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Contributions of three Japanese individuals to Canada-Japan relations recognized
November 29, 1996
Tokyo, Japan
In Japan today, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien recognized
the contribution of three individuals who, through their personal
efforts and corporate or government affiliations, have played
an important role in the Canada-Japan relationship. They are:
Koichiro Ejiri, Shinroku Morohashi and Yoshi Okawara.
"Canada commends and thanks these exemplary Japanese leaders
for their vision and entrepreneurship," said the Prime Minister.
"Each person has helped to bridge the miles between our two
countries and create a legacy of goodwill that benefits both Canadians
and Japanese alike."
The following provides a brief biography of the three honourees
recognized by the Prime Minister:
Mr. Koichiro Ejiri is currently Senior Advisor to the Board
of Mitsui & Co. and the Chairman of the Canada Committee of
the Keidanren, a business organization representing almost 1000
of Japan's major corporations. Mr. Ejiri is a career Mitsui employee
and has served abroad in Australia and the United States. He is
active in several senior business organizations in Japan and has
received many decorations from the Japanese and foreign governments.
He led the Keidanren Business Partnerships Mission which visited
Canada in September 1996.
Mr. Shinroku Morohashi is currently Chairman of Mitsubishi
Corporation. He is a Mitsubishi career employee and has served
abroad in the United Kingdom and the Philippines. He was Acting
Chairman of the Japan-Canada Economic Committee of the Keidanren
in 1988-89 and in 1992-93, and led the Japanese Investment Study
Mission to Canada in 1989. Mr. Morohashi has received many decorations
from the Japanese and foreign governments.
Ambassador Yoshio Okawara is currently Executive Advisor
to the Keidanren, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
and Executive Advisor, Kobe Steel Ltd. He is a former career foreign
service officer who served as Ambassador to Australia and the
United States (1980-85). Mr. Okawara is active in domestic and
international affairs. He assumed the original co-chairmanship
of the Canada-Japan Forum 2000, an advisory committee convened
in 1991 to review bilateral relations and explore possible areas
of increased cooperation.
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