CJST president Rob Bracey has kindly donated his personal web space as a host site for the trial installation for what will eventually be a Japanese and English web site. Unfortunately, a lack of Japanese language expertise has slowed this process considerably, so only a token amount is currently bilingual. If there is anyone who would like to get involved--especially if you're kanji literate--please leave me a message at (416) 592-3998.

The aim is to provide a top-notch resource for Japan-Canada information of all sorts. This will benefit not only our membership but also the general community. It's a tall order! Based on what I've seen on the web we will be able to make a real contribution in simplifying access to all information related to Japan and Canada.

The site is organized into 5 broad categories:

CJST Information - Who we are, what we do, how to join, committee members, events, information, back issues of newsletters and lots more. The plan to have the membership directory on-line is currently on hold pending feedback from our membership. Would you like to have this information readily on-line? Let us know.

Canada - This gives you access to great Canadian sites, Toronto information as well as general information that will help the world get to know us. It is a comprehensive resource for students, business people, potential visitors and immigrants. It's our way to show the world why we're all here!

Japan - In addition to the great sites in Japan, we'll hook you up to impressive sites that will keep you up-to-date with what's happening in Japan. Currently these are mostly English-language sites but there is an unbelievable wealth of information out there. If you have located any interesting sites, let us know.

Canada in Japan - This is the smallest section so far! The intention is to highlight Canada-related resources--companies and individuals that are active in Japan. Hook-up to any current or past CJST members now working, travelling or living in Japan would be invaluable.

Japan in Canada - This will put you in touch with all the Japan-related activity in Canada. The access we have to things Japanese in the Toronto area alone is amazing. Add this to the exciting things happening across the rest of Canada, and you'll be awed. We will provide a real service to people interested in Japan-related ventures in Canada. This is of special interest to CJST members, the Japanese community in Canada, Japanese citizens interested in Canada and to Canadians who want to learn more without having to leave home.

Within these broad generalizations, there is room to provide information on a range of topics as wide as our members' interests. And that is VERY wide. We hope that our first attempt will meet with your approval. Please provide your input after you visit the site. Please feel free to contribute anything you find interesting.

In addition to the CJST site, you can check out the Japan Society site at www.Chowa.org. Another good site is Earl Burt's Toronto JET Alumni Association (JETAA) site: www.inforamp.net/~earl/jetaa.htm. The Japan Canada Society of Ottawa is at www.magmacom.com/~cjso/. It’s a great way to see what related groups are up to.

Each visit to the CJST website should provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience. If it doesn't - we've missed our mark! It's been both fun and informative to get this far and we've just broken the surface. So, go ahead, log on and surf with us.

(--Bruce Thomson)

Bruce Thomson has been a CJST member for about 2 years and a self-professed Japanese business function groupie for about 4 years. By day he is a mild mannered Ontario Hydro engineer/salaryman. At night he becomes Mr.Japan@Canadamail.com and combs the World Wide Web for Japan related information. Drop him a line when you're in cyberspace and looking for Japan related information or assistance.

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