grassroot

 

Partnership across the Pacific                         

As Japan and Canada celebrate 80 years diplomatic relations in 2008, we are enjoying an excellent partnership, based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and market economy.  As the most mature democracy and the most advanced market economy in Asia, Japan is the No.1 partner in the region which Canada can count on. 

 

 

Global and Regional Cooperation to Ensure Peace and Prosperity

To ensure peace and prosperity in the region and in the world, Japan and Canada work together through international institutions such as the UN, G8, ARF, WTO, and APEC.  Japan and Canada are also parties to other international agreements and forums in such areas as arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, economy and the environment.  In July 2008 Japan will host the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit, where Japan and Canada intend to collaborate on such issues as global warming and development in Africa. 

Bilateral high-level consultations and exchanges are also growing.  Japan and Canada collaborate in the area of peace and security, such as in UN Peacekeeping Operation in the Golan Heights and in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.  Canada's expertise and experience give an impetus to Japan's policy development, notably its recent initiative on Human Resource Development in Asia for peace-building. 

 

Strong Economic Relationship based on Mutual Benefits

Japan and Canada are important economic partners, with significant levels of two-way trade in goods and services, flows of direct and portfolio investments, flows of technology and ideas and movement of people. Japan is the third largest export market (natural resources, agricultural products) and the fourth largest foreign supplier (technology-driven products and telecommunications equipments) to Canada.  Japan's direct investment, such as in the car industry of Ontario, employs more than 50,000 Canadians and also exports many of these Made-in-Canada Japanese-brand cars to the U.S. market. 

In October 2007, the governments of Japan and Canada completed the"Joint Study" Report under "Economic Framework", and moved towards the next phase in the areas of Regulatory Reform, the Asia-Pacific-Gateway, Taxation Treaty, Food Safety, Intellectual Property, Energy, Science & Technology, Air Services, and Telecommunication Mutual Recognition Agreement.


Mutual Understanding through People-to-People/Cultural Exchange

For many Canadians their image of Japan is no longer limited to Mount Fuji and sushi, and many Japanese now know that there is more to Canada than Niagara Falls and maple syrup.  Thanks to increasing people-to-people exchange, we now have a much deeper mutual understanding of each other’s people and culture. Many Japanese admire Canadian tolerance and multiculturalism, while Canadians appreciate Japanese politeness and harmonized society.

Since 1988, as part of the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Programme, over 14,000 Canadian young people have lived in Japan while teaching English to students.  Under the bilateral Working Holiday Programme, over 5,000 young Japanese people work and travel across Canada every year.  Many other academic opportunities exist such as the Japan Foundation Fellowships, the MEXT Scholarships, and the Japanese Language Speech Contests. About 70 sister-city relationships exist, including the twinning of Alberta-Hokkaido.

Sushi is loved by Canadians as much as by the Japanese, while Anne of Green Gables' largest readership is in Japan. Many fascinated Canadians practice traditional Japanese culture such as Ikebana and Tea-Ceremony, and young Canadians are attracted by Manga and J-Pop music.