The Israel-Japan Friendship Association and Chamber of Commerce is a non profit public association aimed at promoting the commercial ties with Japan and serving as a platform for business people of both countries.   Concurrently with its business orientation, the Israel-Japan Friendship Association and Chamber of Commerce encourage and support cultural, artistic, folklore and social ties with Japanese individuals and institutions.   The Israel-Japan Friendship Association and Chamber of Commerce was established in 1956 as the joint effort of 14 personalities, including business owners, attorneys and academics headed by Moshe Bejerano, a businessman and diplomat. The Association's bylaw was worded by advocate Ram Salomon, who was one of the founders. With time, the bylaw was adjusted to the changing needs of the Chamber of Commerce which grew and transformed into the Israel-Japan Friendship Association and Chamber of Commerce.   The late Moshe Bejerano, of the founders of the "Lod" cigarette company, was elected as the Association's first chairman. He was followed by the late Dr. Mosberg, founder and owners of Nehushtan. He was replaced several years later by advocate Ram Salomon, one of the Association's founders and the author of the first bylaw. The chairman in 1981 was Mr. Nishri, who was followed in 1984 by the late Mr. Arthur Lau, vice president in Scitex. The chairman from 1987 to 1989 was Mr. Amnon Ben Yohanan, former Israel's ambassador in Japan. 1989 saw the election of Mr. Elhanan Harel, founder and owner of Harel-Hertz. At the end of Mr. Harel's third term, in 1996, Mr. Harel was granted an honorary president award. Mr. Harel was replaced by the late Mr. Kaduri Shimoni, founder and owner of the Shimoni Group, importers of Fuji products to Israel. Mr. Shimoni served in office until 1998, when Dr. Ronny Bornstein, founder and owner of Rakuto Kasei was elected. Mr. Bornstein continues to serve as the Association's chairman until May 2004.   From 1980, the commercial ties with Japan have been gaining momentum, consequently accelerating the growth of the chamber of commerce, which became the second largest chamber of commerce after the Israel-USA chamber. The growing interest of Israeli students in the Japanese culture and their traveling to Japan encouraged educational ties, visits of musical and dance groups from Japan and increased awareness of Japanese fashion and design.   The Israel-Japan Friendship Association and Chamber of Commerce welcome any individual or organization that seeks cultural or commercial ties with Japan.     To benefit from our services, ask for the membership form in Hebrew or English, complete the form and return it to us.