Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi on why Japan sees Canada as a key research partner

This balance of “light and shadows” was central to the recent speech by His Excellency Kanji Yamanouchi, Japan’s ambassador to Canada, at an event on February 24, 2025. It was hosted by the University of Ottawa’s Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue and the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI).

In his presentation, the ambassador emphasized that to navigate these challenges, countries with shared values — such as transparency, trust and a commitment to a better society — must work together. Japan sees Canada and uOttawa as natural partners in this mission.

Ambassador Yamanouchi highlighted Canada’s long history of scientific and technological advancements, noting that Japan has been watching with admiration. From creating diabetes medicine to launching an artificial satellite in 1962, Canada has consistently demonstrated its enthusiasm for research and discovery.

Today, Canada is home to AI pioneers. In British Columbia, it houses one of the world’s first commercial quantum computers. And in Saskatchewan, it leads in cutting-edge carbon capture technology. At uOttawa, researchers are advancing AI-driven technologies in autonomous vehicles, biotechnology, robotics and medical devices. Academics are also exploring the ethical, legal and social implications of AI, ensuring responsible and impactful innovation.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that every breakthrough serves society — whether it’s enhancing health care, transforming transportation or addressing environmental challenges,” says Julie St-Pierre, interim vice-president of research and innovation at uOttawa. “Our commitment is to harness AI responsibly so that our research not only pushes boundaries but also creates a lasting positive impact for communities.”

Japan itself has a strong legacy in science and technology, ranking second only to the United States in the number of natural science Nobel laureates since 2000. Since establishing its first national university in Tokyo in 1877, the country has consistently prioritized research as a driver of national growth. Looking towards a sustainable future, Japan is expanding collaborations with like-minded countries such as Canada. These collaborations leverage shared strengths to advance global solutions in clean technology, AI, life sciences and quantum computing.

Japan and Canada have a decades-long history of collaboration. After discussions began in 1972, they signed a formal treaty on co-operation in science and technology in 1986. Since then, partnerships have grown in both academia and industry. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) chose Japan — alongside Germany and the UK — as a key partner. The NRC’s first overseas office, in Tokyo, solidifies this commitment to long-term cooperation.

In 2023, Japan’s minister of the economy, trade and industry visited Ottawa to sign two major agreements with Canadian officials, including ministers François-Philippe Champagne, Mary Ng and Jonathan Wilkinson. These agreements covered crucial areas such as battery technology, AI, clean tech and quantum computing — sectors that will shape both countries’ future economies.

The University of Ottawa has emerged as a key institution in fostering Japan–Canada research ties. Its 25-year partnership with the University of Fukui stands as a testament to these deepening academic connections. The ambassador emphasized uOttawa’s central role in Canada–Japan cooperation on science, recognizing the University as a hub for academic exchange and innovation.

This is clear in the university’s growing research collaborations with Japanese institutions. Notably, three uOttawa researchers — professors Vincent Mirza, Ioan Nistor and Benjamin Tsang — are actively engaged in partnerships with Japanese counterparts in fields ranging from urban change to disaster resilience, tsunami research and women’s reproductive health. These researchers’ collaborative projects span multiple universities in Japan. Their work underscores the expanding academic ties and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

Further strengthening this commitment, uOttawa recently welcomed a new partnership advisor: Masahiro Suzuki from the Japan Science and Technology Agency, a key Japanese funding body. Since June, he has been working closely with the OVPRI to enhance scientific cooperation and expand innovation networks between Canada and Japan.

Martine Lagacé, associate vice-president, research promotion and development, highlights another key strength that uOttawa brings to these partnerships: its expertise in the social sciences and humanities. “Our researchers benefit from a multidisciplinary environment where the social sciences and humanities provide essential perspectives on the historical and societal impacts of innovation,” she says. “This broader lens ensures that our research is not only cutting edge but also informed, ethical and responsive to the complex needs of our evolving world.”

Despite this strong foundation, Ambassador Yamanouchi stressed that Canada and Japan must do more to invest in R&D, commercialization and capacity-building. He noted that Japan, a country with scarce natural resources, has had to innovate relentlessly to sustain its economy. In contrast, Canada is rich in natural resources but lags in R&D investment, ranking 23rd globally. Only 1.71% of its GDP is dedicated to research. Japan, by comparison, ranks among the top five in R&D investment. If Canada wants to remain competitive, greater investment is needed.

Mona Nemer, Canada’s chief science advisor, reinforced this point. She emphasized that scientific collaboration is not just about discovery — it’s about diplomacy and strengthening international relationships. She highlighted Japan’s leadership in health research and how its strengths complement Canada’s in fields such as neuroscience, regenerative medicine, materials science, robotics and quantum computing. She also shared her personal experience of working with Japanese researchers, describing how friendly competition in cardiovascular research evolved into a fruitful collaboration.

Another key area of focus is talent development. Both countries recognize the importance of fostering the next generation of innovators. Student exchanges and academic partnerships are a crucial part of this strategy. The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme has operated for over 35 years. It has seen 799,000 participants — including more than 10,000 Canadians — immersed in the Japanese culture and language. Programs like this not only strengthen diplomatic ties but also create lasting professional and academic networks.

At uOttawa, the International Research and Experiential Learning team is dedicated to helping researchers tackle global challenges through partnerships worldwide. They help secure research funding, offer seed money to kick-start collaborations, support students conducting research abroad and work to strengthen existing research ties. This holistic approach ensures that faculty and students alike are actively engaged in meaningful cross-border research initiatives.

While the opportunities for collaboration are vast, the ambassador acknowledged that challenges remain. Language barriers and limited access to information can sometimes slow progress. To overcome these obstacles, governments and institutions must work together to facilitate knowledge-sharing and student mobility. Another critical challenge is research security. Emerging technologies, such as AI, have huge impacts on both economic growth and national security. Therefore, like-minded countries must work together to address research security. Canada has been a leader in this area, and Japan has looked to Canada for guidance on protecting scientific advancements. Ensuring that new technologies are developed responsibly remains a key priority for both countries.

“Science diplomacy is our most powerful tool for building bridges across borders,” says Cintia Quiroga, director of uOttawa’s Office of Public Policy Research and Outreach (OPPRO). “It not only connects diverse minds and sparks innovation but also lays the foundation for trust and lasting partnerships to address our world’s most pressing challenges.”

As Japan and Canada look to the future, the ambassador’s message was clear: both countries take immense pride in their inventors and discoveries, but they must now focus on developing capacity, commercializing innovations and strengthening global leadership. With a shared commitment to ethical innovation, this partnership is poised to harness the light of scientific progress while minimizing its shadows. This will not just advance technology but also shape a better future for all.