programmes

On behalf of the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry [SHOKOKAI], the Japan External Trade Organization [JETRO] and The Japan Society, we are very pleased to advise that the first speaker in the Spring Programme will be The Honourable John Manley, President and Chief Executive of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives (CCCE).

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We are delighted to welcome Dr. Wendy Dobson as our final speaker in our 2011 Spring Series. As you are likely aware, Dr. Dobson is Co-Director of the Institute for International Business in the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, a former Associate Deputy Minister of Finance in the Canadian government and a former President of the C.D. Howe Institute, Canada’s leading independent economic think tank. She teaches courses in open economy macroeconomics and international business. Her research in international economics and international business focuses on globalization and regional integration. Her latest book is titled Gravity Shift: How Asia’s Economic Powerhouses Will Shape the 21st Century (Rotman/UT Press, 2009).

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We were very pleased to have the Deputy Minister as our first speaker in our Winter Programme bringing, as he did, a breath of fresh air and great energy from Ottawa! M. Lévesque covered the existing commercial partnership between our two countries succinctly and clearly and provided a clarion call for a renewed commitment to enhancing the relationship going forward. It is clear that the Government of Canada is working closely with their counterparts in Japan to support enhanced business activities between our nations, to remove bilateral impediments to trade and to enhance commercial relations for the future. One might query whether the Canadian private sector has a similar commitment. If we are able to obtain a copy of the Deputy Minister’s notes, we will attach them to this Website.

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At a special presentation, hosted by the Toronto Association of Commerce and Industry [SHOKOKAI], The Japan External Trade Organization [JETRO] and the Society, Joseph Caron, a former Canadian Ambassador (China, Japan and India in succession over the past decade), provided his usual insightful and germane comments on the present political and economic environment in Asia/Pacific, with particular emphasis on Japan. It is clear that the present situation provides significant challenges to existing diplomatic, investment and trade relations. As always, an informative and enlightening afternoon with Joseph.

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During this stimulating and fascinating presentation, Katherine spoke of the times and tribulations of the great Japanese artist, HOKUSAI Katsushika, and his daughter Oie. Born in Edo in 1760, Hokusai-sensei produced some of the finest and most memorable ukiyo-e woodblock prints ever created. We were taken into the late 18th and early 19th century Edo region of Japan and discovered how they survived and, on occasion, thrived as artists. And the role of Oie-san? You will need to (and should) read The Ghost Brush and discover what the author believes was her role. Our first effort at a writer’s event and one that we feel should be repeated.

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We were very pleased to be able to host a luncheon for our new Ambassador, Kaoru Ishikawa, very early in his new posting. The Ambassador first provided his candid view on Canada, what he referred to as a country of balance as evidenced by, inter alia, its emphasis on multiculturalism and fiscal and financial strength. He followed with comments on Canada’s role in international associations (the G8 and the G20) and as a nation with its feet in the two main oceans of the world. The Ambassador then spoke in considerable detail about Japan’s role in the international community and recent developments in the Japanese economy, political life and industry. He concluded with remarks about the things Canada and Japan can and should do together, emphasizing the many areas where we do work together.

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We were delighted to welcome back one of our favourite and most forthright speakers, Robert A. Ulmer, Ontario’s Representative in Japan, to provide his insightful comments on Japan as he sees it at present. While conducting us on an interesting, informative and spirited walk through the streets of Tokyo, he addressed the current values and priorities of Japanese society, politics and business, the likely changes in the relationship between Canada and Japan and the opportunities expected to arise in Japan for Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs. A copy of his slide show is available by, click here.

The first Canadian of Japanese origin to be elected to Parliament and become a federal Cabinet Minister, Ms. Oda will discuss her insights and understanding of Canada-Japan foreign relations and trade on Friday, May 28, 2010.  She will highlight how Canada and Japan are working together in international development leading up to Canada's G8 Summit in Muskoka this summer. The presentation will be held from 12:00 noon in the offices of McMillan LLP, 44th Floor, Bay Wellington Tower.

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Our guest speaker provided a detailed and fascinating overview of the wonderful but somewhat wacky world of the Web. Then a Collaboration and Web 2.0 Strategist at Bell Canada, Satoshi spoke eloquently, albeit somewhat in terms that were jargon driven, on the benefits, realities and needs for businesses of all shapes and sizes of a more active and focused understanding of what the Web offers and how to use it to your advantage. A repeat or up-dated performance may be needed!