Read the Japanese version of the news release: ユーコン準州と日本の共通の利益および機会を推進していくことに重点を置いた話し合い。
Today in Whitehorse, Premier Ranj Pillai met with Consul General of Japan for Vancouver Mr. Kohei Maruyama to discuss shared priorities of the Yukon and Japan.
Building on the Premier’s discussions with the Japanese Ambassador to Canada, Mr. Kanji Yamanouchi, earlier this month in Ottawa, the meeting was an opportunity to strengthen Yukon-Japan relationships, share common interests and explore new opportunities.
The Premier and Consul General discussed a range of topics including the Yukon’s strategic place in the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions, economic cooperation, critical minerals, and increasing people-to-people ties through tourism, immigration and cultural exchange.
This was Consul General Maruyama’s first visit to the Yukon. The Consul General also met with Minister of Tourism and Culture, and Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker to discuss critical minerals and tourism opportunities in the Yukon.
I am pleased to welcome Consul General Maruyama for his first official visit to the territory. Our relationship with Japan is an important one, not just for our economy, but to foster our shared cultural connections. We continue to see Japanese culture growing in the Yukon, with a lively community association, increased rates of tourism, and growing immigration through the Yukon Nominee Program. We share a broad range of interests, including engagement in the Arctic, mining exports, and tourism. I look forward to further expanding the great cultural and economic connections we share with Japan.
Premier Ranj Pillai
Japan is the fourth-largest source of newcomers under the Yukon Nominee Program.
The Yukon government and Yukon companies participated in a Mineral Investment Forum in Japan in October 2021 to promote the mining industry in Yukon.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 Japanese visitors travelled to the Yukon each year.
The Department of Tourism and Culture has entered into a joint marketing agreement with key account tour operators, including Japan-based Hankyu Travel International Co. Ltd.
Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca
Diana Dryburgh
Communications, Executive Council Office
867-332-9283
diana.dryburgh@yukon.ca