Canada's early participation in the Asia-Pacific region washindered by “contradictory impulses.” For over half acentury, racist restrictions curtailed immigration from Japan, even asCanadian entrepreneurs, missionaries, and diplomats manoeuvred foraccess to the Orient. Since then, Canada's relations with Japanhave changed profoundly, and the two countries' political,economic, and diplomatic interests are now more closely aligned andwrapped up in a web of reinforcing cultural and social ties.


Contradictory Impulses is a comprehensive and richlydocumented study of the social, political, and economic interactionsbetween Canada and Japan from the late nineteenth century until today.The chapters, written by leading scholars, provide a portrait of anation growing into its Pacific identity and also raise pointedquestions about the future of Canada's relations with Japan and thevast Pacific region.


Contradictory Impulses challenges our historicunderstanding of Canada’s place in the world. This portrait of anation growing into its Pacific identity raises pointed questions aboutthe future of Canada’s relations with Japan and the vast Pacificregion. It will appeal to scholars, policymakers, and others interestedin Canada’s relations with Japan and the Asia-Pacific Rim.