Canada. Embassy (Japan) : Diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan began on 31 January 1928. The resident Canadian Legation was established on 18 September 1929. Trade with the Far East began at the turn of the century and the Canadian government wanted a diplomatic post in Japan to give added support to its export trade to Japan in particular and to all of the Far East as well. In addition increased Oriental immigration to Canada was to be overseen along with important aid to the many Canadian missionaries in the Far East. (Canada, House of Commons Debates, 31 January 1928).Canada asserted its right to deal bilaterally with Japan though the British Foreign Office continued its policy of speaking for the Commonwealth as a whole. (Canada, House of Commons Debates, 30 January 1929). When the Legation opened in 1929 the responsibilities of the resident trade commissioner in Kobe were transferred to the legation as a commercial attaché. Due to the importance of trade with the Far East the diplomatic and commercial functions at the Japanese Embassy were more closely tied than in and other Canadian post abroad. Its other main function was to monitor the sensitive immigration question. Throughout the 1930's the diplomatic and military gathering of information sent to Canada increased as the situation in the Far East deteriorated. It was Canada's main line of communication and was invaluable in determining Canada's course of action throughout these years.
In December 1938 Ambassador Randolph Bruce returned to Ottawa and was replaced by a Chargé d'affaires, Edgar D,Arcy McGreer. This appointment remained in placed until 7 December 1941 when diplomatic relations between Canada and Japan ceased. The Canada-based staff of the Legation remained interned in Japan until repatriation in 1942. After the Second World War a civilian Liaison Mission headed by E. Herbert Norman was accredited to the Supreme Allied Commander, General Douglas McArthur. When Canada and Japan signed the Treaty of Peace with Japan diplomatic relations once again resumed and the Liaison Mission became an Embassy on 18 March 1950.
