved. For me, being a Governor for the CCCJ gives me the opportunity to contribute more to the Canadian community by volunteering my time towards initiatives which will benefit the CCCJ community here in Japan and bring the Canadian and Japanese communities closer together by acting as a “bridge” between the two cultures. There are benefits for both Canada and Japan to collaborate more closely, and I hope to be able to contribute to strengthening and broadening the partnership.

I am particularly interested in collaborations in the areas of developing technology partnerships & investments, educational opportunities, spreading the knowledge around best practices for gender diversity management and of course, supporting the social aspect of the Chamber. I was able to get involved in a few activities for the Chamber this year since I joined, and I have found the work very rewarding because the CCCJ membership is comprised of a truly wonderful group of people.

I hope I can fairly represent you as Governor for the CCCJ and I look forward to contributing towards the growth of this vibrant community.

The Canada-Japan relationship has been a central part of my life since childhood.  My father’s work as a professor of Japanese history at UBC lead to me spending several years in Japanese schools.  This was followed by a degree in Asian Studies and many summers as a tour guide for Japanese visitors to BC and Alberta.   In 1985 I had the opportunity to represent Canada in Japan was while working at the Expo in Tsukuba.

 This was followed by several years as a consultant helping Canadian companies access the Japanese market.

For the past 30 years I have represented Japan in the world of international investments.  My main responsibilities were to manage the analysis of companies and marketing Japanese equities.  Advising a broad range of Japanese corporations as they raised capital and expanded globally was a fascinating challenge.  

I have been active in the CCCJ for most of the 20+ years I have lived in Japan.   It continues to be an amazing, accessible organization that punches above its weight at the centre of the Canada-Japan relationship.  Some of my key Chamber leadership roles include head of the events committee, membership, CSR and our Team Canada efforts in support of the Rugby World Cup/Olympics.  In the past 6 months I have returned to  my roots as a Japan consultant. As a governor I would like to help the Chamber create a long term plan to support Japanese investment in Canada as well as focus on opportunities for Canadian SME’s and younger Canadians to realize their full potential in Japan.  

Born in Japan and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, I graduated from the University of British Columbia and arrived to Japan in 2002.

I remember as a university student wandering through the beautiful Nitobe Inazo Memorial garden at the UBC campus and pledging that one day I would become a “Kakehashi” (bridge) that connected Canadian, Japanese, international people, cultures and businesses together.

With both my Japanese roots and Canadian upbringing, I look forward to further strengthening and adding value to the Canadian and Japanese relationship and the members of the CCCJ. During my time as governor I hope to create more business development opportunities for members, increase memberships and sponsorships, and further deepen collaborations with other chambers and businesses to bring practical and timely business information and connections to the CCCJ members.

I have been working in Japan for over 20 years in the hospitality, technology, and real estate sectors with the focus on sales, marketing and management. With over 10 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry I have helped hundreds of start-ups to global fortune 500 companies with advisory services for office space requirements in Japan and overseas. Currently, I advise international and domestic companies with occupier services including lease acquisition, lease renewal, relocation or consolidation services across office, warehousing and retail sectors.

In the early days of my career, I worked in one of Japan’s largest travel companies managing corporate and educational tours to overseas destinations. Thereafter, my entrepreneurial spirit and excitement towards start-up companies also led me to work in the technology scene allowing me to travel all over the world.

During my time in Japan I have been active in various organizations such as my involvement in the board of directors for FEW, as well as various chambers and networking organizations within Tokyo.

It is an honour to be a part of the board and I look forward to meeting you all in the months to come!

 

I have been associating with Canadian Forest, especially in BC and Alberta last 44 years mostly in Tokyo by selling forestry products from those states into Japanese housing industries.

I joined CCCJ about 30 years ago as a corporate member but not an active member. In March, 2013, I joined HBA group with good support by Wilf Wakely, which, obviously, opened my eyes and started associating with other CCCJ members as well as activities.

