To contribute to the enhancement of friendly relations between Japan and Canada through members’ business activities and economic exchange.
To promote harmony with the local community.
To foster mutual friendship, information exchange, and communication among members.
To support the operation of supplementary schools for the enrichment of education in Japanese for overseas children.
Membership Benefits:
Lobbying requests to governments and public institutions in both Japan and Canada.
Receipt of various information (economic data updates, Japanese community event notifications, etc.).
Participation in exclusive events, seminars, and lectures for members.
Access to the members-only section of the website (company lists, seminar materials, video distributions, etc.).
Participation in social gatherings and information exchange meetings for members and their families.
Participation in networking events for member companies.
Participation in tours and events for member families (with discounts).
Discounted management and operational costs for the Toronto Hoshuko, and priority admission eligibility.
Provision of information and support for starting life in Canada.
History
January 1957: Japanese companies in the vicinity of Toronto established the “Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry” to exchange business and lifestyle information and foster camaraderie among members.
1974: The board of directors of the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry founded the “Toronto Hoshuko.”
November 1982: Registered as a non-profit organization under the Ontario Corporations Act. Officially named the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry.
October 1989: Started publishing the monthly “Shokokai Newsletter” to enhance communication with members.
1993: Launched the “Educators to Japan Program,” inviting teachers of Japanese children at local schools for a two-week educational training program in Japan.
1994: Led a lobbying campaign, with the support of the Japanese government and Canadian business leaders, to reinstate OHIP coverage for families of expatriates working under labor permits in Ontario, resulting in the restoration of coverage.
1996: Responded to changes in the activities of Japanese companies due to the economic downturn in Japan by considering reforms in the chamber’s operations, activities, and events.
1997: Implemented comprehensive reforms in the shokokai based on the previous year’s review results (revising regulations, membership fee regulations, event reviews, downsizing budget, and transitioning the newsletter to quarterly publication).
February 2001: Relocated the Shokokai office from downtown to its current location.
April 2003: Launched the Shokokai website and Shokokai online distribution of the “Trillium” magazine.
2006: Renovated the Shokokai office and installed a conference room for 20 people.
June 2006: Participated in the Joint Working Group meetings on Japan-Canada economic frameworks, with a delegation led by representatives including the Chairman of the Toronto Chamber of Commerce.
February 2007: The Japan-Canada Social Security Agreement was signed to address issues such as double payment of social insurance premiums, following lobbying efforts by the Chamber of Commerce to both the Canadian federal government and the Japanese government.
January 2008: Celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry.
January 2010: Donated $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for earthquake relief in Haiti.
April 2011: Donated $50,000 to the Japanese Red Cross for earthquake relief in Eastern Japan.
May 2011: Relocated the office to its current location.
July 2012: Submitted a letter expressing concerns and disappointment to the Canadian Prime Minister regarding the closure of the procedures for obtaining work visas at the Embassy of Canada in Japan and the transfer of visa procedures to the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines.
Organization
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors, consisting of 13 representatives from member companies, is the governing body of the Chamber of Commerce. Directors are elected annually at the general meeting of members.
Departments: For the operation and activities of the Chamber of Commerce, the following departments are established, each headed by a director:
Administration Department
Education Department
Public Relations Department
Committees: There are four committees organized by industry:
Trade and Services Committee
Finance Committee
Heavy Industry Committee
Light Industry Committee
Member companies belong to one of these committees, and within each committee, there are further subdivisions based on specific industries.
Language Usage
Internal communication and communication with members are primarily conducted in Japanese at present.
Main Activities
Providing Information on Local Conditions and Issues: Offering information on local conditions and issues to visiting delegations, missions from Japan, and companies planning to expand into the area.
Hosting Seminars and Lectures: Organizing seminars and inviting experts to give lectures on timely topics such as economics, management, law, and taxation.
Contribution to the Local Community: Organizing New Year’s gatherings and charity golf tournaments, with donations from member companies and participants going to local charitable organizations.
Collaboration with the Japanese Community: Collaborating with local Japanese community organizations by participating in their events. Attending quarterly meetings with Japanese community organizations as part of the Japanese & Canadian Network Organization.
Providing Networking Opportunities for Members: Organizing regular social events to facilitate information exchange and foster camaraderie among members and their families.
Website and Newsletter “Trillium”: Publishing reports on the chamber’s activities, useful information for daily life, and enjoyable reading materials on the chamber’s website and in the newsletter “Trillium.”
Support for Overseas Japanese Education: Providing financial assistance to the Toronto Hoshuko and supporting school operations through participation in the school’s management committee.
