The Art of Partnership: Japan-Canada–US Partnership Through Culture and Diplomacy
2025/10/23
On October 23, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a panel discussion and a reception at his residence in collaboration with the International House of Japan (I-House). The I-House is a private, nonprofit organization incorporated in 1952 with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and other private institutions and individuals for the purpose of promoting cultural exchange and intellectual cooperation between the peoples of Japan and those of other countries.
The event was attended by around 65 people, including representatives and officials from the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) and the NGC Foundation, the National Arts Centre (NAC), the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the diplomatic corps, media, academic circles, and Japanese companies.
The event began with a speech by Ambassador Yamanouchi, in which he mentioned how individual relations build country relations, and how Japan, Canada, and the U.S. can work together to use their soft power not just to improve relations with each other, but among the rest of the world as well. Following the Ambassador, The Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Vice-chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group wished success on Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi and spoke of strengthening multilateral relationships between the 3 countries. Dr. Thomas D’Aquino, Honorary Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, spoke about how in these stressful times, it is important to remember the constructive power of cultural diplomacy. Finally, Dr. David Janes, Vice President of North America Office, the International House of Japan, concluded the opening speeches with a message from Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, who was unable to attend, and spoke about how cultural diplomacy lies at the heart of the I-House’s mission.
The panel was comprised of Mr. Colin Robertson, Vice President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Dr. Rie Kijima, Assistant Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy of the University of Toronto; Ms. Euijung McGillis, Assistant Curator at the National Gallery of Canada; and Ms. Noriko Yamamoto, Executive Director of the Japan Foundation, Toronto. Mr. Matthew Millar, North America Advisory Board member of the I-House, moderated the discussion, in which topics such as the 3 countries strengthening their cultural ties with each other and real-life examples of cultural diplomacy between them were thoughtfully reflected upon by the expert panelists. Questions were also taken from the audience.
After the discussion, Ms. Marie Yamada on piano and Ms. Kana Imai on violin gave a musical performance, which allowed the audience to truly experience the beauty and power of culture and the arts
The discussion was followed by a reception where Japanese food and Japanese sake were offered. The participants deepened their connections, making it a meaningful opportunity.
The event was attended by around 65 people, including representatives and officials from the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) and the NGC Foundation, the National Arts Centre (NAC), the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the diplomatic corps, media, academic circles, and Japanese companies.
The event began with a speech by Ambassador Yamanouchi, in which he mentioned how individual relations build country relations, and how Japan, Canada, and the U.S. can work together to use their soft power not just to improve relations with each other, but among the rest of the world as well. Following the Ambassador, The Honourable Krista Ross, Senator and Vice-chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group wished success on Japan’s first female prime minister Sanae Takaichi and spoke of strengthening multilateral relationships between the 3 countries. Dr. Thomas D’Aquino, Honorary Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, spoke about how in these stressful times, it is important to remember the constructive power of cultural diplomacy. Finally, Dr. David Janes, Vice President of North America Office, the International House of Japan, concluded the opening speeches with a message from Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, who was unable to attend, and spoke about how cultural diplomacy lies at the heart of the I-House’s mission.
The panel was comprised of Mr. Colin Robertson, Vice President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute; Dr. Rie Kijima, Assistant Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy of the University of Toronto; Ms. Euijung McGillis, Assistant Curator at the National Gallery of Canada; and Ms. Noriko Yamamoto, Executive Director of the Japan Foundation, Toronto. Mr. Matthew Millar, North America Advisory Board member of the I-House, moderated the discussion, in which topics such as the 3 countries strengthening their cultural ties with each other and real-life examples of cultural diplomacy between them were thoughtfully reflected upon by the expert panelists. Questions were also taken from the audience.
After the discussion, Ms. Marie Yamada on piano and Ms. Kana Imai on violin gave a musical performance, which allowed the audience to truly experience the beauty and power of culture and the arts
The discussion was followed by a reception where Japanese food and Japanese sake were offered. The participants deepened their connections, making it a meaningful opportunity.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi giving opening remarks |
Senator Ross giving remarks |
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| Dr. d’Aquino giving remarks |
Dr. Janes giving remarks |
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| The 4 panelists and moderator during the discussion |
Musical interlude by Ms. Yamada and Ms. Imai |
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| Sushi and food enjoyed by guests | Selection of sake offered to guests |