From September 7 to 11, 2025, Languages Canada led an outbound trade mission to Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, with the gracious support of the Trade Commissioner Service in Japan and the collaboration of the Canadian Associations for Public Schools – International (CAPS-I). The initiative brought together 24 pre–screened Japanese education agents and Canadian institutional representatives for a vibrant week of engagement at the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, and a productive B2B program hosted at a special venue in Kyoto. The mission showcased Canada’s immersive English and French programs and reaffirmed Japan as the top source market for language education in Canada.
Why Japan?
Japan remains the largest source of students for Canadian language programs, boasting the highest visa approval rate. Canadian language programs stand out for their quality, safe environments, and immersive language learning—a value proposition that continues to resonate strongly with Japanese students.
Mission Highlights & Itinerary
Osaka – Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025
The mission kicked off with an opening reception hosted at the Canada Pavilion, offering high-visibility branding and networking opportunities in a prestigious global venue. Languages Canada and CAPS-I members and Japanese guests were welcomed by Laurie Peters, Canada’s Commissioner General, who greeted guests by stating: “Today’s event embodies exactly what Expo is all about: creating meaningful connections, exchanging information, and building stronger ties between Canada and Japan – and beyond - in the Empowering Lives Zone of Expo, here at the Canada Pavilion.”
During the reception, Gary Gervais, President of the Languages Canada Board of Directors and President of Heartland International English School, and Shoichi Okawa, Executive Secretary of JAOS, took part in a symbolic gift exchange ceremony. Each leader presented the other with a token of appreciation – a gesture that beautifully brought a piece of Canada to Japan, and Japan to Canada – highlighting the spirit of friendship and collaboration that underpins this partnership.
‘’It is a privilege to be with you, and to celebrate the strong ties between Canada and Japan in international education ”stated Shoichi Okawa, Executive Secretary of JAOS. “Canada has long been one of the most attractive destinations for Japanese students. The high quality of education, the welcoming multicultural society, and the safe, supportive environment are highly valued by students and their families. Many of our members consistently recommend Canada as a top study destination.’’
In a bilingual speech, Gary Gervais, welcomed the group of Japanese partners to the Canada Pavilion:
‘’I truly believe, in our increasingly virtual world, that person-to-person events are more valuable and important than ever. After all, at the core of what we do is helping people connect. Every time a Japanese student comes to Canada, I hope they get the same life changing experience from living and learning in a different country and culture as I did living in Japan. These international experiences help to make the world a better and more compassionate place.’’
Distinguished guests from Japanese government entities and educational institutions were also in attendance, exploring student exchange opportunities with Canadians peers, including:
- Osaka Prefectural Government Board of Education;
- Osaka Prefectural Government, International Affairs Division, Osaka Promotion Bureau, Department of Civic and Cultural Affairs;
- Kyoto University;
- Osaka Institute of Technology;
- Osaka Jogakuin High School;
- Hotoku Gakuin High School; and
- Kumamoto University.
Kyoto – Intensive B2B Program
Over 400 one-on-one meetings took place between Japanese agents and Canadian institutions over the two-day B2B event in Kyoto. Languages Canada and CAPS-I members also had the chance to gather market intel through personalized conversations with Megumi Akiyama, the Trade Commissioner in charge of the education file at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo.
Participants benefited from a 5-star setting at Hyatt Regency Kyoto, with integrated hospitality including Japanese and international cuisine at breakfasts, lunch, reception dinners. The group also witnessed a very special cultural presentation of Kansai tradition – a Maiko from Kyoto’s Miyagawa-cho district offered a magical and elegant traditional dance to guests in attendance.
Completing the program, Diego Sanchez, Languages Canada’s Director, International Affairs, delivered a presentation to the group on the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. As a Recognized Organization within the IEC program (under the umbrella of Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada), Languages Canada supports two-way youth mobility and working holiday opportunities between Canada and Japan..
Participant Experience
“A strategic and seamless week, allowing us to filter through top-tier agencies and grow our presence in a vital market”
- Cam Harvey, Co-President, Global Village English Centres
‘’It’s a great opportunity for us to present to these key-industry leaders in Japan about the offer of CAPS-I’s 130+ members across the country, welcoming students into K-12 programs in both English and French! And it is a privilege to have the presence of and support of Megumi Akiyama, the Trade Commissioner from Embassy of Canada to Japan.’’
- Lisa Williamson, Marketing Manager, CAPS-I
‘’During the Trade Mission, we were exposed to agency partners and also to local university and government representatives, which is a way to help us diversify how we do recruitment.’’
- Ismel Gonzalez, Director, English Language Centre, Lakehead University
‘’I only work with schools whose representatives I know in person. During the Trade Mission, I was able to get to know the Canadian institutions in an environment created by Languages Canada and the support of the Government of Canada. I now know I can trust sending my students to their institutions.’’
- Rie Shimakawa, Japanese agency IcL Teachers.
Acknowledgements
Languages Canada extends sincere gratitude to its collaborators, including:
- The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and the Global Affairs Canada teams in Japan, for their incredible support and participation in the mission events in Osaka and Kyoto;
- CAPS-I and its members, for their enrichment of the mission program;
- Air Canada, the official carrier sponsor;
- The Canada Pavilion team at Expo 2025 Osaka, for hosting the reception;
Singing Ceremony – Languages Canada & JAOS Cooperation
During the Trade Mission, Languages Canada, the national association representing English and French language education in Canada, and the Japanese Association of Overseas Studies (JAOS), representing more than 40 leading study abroad agencies in Japan, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to strengthen ties between the two organizations.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at ensuring Japanese students studying English and French in Canada have the best possible educational and cultural experience. Both organizations have committed to working together to:
- Share industry knowledge, market data, and insights;
- Keep members informed about student concerns and regulatory updates; and
- Promote quality organizations in Canada and Japan working in the field of language education and counselling.
- Cooperation in event promotion, market research, and ongoing communication between the associations.
“This memorandum highlights our mutual commitment to supporting Japanese students in Canada and reinforcing the quality and integrity of language education,” said Gonzalo Peralta, Executive Director of Languages Canada.
Tatsuhiko Hoshino, International Relations Officer at JAOS, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Working closely with Languages Canada will help us ensure that Japanese students studying abroad receive the best possible guidance, education, and support.”
This collaboration reflects the shared vision of Languages Canada and JAOS to promote international education, enhance the student experience, and strengthen Canada–Japan educational relations.
Looking Ahead
This mission underscores Canada's strategic engagement with its largest language education market in Asia. Building on this momentum, Languages Canada looks forward to organizing future trade missions, continuing to foster international partnerships and highlighting Canada’s language learning offerings on the global stage.
This Trade Mission to Japan was made possible in part thanks to Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport for Associations program.
