Consulate General of Japan in Toronto

08/31/2026

We have had the privilege of visiting several schools across Toronto! Past trips have included education on Japanese culture impacting business practices, taiko performances, and a Japanese calligrapher leading a hands-on shodo (書道) workshop, where students learned about the origins of Japanese characters and eagerly took up the brush.

Visit our website to learn more about our school visit program!

08/29/2026

Today, Toronto Kokugo Kyosh*tsu celebrated its 50th anniversary. For the past half-century, the Kyosh*tsu (classroom) has consistently nurtured young people who understand Japanese culture and can freely use Japanese in their work and daily lives. Past and present teachers, school board members and administrators, current students, alumni, and their parents gathered to reflect on the past five decades.

While there were times of drastic declines in student numbers as well as financial difficulties, they have overcome challenges through cooperation and ingenuity, determined to keep a wonderful learning environment for children.

Currently, the Kyosh*tsu boasts well over 200 students, including preschoolers, yet it retains the word Kyosh*tsu (classroom) in its name, a name that has been used since its founding. One school official commented that this naming is fitting for a school supported by the warm cooperation of so many people involved.

Behind their dedication must be a deep understanding of Japanese language education for the next generation, and a strong recognition of the importance of nurturing a learning environment for that purpose.

It was an honour indeed to speak at today's specially auspicious occasion. I hope that this "classroom" will continue to develop further, allowing the children who learn Japanese play an active role in expanding exchange and friendship between Japan and Canada.

CG Matsunaga Takeshi

08/29/2026

Had a great pleasure of speaking with leaders of the Canadian Multicultural Council - Asians in Ontario, and paying respect to their works highlighting Asian heritages, through which they make awesome contributions in Ontario to advancing friendship among diverse communities. It was also so nice to learn from them about the genesis of this wonderful body of amity, as well as to discuss with these distinguished community leaders about how we can collaborate in the future. The evening also served as an opportunity for me to express my sense of appreciation for the CMC-AIO's compassionate fundraising activity in 2011 for the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Thank you so much!
- CG Matsunaga Takeshi

08/28/2026

On August 4, Mr. Tsuji Kiyoto, State Minister in charge of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness at the Cabinet Office, exchanged views with the Hon. Jill Dunlop, Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. He learned about Ontario's nuclear policy, including the Small Modular Reactor currently under construction—the first of its kind in North America—and about collaborative disaster preparedness drills with neighboring Michigan in the United States, while also introducing Japan's initiatives.

Furthermore, at the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant, he received an explanation from representatives of the Ontario Power Generation of the multi-layered nuclear disaster preparedness system involving cooperation between the operator, the provincial government, and the federal government, as well as the disaster preparedness plan based on the introduction of SMRs, and toured the site.

08/27/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan's most internationally renowned contemporary artists.

Here in Toronto, her work has a special place in the hearts of many. Her INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM – LET'S SURVIVE FOREVER, in the collection of the AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario, offers a powerful expression of her exploration of infinity, reflection, and human connection. The Royal Ontario Museum's Pumpkin (Black) is another remarkable work that embodies Ms. Kusama's distinctive creativity and reflection of self.

We extend our deepest condolences to all those who were touched by her life and art.

08/26/2026

Last week, it was our pleasure to welcome to our office, Ms. Marina Saleeb, the newly appointed Miss International Canada 2026. She will be representing Canada at the 64th Miss International competition in November, where representatives
from more than 65 countries and regions gather. Wishing you a meaningful experience in Japan! 🇯🇵

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

We are currently looking for an Economic Aide in the economic section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto.
Please visit our website for more details.

📅 Application deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026
🇨🇦 ENG: https://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01101.html
🇯🇵 JP: https://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_01100.html

08/24/2026

The growing use of AI tools in language learning is compelling a universal transformation in the role of language teachers. At the same time, the number of people self-studying Japanese is increasing, and the number of learners for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is also on the rise. It was against these backdrops that the Canadian Association for Japanese Language Education (CAJLE) held its annual conference in the University of Toronto. I had the honour of addressing the conference which was charged with the enthusiasm of participants facing the challenges and encouraging trends.
- CG Matsunaga

08/21/2026

The Royal Ontario Museum boasts rich collections of Japanese arts. One of the most important parts of ROM's Japanese art collections is the Sir Edmund Walker Collection of Japanese woodblock prints.

When the museum had a comprehensive special exhibition of the Sir Edmund Walker Collection in 1975 under the auspices of Professor David B. Waterhouse, long a Research Associate of the Museum's Far Eastern Department and a staff member of the University of Toronto's Department of East Asian Studies, this leading scholar of ukiyo-e prepared this catalogue which covered a part of the Collection.

As noted in the forward of the catalogue, Sir Byron Edmund Walker was Chairman of the Royal Commission on University Affairs which urged the foundation of a provincial museum as early as 1906. It is also noted that he became the first Chairman of the Museum Board, serving from 1912 to 1924. The catalogue further underlines that while Sir Byron Edmund Walker's contributions to Canada as a whole were many, the Museum owes to him its very existence as an institution.

I thank Mr. Nicholas Bell, ROM's new CEO and Director, and Ms. Jennifer Wild, its Deputy Director, Engagement, for having me appreciate this "small but highly important part of the Museum's Sir Edmond Walker Collection of Japanese woodblock prints" through the pages of this beautiful and comprehensively annotated catalogue authored by late Professor Waterhouse.

- CG Matsunaga