Greetings Upon Assuming Office
2026/9/17
I am Masashi Nakagome, and I have recently arrived to assume my post as Ambassador of Japan to Canada. I presented my Letters of Credence to Her Excellency The Right Honourable Louise Arbour, Governor General of Canada, on September 15, 2026, officially commencing my duties as Ambassador.
Photo credit: Ms. Anne-Marie Brisson, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026
The diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada began in July 1928, when Japan opened its first diplomatic mission in Canada. The two countries will soon mark 100 years of diplomatic relations.
Today, Japan and Canada are reliable like-minded partners that share fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. As G7 members, we also work together to promote peace and prosperity in the international community. In recent years, Canada has deepened its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through its "Indo-Pacific Strategy." On the occasion of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Japan in March 2026, the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
The relationship between Japan and Canada has developed into a robust one, spanning a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economy, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges. The relationship we enjoy today is undoubtedly the result of the sustained efforts of many people who have served as bridges between the two countries over the years.
However, I believe that there remains considerable potential to deepen relations between Japan and Canada.
As geopolitical tensions rise and uncertainty surrounding the global economy increases, Canada — a major energy and agricultural power with abundant critical minerals, strong research and development capabilities, and technological expertise — is also an important partner from the perspective of economic security. By leveraging each other's strengths, Japan and Canada can expand mutually beneficial cooperation in a range of fields, including energy security, critical minerals, and advanced technologies.
Defense and security cooperation with Canada, which faces both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has deepened rapidly in recent years. Canada's participation as an observer in the "Global Combat Air Programme" (GCAP) is one example, and there is scope to strengthen this cooperation further. I would also like to deepen people-to-people exchanges. I intend to steadily implement the roadmap compiled by the two leaders in March this year and advance relations between our two countries.
I believe that 2028 should not be merely a year to celebrate the 100th anniversary. I would like to make this milestone an important opportunity to look back on the past 100 years and, at the same time, elevate the relationship between the two countries to an even higher level as we look ahead to the next 100 years of Japan-Canada relations.
To this end, I will do my utmost as Ambassador. I would greatly appreciate your continued guidance and support.
Photo credit: Ms. Anne-Marie Brisson, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2026
The diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada began in July 1928, when Japan opened its first diplomatic mission in Canada. The two countries will soon mark 100 years of diplomatic relations.
Today, Japan and Canada are reliable like-minded partners that share fundamental values and principles such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. As G7 members, we also work together to promote peace and prosperity in the international community. In recent years, Canada has deepened its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through its "Indo-Pacific Strategy." On the occasion of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Japan in March 2026, the relationship between the two countries was elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
The relationship between Japan and Canada has developed into a robust one, spanning a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economy, culture, sports, and people-to-people exchanges. The relationship we enjoy today is undoubtedly the result of the sustained efforts of many people who have served as bridges between the two countries over the years.
However, I believe that there remains considerable potential to deepen relations between Japan and Canada.
As geopolitical tensions rise and uncertainty surrounding the global economy increases, Canada — a major energy and agricultural power with abundant critical minerals, strong research and development capabilities, and technological expertise — is also an important partner from the perspective of economic security. By leveraging each other's strengths, Japan and Canada can expand mutually beneficial cooperation in a range of fields, including energy security, critical minerals, and advanced technologies.
Defense and security cooperation with Canada, which faces both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, has deepened rapidly in recent years. Canada's participation as an observer in the "Global Combat Air Programme" (GCAP) is one example, and there is scope to strengthen this cooperation further. I would also like to deepen people-to-people exchanges. I intend to steadily implement the roadmap compiled by the two leaders in March this year and advance relations between our two countries.
I believe that 2028 should not be merely a year to celebrate the 100th anniversary. I would like to make this milestone an important opportunity to look back on the past 100 years and, at the same time, elevate the relationship between the two countries to an even higher level as we look ahead to the next 100 years of Japan-Canada relations.
To this end, I will do my utmost as Ambassador. I would greatly appreciate your continued guidance and support.