Our goal is to promote friendly relations between Canada and Japan through economic, commercial and industrial activities of Shokokai's members, as well as to develop and maintain good relations with the community at large.

We provide information to the Japanese business community in Ontario and promote friendship along with the exchange of information among our members. We strive to provide strong support to the Japanese Saturday School (Japanese School of Toronto Shokokai Inc.), commonly referred to as the Hoshuko.

In January 1957, Japanese affiliate companies in Toronto and its vicinity began to exchange business information and consult with one another on business problems and ways to promote friendship among its members.

Seventeen years later in 1974, the Japanese School of Toronto Shokokai Inc. was established to help the children of members keep up with the curriculum taught in Japan during their stay in Canada.

In November 1982, the Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce and Industry commonly referred to as the Shokokai, was incorporated under the Corporation Act as a non-profit organization.

In 1994, with the strong support of the Japanese Government and Canadian business leaders, the Shokokai successfully lobbied the Ontario Government to overturn legislation which would have withdrawn health coverage for family members of foreign workers. In December of that same year, the Shokokai became an official supporter of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre's expansion project.

The year 1996 brought a major restructuring movement at the Shokokai in light of the stagnation after the burst of the bubble economy in Japan. Many measures including downsizing were implemented in 1997.

In February 2001, Shokokai's office was moved from the downtown core to its present location.

Business people with Japanese speaking abilities interested in pursuing the objectives of the Shokokai are invited to join as Individual Members.

As the Japanese executives are often transferred back to Japan or to other foreign cities, the resident Secretary General and his office are responsible for keeping the continuity and consistency of the Association during theses transitions.

The International Trade and Services Committee

The Financial Committee

The Light Industry Committee

The Heavy Industry Committee

DIVISIONS WITHIN THE SHOKOKAI

Community Relations Division

Education Division

Administration Division

Public Relations Division

Athletics Division

Culture Division

(Each Division is headed by a director.)

 JAPANESE SATURDAY SCHOOL
One of the important missions of the Association is to manage the Japanese Saturday School. The School allows the members' children to keep up to date with the Japanese school curriculum taught in Japan. It also assists in the re-integration of the students when they return home. The School, known as HOSHUKO, includes over 400 students from kindergarten to high school and approximately 40 teachers. The school is managed by a Board made up of Shokokai members and led by the Director of the Education Division. The Board works closely with the Principal and Vice Principal who have been seconded by the Japanese Ministry of Education for three-year terms.

 CANADIAN EDUCATORS TO JAPAN PROGRAM
As an expression of thanks to Canadian teachers who have been teaching the children of Shokokai members in Ontario schools, the Shokokai sponsors the "Canadian Educators to Japan Program". Organized and coordinated by JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), in Japan, the participating teachers travel in Japan for two weeks with other foreign teachers. The teachers visit Japanese schools and gain insight into the Japanese education system, culture and society. Since 1993, twenty four Ontario teachers have participated in the program.

 ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Held annually in June, this tournament raises funds for various charities.

 BUSINESS LUNCHEONS/SEMINARS
Business speakers occasionally address members at seminars and meetings on current topics of relevance and interest to the members. These events may be jointly held with other Japanese organizations.

 BRIEFING VISITING TRADE MISSIONS FROM JAPAN
Visiting Japanese trade delegations are briefed on the business environment in Ontario. Members' business experiences are shared as well.

 NEWSLETTER
An eight-page Japanese newspaper containing practical information regarding corporate/family life in Toronto is issued quarterly.

 NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AND RAFFLE
A celebration of the New Year is held annually for members. Raffle tickets are sold for prizes donated by members with the proceeds going to charity.