On November 22, 2024, at the Embassy of Canada in Tokyo, the Japan Association of National Universities (JANU) and Universities Canada held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Exchange and Cooperation.

　This agreement intends to promote cooperation that will advance and develop university education and research activities, as well as student, faculty, and staff exchange, to contribute to enhancing the functions of universities and increasing their global competitiveness in both countries. With the relationship between Japan and Canada continuing to develop actively, this agreement was realized thanks to the proactive efforts of the Embassy of Japan in Canada, which emphasized the importance of academic and scientific collaboration between universities in both countries.

　JANU has previously entered into agreements and memorandums with university associations in France, Germany, Australia, Taiwan, the UK, ASEAN, and the USA. This is JANU’s eighth such agreement.

　 At the ceremony, Vice President Julia Scott of Universities Canada handed over the agreement document to Vice President Yasuko Sasaki of JANU. Subsequent discussions included exchanging information on higher education systems and the direction of future collaborative initiatives. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting deeper academic and research ties between Japanese and Canadian universities.