TJCS Welcomes Canadian Ambassador to Nagoya

On Friday June 2nd, 2017, the Tokai Japan Canada Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and hosted a lunch, welcoming the newly appointed Canadian Ambassador, Ian Burney , to Nagoya, the Chubu region, and to the TJCS.

The joint event, which was held at the Nagoya Hilton Hotel, was attended by both individual and corporate membership of the society, the local Canadian Consul, Chénier La Salle , as well as many of our honourary members and guests.

At the AGM, each committee representative and chair, (Business, Social, Cultural, and Membership) reported on activities from 2016 / 2017, and outlined all planned events and activities for the remaining part of this year. The TJCS Board of Governors and its executive leadership are delighted both with the continual increase in number activities as well as a consistent raising of the bar with respect to the quality of the content offered at the events and related positive feedback.

Also at the AGM, two positions of leadership were confirmed:

James Hedden was voted in as President , replacing Takeshi Yamamoto; and Bruce McCaughan was voted in as a Vice-President , filling the vacancy from Hedden's ascension. Both James and Bruce, along side our 2nd VP Koji Idei and fellow leaders, look forward to great things ahead and very much appreciate the support of volunteers and members alike.

The TJCS is grateful to outgoing President, Yamamoto, for five solid years of leadership as President (not to mention several years as VP before that). We look forward to Mr. Yamamoto's continued support as he joins the Board of Governors as President Emeritus.

Once a year, schedule permitting, the TJCS organizes a luncheon where our Corporate Members can network and join an informal forum with the sitting Canadian Ambassador. On June 2nd, we were pleased to be able to welcome Ambassador Burney to Nagoya for the first time providing a high-value event for our Corporate supporters.

Ambassador Burney delivered a compelling talk outlining key activities and planned action for Japan and Asia Pacific under the current Canadian government and administration, as well as his own dedication as the newly-appointed Ambassador to Japan, to connect and support Canada Japan relations.

The Hilton Nagoya served a lovely lunch with uniquely-Canadian dishes at each course adding even more relevance to the event. Normally, an exclusive event for Corporate Members and top TJCS Leaders, the 2017 Ambassador Luncheon was also unique in that, as it was held in conjunction with the AGM, attendance was open to Regular TJCS Members for the first time.

The TJCS is grateful to Ambassador Burney for his time, as well as his attention to our goals and objectives with respect to our (unofficial) role as a promoter of Canada within the Tokai Region. We are also very grateful for the continued support of our Corporate and SME Members, as well as each of our Regular Members, all of whom contribute to the strength of the Society.

Finally, as this year represents the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation , the TJCS will celebrate in style and host its Canada Day / 150 Celebration on July 2nd, as well as the Champagne Ball on November 17th, both with a Canadian Theme !