The Canadian Network for Japan Studies (CANJAS) aims to develop and promote a new consortium of interests in Japan research, the first of its kind in the field of Japan/East Asian Studies. The Network will bring together post-secondary institutions, government, and community groups in ways that benefit the part as well as the whole by disseminating accumulated knowledge in a more effective manner through the adoption of new technology.

CANJAS' central goal is to optimize the sharing of knowledge among all institutions with Japanese programs in Canada, with long-term plans to extend links beyond Canada to encompass Japan and the United States as well as other areas of Asia. The programs organized by CANJAS will include presentations, seminars, and other meetings by means of videoconferencing and other distance technologies. Through the utilization of the Internet and new communications technologies, CANJAS will extend program access that were previously limited by physical constraints to institutions across Canada.

CANJAS is operated through the Prince Takamado Japan Centre (PTJC) at the University of Alberta, a joint venture between the Faculties of Arts and Education.