Kanji Yamanouchi

Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi is a distinguished Japanese diplomat and former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Canada, with more than four decades of experience in international diplomacy, foreign policy, economic affairs, and Japan’s relations with North America and the Asia Pacific.

A graduate of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Ambassador Yamanouchi joined Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1984. Over a distinguished career, he held senior diplomatic and policy positions in Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Canada. His assignments included First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in the United States, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan in South Korea, and Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Japan in the United States. In Tokyo, he served as Director of the First Southeast Asia Division, Director of the Press Division, Director of the First North America Division, Executive Assistant to the Prime Minister, and Deputy Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau.

In 2016, Ambassador Yamanouchi was appointed Assistant Minister and Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau. From 2018 to 2022, he served as Consul-General (Ambassador) of Japan in New York. In July 2022, he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Canada, a position he held until his retirement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2026.

As an Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Distinguished Fellow, Ambassador Yamanouchi brings extensive first-hand experience of Japan’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagement with Canada, the U.S., South Korea, and the broader Asia Pacific. His career spanning senior government, diplomatic, and economic portfolios provides valuable insight into the evolving relationships that shape Canada’s engagement with the region.