6 July 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada-Japan relations are based on a strong economic partnership and our shared values and viewpoints on a wide range of issues. Japan is one of Canada’s closest partners, working with Canada on issues such as climate change and the global response to the economic crisis. Japan’s role as a stable democracy and historic ally in the increasingly important Asia-Pacific Region is vital to Canada’s economic future.
ABOUT THE IMPERIAL VISIT
The Emperor and Empress of Japan are visiting Canada from July 3 to 14, 2009. Emperor Akihito visited Canada in 1953 while he was still Crown Prince, but this is the first visit by a reigning Japanese Emperor. Their Majesties will visit Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. This year is also the 20th anniversary of His Majesty’s ascension to the throne and the 50th wedding anniversary of their Majesties.
The Emperor is defined under the Japanese constitution as “the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people.” A visit by the Imperial couple is viewed as a rare occasion and an honour.
ABOUT THE CANADA-JAPAN ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Japan is by far Canada’s largest bilateral Foreign Direct Investment partner in Asia, and our second largest partner in the region in two-way merchandise trade. At the end of 2008, Canadian Direct Investment in Japan stood at $3.1 billion. Japan represents a significant market for Canadian exporters, with Canadian exports totalling almost $11.1 billion in 2008. Canadian exports of services to Japan in 2008 reached $1.4 billion.
Japan also invests substantially in Canada with 550 Japanese subsidiaries and affiliate companies employing tens of thousands of Canadians. In the auto sector alone, Japanese subsidiaries and affiliates own one commercial truck plant and more than sixty parts and machinery plants in Canada, directly employing more than 28,000 people.
80TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANADA’S DIPLOMATIC PRESENCE IN JAPAN
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Canada’s diplomatic presence in Japan. In celebration of this milestone, the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo is organizing many commemorative events under the theme of “Youth and Innovation” to cultivate “citizen-ambassadors,” who will serve as bridges between Japan and Canada in the future. Among other activities, 80 Japanese students will receive scholarships to help them study in Canada, class project contests will be held for elementary and junior high schools, embassy staff will visit 80 schools to give lessons about Canada, and students from 80 schools will be given guided tours of the Embassy of Canada’s public facilities during school trips.
