Sammy Takahashi, Chairman
A mentor who guarantees "life-changing study abroad experiences."
Principal of SELC Language College Ltd, member of the Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club, one of the founders and former board member of the Asahi Baseball Association, and board member of the International Cooperation Promotion Council, a specified non-profit organization.
Senior Research Fellow at Ritsumeikan University, President of the Association of Exceptional Japanese People
Sammy Takahashi, President
Mentor for Japanese students who want to change their life through studying overseas, Principal of SELC Language College, Member of Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club, Founder and former director of Asahi Baseball Association, Director of the Committee for Promoting International Cooperation (CPIC), Ritsumeikan University senior research fellow, President of Unconventional Japanese Club
Casey Wakabayashi, Vice Chairman/Secretary General Assistant
Liaison Council Representative, General Affairs Manager, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
We strive to be part of the bridge that connects Japan and Canada, and the people of our communities, through business, tourism, culture, and education.
Casey Wakabayashi, Vice President/Secretariat assistant
Renrakukyougikai representative, Administration Director, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd
Humbled and honored to serve as a board member since 2014. Want to be a bridge toward long term friendships between the Japan and Canada as well as in the local community through business, tourism, culture and education.
Takuya Hikita, Vice Chairman
In line with JCCOC's mission to be a bridge between Japan and Canada, as Vice President, I aim to be a bridge between generations and cultures, and I am also involved in supporting students and new graduates.
Takuya Hikita, Vice President
My role as Vice President at JCCOC is to build a bridge beyond and generations to connect Japan and Canada based on JCCOC's mission and also support students and new graduates from universities who start their jobs.
Taro Whitred, Vice Chairman
I specialize in digital marketing, and I work with many clients, primarily on video production and editing for businesses and individuals, as well as social media management. At the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce, I hope to utilize my skills to serve as a bridge between my home country, Japan, and Canada, especially in the education sector.
Taro Whitred, Vice President
I'm specialized in the field of digital marketing and I help many clients on their video production and social media management works. At JCCOC, I intend to become the bridge between Japan and Canada, my home countries, especially in the education industry utilizing my skills.
Yuji Matson, Board Member/Legal Affairs
1) Your area of expertise: Law / Regulations / Japanese Culture
2) Role at JCCOC: Legal Affairs Committee Member / Accounting Audit Committee Member (Internal Audit)
3) Projects you are currently working on or events you would like to do in the future
Canadian Immigration Seminar / Networking Event Co-hosted with Other Organizations
Yuji Matson, Director/Legal Affairs
Having been born in Japan but growing up in Canada, strengthening the relationship between the two countries has been a big part of my life. It has informed both my academic and professional careers. After studying about Japan and Japanese culture in university and living in Japan for a total of four years, I embarked on a legal career in Vancouver where I assist Japanese clients. Getting involved in the local Japanese community by serving on the board of directors of the JCCOC is another important way I can promote the strengthening of the relationship.
Itsuko IritaniBoard Member/Treasurer
As the accounting officer, I will strive to contribute to the sound financial management of JCCOC.
I look forward to seeing Nada's business relationships continue to develop.
Itsuko Iritani, Director /Treasurer
It's a privilege to be the Treasurer for the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce. I'm committed to maintaining robust financial management for JCCOC and look forward to contributing to our collective success and strengthening the Japan-Canada business relationship.
Kenki Miyanabe, Board Member/Web & IT Manager
We provide startup, corporate finance, and IT venture investment services centered on "communication technology" in Japan, China, and Canada. We promote reciprocal partnerships and alliances between entrepreneurs, venture capital firms, and local companies in Japan and Canada. Our motto is "Become the change you want to see in the world."
Kenki Miyanabe, Director/ Web/IT controller
Serves as JCCOC IT/Web controller. He was involved in multi-layered projects ie telecom startup, corporate finance & venture capital between Japan, China, and Canada. Fostering partnerships, investment, and alliances between two-sided entrepreneurs and venture capital firms or growth companies. My favorite quote is “Be the change you want to see in the world”
Kumiko Watanabe, Board Member
Having worked at the embassies of three countries in Tokyo, she excels at planning, coordinating, and executing projects targeting Japanese government agencies, domestic and international businesses, and communities. She was in charge of planning for the Tokyo Olympics at the Japan-Canada Chamber of Commerce. She is an alumna of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (2005, Tunisia, Ballet), and a graduate of Sophia University and the University of Bristol, UK.
