Home » About British Columbia » Japan

British Columbia and Japan

Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and one of the most stable societies. With a sizeable retail and luxury retail markets, a transparent business environment and a skilled workforce, Japan is home to many business and collaboration opportunities. B.C. and Japan enjoy that is underpinned by the CPTPP trade agreement.

Trade & Investment Highlights

In 2022, Japan was B.C.’s third largest destination for commodity exports.
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provide Canada and Japan with a steady and diverse commercial relationship covering trade, investment, and innovation.
In 2022, B.C. and the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) signed an agreement for innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities. This agreement was co-signed at a trade mission to Asia in May 2023 for a three-year renewal agreement.
B.C. signed a MOU with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) in May 2016 to explore mutually beneficial solutions to enhance export opportunities and help unlock new sources of energy, such as hydrogen. This was renewed in 2023.
Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will work with Japan toward sustainable energy and free trade to address climate change and environmental protection.

Japan at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

Japan’s aerospace sector is engaging in international joint development programs to meet the evolving needs of the commercial aircraft market. There exist R&D collaboration opportunities for B.C. companies as well as supply chain, maintenance, repair and overhaul opportunities.

Agrifood & Agritech

Considering Japan’s high population density, limited agricultural land and high awareness of environmental issues, there is a need for environmentally friendly fertilizers and pesticides. This creates opportunity for Agritech companies with unique ICT solutions and vertical farming technologies to enter Japan’s Agritech market.

Cleantech

Japan is transitioning to a carbon neutral economy and striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is space for B.C. companies in the hydrogen, electric vehicles, carbon capture utilization and storage technologies and sustainable plastic recycling markets.

Forestry

Japan acts as one of B.C.’s largest export markets for wood products. New opportunities have been presented for B.C. companies in wood construction, wood pellets and wood biomaterials.

ICT

The Japanese government has announced a new national Digital Agency to invest in I.T. systems across levels of government, among other incentives, to accelerate digitalization in the private sector. B.C. ICT companies can offer products and services pertaining to cybersecurity, machine learning and data management and analysis among many other ICT services.

Life Sciences

Among the world’s largest pharmaceutical and medical device markets is Japan’s life sciences sector. There is a wide range of opportunities for B.C. companies to implement operations in Japan’s life sciences market. Opportunities include innovation for new drugs, AI solutions for drug discovery, bioinformatic technologies and image processing and digital solution for diagnostics, among others.

Japan Top Industries (2018-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Vehicles & Parts

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Iron & Steel

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

Four people on stage shaking hands next to the Japan, Canada, and BC flag.

Celebrating 100 Years of B.C. Wood Products in Japan

Delegates embarked on a mission to Japan to showcase B.C. wood products and celebrate 100 years of timber trade relations.

Hardbite: B.C.’s Global Natural Food Success

Natural Homegrown Foods secured its position as an industry leader by being awarded a BC Export Award in 2022.

Two people with their backs to us are looking at a monitor at a trade show.

B.C. Agritech Innovations Shine in Japan

British Columbia (B.C.), Canada boasts several key players in aquaculture who add significant value to the seafood industry.

View All News

How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Team in Japan

Japan
- Tokyo

Tokyo

British Columbia and Japan share a long and significant cultural and economic history.

Our representative’s extensive networks in Japan and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities across the country.

Japan Team:

Commercial Section
Embassy of Canada
7 Chome-3-38 Akasaka
Minato City, Tokyo
107-0052, Japan

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Ryo Tokunaga
Director, Trade Section

Chris Malcolm
Senior Commercial Officer

Tomoko Nakasuji
Commercial Officer

Nobuo Araki
Commercial Officer

Kaori Suzuki
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

Connect