Carney, Japan’s Takaichi announce new strategic partnership during Tokyo meeting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Friday as he wrapped up the final leg of a three-country Indo-Pacific tour focused on trade and strategic cooperation.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders announced a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in defence, energy and technology. Carney also presented Takaichi with a birthday cake made using Canadian maple syrup during the meeting.

The visit is part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to diversify trade relationships and reduce economic dependence on the United States. Ottawa has been encouraging deeper economic ties with major regional partners such as Japan.

Japanese companies, including Honda, already have a significant presence in Canada’s auto sector. During the talks, Carney raised the possibility of expanding Japanese investment in Canada’s manufacturing industry.

However, Japanese officials signalled that further auto-sector investment could depend on the proper implementation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, commonly known as CUSMA.

Japan is the world’s fourth-largest economy, and government data indicates that about 70 per cent of vehicles produced in Canada are manufactured by Japanese-owned automakers. Carney said Canada plans to send a “Team Canada” trade mission to Japan in the near future to explore additional opportunities.