Kumiko Watabe, Director
Specialist in business and cultural project coordination among public and private sectors in Japan, North America and Europe. Experience in serving for multiple embassies in Tokyo. Currently in charge of the Tokyo Olympic project by the JCCOC. A former Japan Overseas Junior Volunteer (Ballet, Tunisia, 2005 to 2007), BA, MSc in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health.
Junichi Tajiri, Board Member
1) Your area of expertiseI am interested in traditional Japanese culture and martial arts, and I would like to be involved in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Canada as part of the Chamber of Commerce's activities.
2) Role at JCCOCPromotion of Japan-Canada cultural exchange
3) Projects you are currently working on, or planned events you would like to do in the future.
As an activity to introduce Japanese culture to Canada via Zoom, for example, the unique traditional performing art of Kabuki
This book explains Iaido, a traditional Japanese martial art, from various perspectives in an easy-to-understand way in English.
Junichi Tajiri, Director
1.My specialty: I am interested in traditional Japanese culture (performing arts such as Kabuki) and martial arts (such as Iaido).
2.Role in JCCOC: Japan – Canada Cultural Exchange Promotion
3.Current project, or plan or event in mind: For my zoom presentation, I would like to introduce a little about kabuki, one of Japan's traditional performing arts and demonstrate Iaido forms and give a commentary.
Mari Kato Director
Drawing on my 25 years of experience in language education, having studied education at graduate schools in both Japan and Canada, I have collaborated with schools and education boards to build a bridge between Japan and Canada through education. For the Tokyo Olympics project, I connected Canadian athletes with Japanese universities, and I will continue to provide opportunities for international exchange. I hold a Master of Arts (MA) in Language and Culture Studies from Osaka University and a Master of Education (MEd) from the University of British Columbia. I am also a Japanese-English interpreter and translator.
Mari Kato, Director
My expertise lies in education, especially in second language acquisition. With 25 years of experience as a language teacher and curriculum coordinator, I am specialized in connecting youths and students in Canada and Japan on various educational levels, collaborating with school boards of the two countries. MA (Osaka University), MEd (UBC), English-Japanese interpreter/translator.
Miwa Suzuki Director
Our aim is to act as a bridge between Japan and Canada, allowing many people to learn about the best aspects of both countries. Furthermore, to revitalize the declining primary industries, we will assist young people involved in agriculture and fisheries in entering the global market.
Miwa Suzuki, Director
I would like to become a bridge between nations and encourage Japanese farming and fishing industries to enter the international market. My mission is to develop strategic marketing plans to assist entrepreneurs and help them succeed with their business ventures.
Eiji Yoshikawa Director
With refined sensibilities and expressions in high-quality "film," "music," and "writing," life becomes vibrant and exceptional. Especially for children, experience true richness—"richness of heart" ❤️
[The boxer who sets the world right]
Recipient of the National Boxing Hall of Fame's "Gift of Love Award." Inducted into the National Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Recipient of the Canadian AgeCare "Healthy Living Award." Winner of the VAFF Film Festival's Best Film Award for "Shoji." Author: "Men Who Can't Be Knocked Out," etc. Film Director: "Rumble in the Jungle," etc. Editor-in-Chief: "TV TECHNOLOGY Japan Edition."
Eiji Yoshikawa, Director
For being an “Ageless Eiji” boxer, I'll keep fighting for the betterment of the world endlessly and for being a “Cornerman”, I'll be of use to help all people change their lives.
[Boxers Without Borders]
USA Boxing Hall of Fame, USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Best Picture, Vancouver Asian Film Festival 2018, AgeCare Award Winner, Japan Prime Minister Award, Filmmaker “Rumble in the Jungle” etc., Author “Never Been Knocked-out” etc.