Welcoming Our New HBA Chair, Kanji Yamanouchi

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan is pleased to welcome Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi as the new Chair of its Honorary Board of Advisors (HBA).

Ambassador Yamanouchi served as Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada from 2022 until July 2026, before retiring from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after more than 42 years of public service. His distinguished diplomatic career also included serving as Consul-General in New York, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister at the Embassy of Japan in the United States, alongside other senior roles in Japan’s foreign policy and economic affairs.

Having spent over four years representing Japan in Canada, Ambassador Yamanouchi brings extensive first-hand experience of the diplomatic, economic and strategic relationship between the two countries.

As part of this leadership transition, the CCCJ also congratulates Seiji Omote, a current member of the CCCJ Board of Governors and the HBA, on his appointment as Vice Chair. Mr. Omote will work alongside Ambassador Yamanouchi to advance the HBA’s mission and strengthen ties between the Canadian and Japanese business communities.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Ambassador Sadaaki Numata, who has chaired the HBA since its establishment in 2012. Over the past 14 years, his leadership and steadfast support have been invaluable, and we are pleased that he will remain involved with the HBA and continue to support its mission.

We are confident that the HBA’s new leadership will bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the Chamber’s work, while building on the strong foundations established over the years. We invite our members to join us in celebrating this new chapter for the HBA and look forward to the opportunities ahead.