On October 10, 2025, the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Japan Canada Chamber of Commerce (JCCOC) was held in Vancouver. This year, a large number of member companies, individual members, and stakeholders gathered for the presentation of activity and financial reports for the previous year, as well as plans for the new fiscal year.
Since its establishment in 2003, this organization has continued its activities to connect Japan and Canada through business, culture, education, and tourism, and at this general meeting, its progress and future prospects were powerfully discussed.
Chairman's Address
In his opening remarks, Sammy Takahashi, who served as chairman for six years, took the stage. Touching upon the history of the organization and the achievements of its founder/first chairman, Kazuko Komatsu, he reiterated that "JCCOC's mission is to connect Japan and Canada through diverse exchanges, including business." He also stated that "this term we will review our future structure and operational policies in order to create a more sustainable and open organization," and expressed his gratitude to the members.
Board Member Introduction
The 12 members of this year's board of directors were introduced, and their respective roles were announced. Sammy Takahashi will serve as chairman, with Casey Wakabayashi, Takuya Hikita, and Taro Whitred as vice-chairmen. The other board members are Itsuko Iritani, Kenki Miyanabe, Junichi Tajiri, Miwa Suzuki, Eiji Yoshikawa, Mari Kato, Kumiko Watabe, and Yuji Matson. Patricia Bader-Johnson was introduced as an honorary director.
Accounting Report
Mr. Iritani, the accountant, presented the financial report for the period from July 2024 to June 2025. He explained that sound financial management was maintained this year as well, with membership fees and revenue from various events being the main sources of income. Expenses mainly consisted of insurance premiums, administrative costs, and donations, including donations to the Asahi Baseball Team and the New Westminster High School Music Program. There were no long-term debts, confirming stable financial management.
Member Report
In fiscal year 2025, the number of members was 29 individual members and 28 corporate members, totaling 57. This represents a continued increase from the previous year, with members participating in activities from diverse fields such as culture, education, and tourism.
Activity report
The activity report was presented by Kenki Miyanabe, who introduced the diverse initiatives undertaken over the past four terms.
First quarter (July-September 2024)
We held tax seminars, welcome parties for cultural exchange performances, and supported high school band exchanges with Moriguchi City (Osaka), our sister city. In addition, "Tsunagu Juku" held eight seminars and a cultural festival throughout the year.
Second quarter (October to December)
The event included a gourd art workshop led by comedian Arapon, a mental health webinar, and a Christmas party. At the party, the 4th Kazuko Komatsu Award ceremony was held, and six people, including Casey Wakabayashi and Miwa Suzuki, were honored.
Third quarter (January-March 2025)
We held leadership workshops, disaster preparedness seminars, and a special lecture by Eiji Yoshikawa, a member of the U.S. Boxing Hall of Fame. In addition, the Japan Connect Fair, co-hosted by UBC and Career-tasu, was a great success, with over 500 participants from 28 companies, making it the largest event of its kind to date.
Fourth quarter (April-June)
The event featured cultural, educational, and social contribution activities, including an entrepreneurship seminar by Professor Hasegawa of Waseda University, a demonstration of Iaido (Japanese sword drawing), and events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Furthermore, creative workshops for children and networking exchange events were also held.
Approval of audited financial statements and approval by the board of directors.
Auditor Yuji Matson took the stage, and the audited financial statements for the previous fiscal year were approved. Following this, the 12-member board of directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year was formally approved.
New Fiscal Year Plan
Vice Chairman Taro Whitred announced the outlook for the new fiscal year. He indicated that this year, in addition to the activities of individual directors, the Chamber of Commerce will strengthen its-led projects.
Key projects include the Japan Connect, Career & Networking Fair (co-organized with UBC student groups), the Japan-Canada Startup & Investment Conference (scheduled for June 2026), and the Powell Street Regional Revitalization Project (in collaboration with Kintsugi Association). Through these projects, it is expected that the organization will further strengthen its role as a bridge between local communities, culture, and the economy.
Closing remarks
Vice Chairman Takuya Hikita took the stage and stated emphatically, "In this rapidly changing era, we want to balance flexibility with firm values and create high-quality opportunities for exchange." He concluded by saying, "With your support, JCCOC will grow even stronger," and the 22nd Annual General Meeting came to a successful close.
Social gathering
At the dinner following the general meeting, Mr. Masayuki Kiyama, Consul for Economic Affairs at the Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver, gave a speech emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation and startup collaboration between Japan and Canada.
Next, George Sim took the stage as a guest speaker, sharing his half-century of experience interacting with Japan. He recounted his long-standing contributions to sister city activities through youth exchanges between Chiba City and North Vancouver, and shared heartwarming anecdotes about cultural exchange with young people.
Finally, Sammy Takahashi shared information about upcoming events, including a Powell Street revitalization support event and a Christmas lunch scheduled for December.
In conclusion
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, JCCOC reaffirmed its commitment to building a more open platform for exchange, further developing the foundation it has cultivated to date, as a bridge to deepen the ties between Japan and Canada. Continued growth and further expansion of its network are expected in the coming year.
Author: Tamano Nishida
Photography: Ryosuke Norimine
Contributed by: Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce
