It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new Ambassador of Japan to Canada, succeeding Ambassador Okuda. I presented my credentials to His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on April 23rd allowing me to officially start my duties.

I have served as Ambassador to Iraq, Ambassador to Qatar and Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations which has jurisdiction over education, culture and science. Many of you may have heard about this organization when “Washoku” (traditional culinary cultures of Japan) and “Washi” (traditional Japanese hand-made paper) were added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and also when the “Tomioka Silk Mill” was included on the World Heritage List, which have all been realized during my tenure with UNESCO.

Although I visited Canada twice when I was in charge of bilateral cooperation for national security in the 1990s and in the 2000s, this is my first time working in Canada. I am delighted to start my new assignment in this country which has a significant importance to Japan.

Japan has been building a good relationship with Canada since we share common values as major developed countries and I believe that we have even more possibilities of deepening our relationship. I would like to promote further cooperation in a broad range of fields, such as economy including trade and energy sector, diplomacy, national security, science and technology, as well as culture and education, with the support and cooperation from the relevant parties of both countries. For this purpose, I believe it is very important to promote “Japan” through an all-Japan effort in close cooperation between both public and private sectors and I would appreciate your kind support. Canada is a large country, but I would like to visit many regions and look forward to meeting many new people.

I will keep you informed of our Embassy’s activities through social media as well as this website. I hope you would continue to join us for updates.