Mr. Kenjiro Monji, Ambassador of Japan, went to Toronto, Ontario from August 1 to 4. During his stay, he attended the NAJAS (National Association of Japan America Societies) annual meeting and met with government officials such as The Honourable Reza Moridi, M.P.P., Minister of Research, Innovation and Science. Ambassador Monji also visited MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, and Aga Khan Museum, and gave a lecture on the UNESCO World Heritage at the Japan Foundation, Toronto.

1．NAJAS (National Association of Japan America Societies) annual meeting

On August 2, Ambassador Monji and his spouse attended the NAJAS annual meeting with Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America and his spouse. The NAJAS annual meeting is usually held in the U.S.A. but for this year, it was held in Canada for the very first time, hosted by its Canadian member.   
In his special address, Ambassador Monji commended NAJAS for its activities and emphasized the importance to strengthen Japan-Canada-USA trilateral relationship. Moreover, Ambassador Monji participated in sessions in the economy, security, etc. in which he delivered statements on Japan-Canada relationship.

Ambassador Monji's Special Address (English Version)

2．Meetings with government officials and others

On August 3, Ambassador Monji had meetings below:
(1) The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science
Ambassador Monji met with The Honourable Reza Moridi, Minister of Research, Innovation and Science and explained about Japan-Canada’s bilateral economic relation including science and technology cooperation. Ambassador Monji also introduced to the Minister some specific projects of cooperation between Japan and the province of Ontario in the Action Plan from the third Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation held in February 12, 2016.
Minister Moridi illustrated the great importance the province of Ontario attaches to research and development of science and technology, and introduced the province as one of the largest economic zone in North America. Minister Moridi also showed his interest in strengthening the cooperation with Japan furthermore.

Minister Moridi and Ambassador Monji

(2) Ms. Janice Fukakusa, Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank
Ambassador Monji met with Ms. Janice Fukakusa, who was appointed on July 6 as the first Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Ambassador Monji expressed his sincere congratulations to Ms. Fukakusa on her appointment and introduced Japan-Canada bilateral economic relation including some Japanese companies interested in investment in Canada.

Ms. Fukakusa gave Ambassador Monji a brief explanation about the Canada Infrastructure Bank which will be established and said that more participation of Japanese companies in Canadian market is more than welcome.

Ambassador Monji and Ms. Fukakusa

(3) Mr. Daniel Schwanen, Vice President of C.D. Howe Institute

Ambassador Monji visited C.D. Howe Institute, one of the leading think tanks, and had an open discussion with Mr. Daniel Schwanen, Vice President and Dr. Wendy Dobson, former President about Japan-Canada bilateral economic relation, NAFTA renegotiation, Canadian energy policy, etc

(From left) Dr. Wendy Dobson, Ambassador Monji, Mr. Daniel Schwanen

3. Visit to MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub

On August 3, Ambassador Monji visited MaRS, North America’s largest urban innovation hub, established in 2005. With about 40 corporate partners, MaRS supports ventures on their stat-up, growth and scale. The total number of ventures receiving support from MaRS is more than 1,200. The organization is a huge space combining of renovated old building with a new building and provides more than 2,000 events per year in this open space. Many ventures take full advantage of this centre as a platform.

4. Lecture on the UNESCO World Heritage by Ambassador Monji at the Japan Foundation Toronto

From July 7 to September 1, “World Heritage in Japan: Photography by Kazuyoshi Miyoshi” exhibition is held at the Japan Foundation Toronto. On this occasion, Ambassador Monji gave a lecture on the UNESCO World Heritage. Having served as Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO (2013-2015), Ambassador Monji spoke about world heritage sites in Canada and in Japan, inscription process, deliberations for certain sites’ inscription, threats that world heritage scheme faces, importance of preservation of sites and Japanese government’s contribution to UNESCO. More than 100 guests listened to his lecture attentively until the end and had an active Q&A session.

5. Visit to Aga Khan Museum

On August 4, Ambassador Monji and his spouse visited Aga Khan Museum designed by a Japanese architect, Mr. Fumihiko Maki. This museum has permanent collection of Islamic art belonging to Aga Khan Foundation and organises some periodical exhibitions. They also visited Ismaili Centre Toronto, a symbolic marker of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

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