News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) celebrated a successful Hackathon "Renaissance" and Networking Party, attracting around 40 participants, on Friday, January 26th 2024. The event, serving as a catalyst for collaboration between Canada and Japan, aligns seamlessly with the CCCJ's mission.

During the Hackathon, participants engaged in stimulating breakout sessions led by committee chairs, including those overseeing Publication and Communication, Events, Gala, Golf, Membership, Emerging Technology, Energy, Real Estate, and CSR. Greetings from each committee chair added a personal touch, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and idea exchange.

Specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters Japan, a CCCJ Corporate member, released results of their latest survey concerning employees that accepted counteroffers to remain with their company.

Specialist professional recruitment firm Robert Walters Japan, a CCCJ Corporate member, released results of their latest survey results on how benefits are being used as a means to avoid turnover.

On the night of Friday, December 1, in the presence of HIH Princess Takamado and Ambassador Ian McKay, over two hundred esteemed guests were warmly welcomed to the theme of “Renaissance” for the much-anticipated return of the 2023 Maple Leaf Gala, hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan. Attendees reveled in a night filled with music, cuisine, entertainment, and the cheerful company of fellow guests at the sold-out Palace Hotel Tokyo.