The Japan Foundation established a Toronto Office in November 1990, and its status was upgraded to that of a Cultural Centre in April 1995. To accommodate the expanded operations, a new facility opened in the Colonnade building at 131 Bloor Street West. The opening ceremony was held in September 1995, attended by Their Imperial Highnesses, the late Prince Takamado and Princess Takamado.

Facilities and Events

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, The Japan Foundation, Toronto houses a library, seminar rooms, and an event hall, which functions as an exhibition space or auditorium. The public-lending library has approximately 21,000 Japan-related print and audio-visual materials in its collection. Events, such as art exhibitions, film screenings, and lectures, are presented year round in the event hall and/or seminar rooms, which are open to the public at no charge. The facilities are also used on occasion by Japan-related educational and cultural organisations for workshops.

Programs

In addition to organising and supporting Japan-related events, a large portion of The Japan Foundation, Toronto activities involves the administration of its grant programs, grouped under three main areas: Arts and Cultural Exchange, Japanese-Language Education, and Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange. With the assistance of the Embassy of Japan in Ottawa and the Consulates-General of Japan of Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, The Japan Foundation, Toronto disseminates grant program announcements and receives applications from across Canada.