Japan and Canada have been maintaining excellent relationship in many ways and I believe CCCJ would contribute to make it even better by providing networking opportunities to corporates as well as to individuals.

CCCJ has good networks with other countries’ chambers of commerce, which should also open up good opportunities globally.

In order to make this organization more active, it would be quite important to have as many CCCJ members as possible, and as a governor I would like to work closely with the membership committee and other HBA members in an attempt to recruit new members, and join CCCJ’s networking activities such as the Golf Scramble held on April 23, 2021 to solidify networks.

Andréanne Parent is a 'Québécoise' fluent in French, English and Japanese, the youngest board member ever to get elected in CCCJ history.

About Andréanne

Graduated with honors from Bishop University with BA in International relations with a minor in Japanese studies, she also completed the 1 year- exchange program at Waseda University’s Dean's list. Her professional career started in Japan as a new graduate hire in the traditional Japanese corporate culture management track program at H.I.S. Group in Nagasaki before joining their merger and acquisition project with a Canadian B2B travel agency in Tokyo.

Following the successful merger, she has since joined the Global British HR talent consultancy Robert Walters Japan K.K., which specializes in consulting foreign affiliates multi-national offices on their bilingual talent acquisition strategy, as well as Japanese companies planning to diversify their workforce in addition to individual career consulting. 

Member of the events committee, you can regularly see Anne at CCCJ business related events such as the monthly mixers and seminars or lifestyle events ranging from break dancing to skating. She also joined the Market Access Advisory Committee to support Canadian corporations navigate the Japanese market, but also welcomes Japanese corporations expanding their operations in Canada. 

A native British Columbian (born in Port Alberni and raised in Victoria), my affection for Japan blossomed in 1988 at the University of Victoria when I began studying Japanese as part of my Pacific and Asian Studies degree and also working part-time as a supervisor for Japanese college students in the ESL program. 

My first experience working in Japan was in 1990 as part of the hotel kitchen/dining room staff at the ryokan Nisshinkan at Gunma's Manza Onsen  and, upon graduation from UVIC in 1992, I spent two years as a Coordinator of International Relations at the Wakayama Prefectural Government as part of the JET Program.

Since graduating from the University of Toronto law school in 1998, I have split my 26-year career as a lawyer between Vancouver (8 years) and Tokyo (18 years) and am currently a Partner heading the Japan M&A practice at A&O Shearman, an international law firm with 26 offices globally including in Canada and Japan.  At our Tokyo office, we focus on representing both Japanese businesses active overseas and multinational (including Canadian) clients in Japan on their joint ventures, acquisitions, sales, investments and other cross-border transactions.  I have also been teaching a course on comparative corporate and finance law at the Keio University Law School as an adjunct professor since 2014.

I have been keenly involved in the CCCJ since returning to Japan in 2008, and have served as an elected Governor and the Corporate Secretary since 2013, and I am eager to continue to contribute to the CCCJ’s mission of promoting bilateral trade and commerce between Canada and Japan that is based on and further strengthens our countries' shared commitment to enhance ESG performance, sustainability and diversity.  

I am a Business Development Professional with a focus on developing Japanese & Canadian markets.   Much of my work has focused on developing new markets for technologies, products, and applications on both sides of the Pacific. 

After completing my undergraduate degree in Economics at UBC in 1991, I was recruited to be the head coach of Kansai University’s ice hockey team in Osaka, where I continued my studies at the Faculty of International Commerce.   In 1993, I started my business career when I initiated a market entry initiative alongside the BC Government Trade Office in Kobe. It was during this period that I first connected with past and present members of the current CCCJ. 

Over the next 30 years, I continued forming strong relationships with Japanese and Canadian government organizations and commercial enterprises with my work in Japanese corporations and as a self-employed consultant.  

I have been involved with the CCCJ over the years helping organize several energy-related events and I am currently a part of the Chamber's Energy Committee.  

