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.

In April 1974, the Japanese School of Toronto Shokokai Inc. (Namely Hoshuko) was established by Shokokai Corporate members (listed below) to help the children of members keep up with the curriculum taught in Japan during their stay in Canada.

(Picture: First rental facility at Jackman Public School)

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 October 1989, first monthly newsletter was issued to strength communication among members.

In January 1992, a Community Relations Division was established to promote donations and community activities among the membership.

In November 1992, Japanese Driver’s License was accepted to be exchanged to Ontario Driver’s license without having road test and knowledge test by the strong effort of Consulate - General of Japan in Toronto and Shokokai members.

In 1993, the “Canadian Educators to Japan Program” was introduced. Three Ontario schoolteachers were invited to join an educational tour in Japan for two weeks. Since then (up to 2007) total 34 Canadian Educators were invited to this program.

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business leaders, the Shokokai successfully lobbied the Ontario Government to overturn legislation which would have withdrawn health coverage for family members of foreign workers.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 current location as part of organization restructuring.

In April 2003, Shokokai Website was created and Member Web Magazine [Tritium] started.

In February 2006, Agreement between Japan and Canada on Social Security was singed at Tokyo, Japan after Shokokai had been requesting to solve the problem to both Japanese Government and Canadian Government.

In 2006, Shokokai received the award from Royal Ontario Museum for it’s support of raising found to open “Prince Takamado Gallery of Japan” .

In 2007, Shokokai has decided to support London (CA) Japanese Hoshuko on.

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.