Vancouver - VIA Rail Canada marked the tenth anniversary of its Japan office with a luncheon reception today at its Tokyo location. A total of 80 guests, representing VIA Rail, tour wholesalers, government and media, met to celebrate VIA's first decade in the facility. Over the past 10 years the office has helped thousands of tourists from the region to choose VIA Rail for their travel plans. "VIA Rail Canada's Tokyo office is a significant element in our efforts to increase our presence in this key market," says Joe Volk, VIA's Director for Western Services. "This investment in the Japanese market has provided us with many opportunities to showcase our products, as well as build strong partnerships with the operators. The Japanese tourist's interest stretches beyond just the Canadian Rockies - VIA's Windsor to Quebec City and Atlantic services are also extremely popular for this group of travelers." Japan represents one of the top three sources of passenger traffic for VIA from outside Canada. Last year alone, VIA welcomed more than 44,000 passengers from Japan on board its trains, and the market indicators are pointing towards considerable growth over the foreseeable future. "VIA Rail Canada is recognized as a solid partner by Japanese wholesalers," says Tak Onaga, general manager, JTB International (Canada) Ltd., the Canadian arm of Japan Travel Bureau Inc., VIA Rail's general sales agent in Japan. "VIA's longstanding presence in Japan - through growth periods as well as during more challenging economic conditions - shows their commitment and solid support to this important market." This event recognizes the efforts of local wholesalers, tour operators and other partners who have helped develop and service this vital segment of VIA's business. VIA Rail is also proud of its role in promoting Canada as a preferred destination for tourists from Japan. As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient and cost effective passenger transportation services, both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities across Canada, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.