In the fall of 2007 and 2008, the Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA) hosted Asian Trade Missions in Tokyo to cement stronger footholds in Japan for Canuck music companies and acts.

Still in his teens, Toronto singer- songwriter Justin Nozuka was flown over to play at the inaugural event for an industry only audience at the Embassy of Canada's Oscar Peterson Theater in Tokyo.

"I remember feeling a little nervous, but ready," shares Nozuka. "The opportunity was finally there and so it was my time."