“Japan in Transition” – Talk given by the Canadian Ambassador to Japan, Joseph Caron

On June 4, 2008 Canadian Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Joseph Caron, gave a talk at a luncheon held at the offices of McMillan LLP (formerly of McMillan Binch Medelsohn). Japan Society hosted the event with JETRO, Shokokai, Shinki-Kai and JCCC as co-sponsors. It was a well attended event with close to 90 people.

After a networking lunch, Ambassador Caron gave a talk titled “Japan in Transition: An Update on Political and Economic Developments”.

The Ambassador first talked about the sectors in which Japan is very active – Environment, Petroleum/Energy, Aerospace, Nanotechnology and ICT. He also noted that many Canadian companies are actively involved in the sectors, including companies that are exporting to Japan (e.g. about 50 Canadian companies in the Aerospace sector.)

Japan is also the second largest producer of videogames, holding eight of the flagships in the world - Nintendo Wii being one of them. It was noteworthy to learn that Canadian companies are the suppliers of software to many of them.

The Ambassador outlined some challenges Japan is facing even though it is the second largest economy in the world. One of the challenges Japan has to deal with is the demographic issue of declining fertility rate when a large part of the population is aging.

Fertility/birthrate in Japan is currently at 1.3, with Tokyo at 1.0. At the same time, there are 128 million people in Japan with 25% older than 65 years.

Among other challenges, taxes in Japan are also an issue. Corporate taxes are 11% higher than those of other OECD countries.

In explaining what will aid Japan in responding to challenges to move on from the transitional stage, Ambassador Caron outlined four factors:

• Creativity. Japan has a highly esthetic culture that spurs creativity and is reflected in various areas and forms and it has been the strength in economic growth – e.g. industrial design, “anime”.
• Politics. Government’s ability to coalesce partisan differences in choosing a prime minister, who is more a national leader than simply a leader of the LDP. Also, “Yoshida Doctrine” of placing highest national priority on economic development is still in evidence.
• Response to the evolving international situation. Capitalize on the trends of international politics and situations to increase Japanese influence and standing. US-Japan relations are solid.
• History. Throughout its history, Japan has been highly responsive to changes - Japan can “turn the dime” if it has to.

Written by Grethe Liverud and Eiko Shaul

CJS Board of Directors Looking Forward to Another Great Year!

On May 29th, the Canada Japan Society held its 2008 Annual General Meeting at the elegant offices of McMillan. We would like to thank outgoing board members Lisa Houston, John Le Blanc and Eiko Shaul for their invaluable contribution to the CJS. Returning to the board for 2008 – 2009 are Linda Adachi, Atiq Ahmed, Ken Bole, Sonia Cardillo, Chi Diep, Jeff Harju, Fumiko Shiba and Don Waters. The CJS welcomes Grethe Liverud, Chris McGee and Chiyoko Tomii as new board members.

The board presented CJS’s financial statements, and highlighted some major events held over the past year. Returning president Ken Bole spoke to plans for the upcoming year, which promises to be another productive, activity-filled one for the CJS.

As usual, the “business” portion of the AGM was kept brief, with the attendees enjoying most of the evening with wine, Japanese food, and the wonderful company of fellow CJS members.

CJS Annual General Meeting & Elections May 26, 2008

CJS AGENDA

1. Opening Remarks – Ken Bole, President

2. Highlights of Previous Year – Ken Bole, President

3. Presentation of the Financial Statements – Lisa Houston, Treasurer

4. Report of the Directors

a. Membership – Sonia Cardillo
b. Communications – Linda Adachi
c. Ichi-Moku-Kai – Jeff Harju
d. Movie Night – Jeff Harju
e. Advisory Group – John Le Blanc

5. Election of the 2008 – 2009 CJS Board of Directors

6. New President’s Address - President

7. Other Business – President

8. Adjournment of Annual General Meeting (please stay and mingle)

Canada-Japan Society (CJS)
2008 Annual General Meeting
Thursday, May 29, 2008
6:30 p.m.
McMillan Binch Mendelsohn LLP

A Special Movie Night: AFTERLIFE

In celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan, the Canada Japan Society, the Consul General of Japan, and the National Film Board of Canada are very proud to present a special screening of Hirokazu Koreeda’s 1998 film “After Life”.

The storyline follows five “case workers” who work with the recently deceased, asking them the deceptively simple question, “What single memory of your life would you take into eternity?”

Winner of the 1998 FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and best film at the Beunos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema “After Life” transcends the borders of language, culture and religion in a film that makes you glad to be human.

The screening of “After Life” will be proceeded by the Genie and Cannes Award winning and Oscar nominated animated short film “Madame Tutli Putli” directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, and produced by the National Film Board of Canada.

Following the films there will be a wine and cheese reception at the NFB. Please note this will be our big bash for the end of this season's movie nights. Our final movie night in June will not have a reception.

Admission: $15.00 ($12.00 for CJS members)
* Advance tickets will be available only at JAVA pub night, this Thursday at ALIO (108 Dundas Street West) from 8pm to 11pm.
*There will be limited tickets at the door. Please RSVP to jeff@cjst.org for more information, or to RSVP.

The Canada Japan Society would like to thank the Consul General's Office of Japan and The National Film Board of Canada for helping make this event possible.

Friday, May 16, 2008
6:30pm - 10:30pm
National Film Board of Canada
150 John Street
Toronto, ON

Email: jeff@cjst.org

ICHIMOKUKAI: "We're Still At Alio!"

Ichimokukai, literally "First Thursday Meeting", is the Canada Japan Society's legendary social night, held on the first Thursday of every month.

We've been going strong for over 12 years with lots of great people, door prizes and food and drink specials. Whether you're interested in informal networking, practicing your English or Japanese, or just meeting others with a connection or interest in Japan, it's a fun time had by all.

We've still got dicounted pricing on Japanese beer and special food pricing just for us!

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: ALIO
Street: 108 Dundas Street West
City/Town: Toronto, ON

CJS Members are FREE!
Non-Members are $5

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Harju
Director
CJS
www.cjst.org