As a former professional hockey player, I understand the importance of being a team player and leading by example.  The Chamber is volunteer driven and having team players on the board who bring forth fun and interesting initiatives, is vital for the growth of the Chamber.   I have been involved and enjoyed volunteering with organizations such as the Canada-Japan Society of British Columbia to help promote the cultural and commercial ties between our countries.

Currently, I am based in Tokyo as a representative of the Invest Alberta Corporation.  Invest Alberta is a crown corporation of the province of Alberta which promotes investment into Canada. My current position enables me to engage with both Japanese and Canadian corporations and to speak with them about the benefits of becoming members of and getting involved with the CCCJ.

I look forward to serving as Governor of the CCCJ for 2024-25.

I am honoured to be serving my third term as governor for the CCCJ. My career has been in Education at all levels from elementary to university, as principal, teacher/instructor, curriculum specialist, educational consultant, counsellor, and more. At CCCJ, I lead the Education Committee and actively contribute to CCCJ by helping to organize speaker series, mentoring programs for young professionals, and participating on ad-hoc committees such as for hiring and elections. In return, I have received invaluable guidance and support from CCCJ to start a new enterprise here in Japan.

As Regional Director of Japan for Ontario Virtual School, I am providing the opportunity for Japanese schools and individuals to innovate and prepare for global citizenship. OVS Japan offers a “double-diploma” program whereby students can obtain the Ontario Ministry of Education graduation diploma alongside the Japanese diploma.

I am also involved in the hospitality industry as my family owns and operates the “Izu Beach House” by ManabiTabi, a rental vacation property.

Join the CCCJ to access an incredible network of great people in so many different fields that can help you start or enhance your business!

I came to Japan from Vancouver in 1986. I’ve been very fortunate to participate in several waves of technology as they happened: CGI in civil engineering in the 80’s and 90’s; the introduction of commercial internet in the 90s; the first MVNO in the early 2000s; digital signage since 2003; and now Web3.

I’ve been a CCCJ member since 2009, and was on the CCCJ board from 2012 to 2021, including one year as vice-Chair followed by four years as Chair. I’m very happy to be back on the board after a two year break.

I believe we are in the best position ever to increase the profile of the CCCJ, provide more value for our members, and contribute to the Canada-Japan relationship. If you feel you would like to see that relationship prosper and grow, then you are a stakeholder too, and we would love for you to join us and make it happen.

Akira Yamaguchi has been appointed as Investissement Québec International’s next representative in Japan dedicated to attracting Japanese investment to the province of Québec. She will be based at the Québec Government Office in Tokyo led by David Brulotte.

Fluently trilingual in English, French and Japanese, Akira brings over 15 years of experience in international business development in France, Québec and Japan. Her in-depth knowledge of the Japanese market and the Québec-Japan business cultures, combined with her vast network in high-growth sectors such as animation and video games, make Akira well positioned to help Investissement Québec International achieve greater success in the Japanese market. Akira joined Investissement Québec International in April to ensure a transition with Mohan Patel, who plans to take gradual retirement later this year.

Prior to her position at Investissement Quebec International, she has close to a decade of experience as a independent consultant. She coordinated the opening of two branch offices for Japanese video game companies in Montreal, she participated in several official trade missions including the Asia Pacific Foundation First Canada’s first women-only business mission to Japan in 2019. 

She has assisted many companies in their efforts to develop business opportunities in Japan and the Western countries. Akira was a board member and secretary of the Quebec Japan Business Forum (QJBF) for 2 years and was then elected as President for 3 years. Akira was also the moderator and MC of “L’Effet Québec “in Shibuya, a B2B event from the Quebec Government initiative, showcasing the Quebec creator’s know-how in digital creativity.

Akira was born and raised in France from Japanese parents. She has lived in Montreal for 11 years and has become a Canadian citizen in 2014.