For many years, the University of Alberta has had strong links with Japan and it is currently linked to 27 Japanese universities. Through international student exchange agreements with these Japanese partner institutes, the University of Alberta is able to offer its students the opportunity to study in Japan.

Since 1998, the Japan Centre has engaged in a computer-assisted language learning project called Teaching Assistance Kaleidoscope On-line (TAKO) Project. The purpose of the project is to create lesson modules that allow students to work on their own with the help of instructional materials.

In 2000, the Japan Centre hosted its second conference on the teaching of Japanese Language and Culture with 44 participants including nine international participants from countries other than Canada.

At present, the Mori Shigyo Calligraphy Art Collection is catalogued housed in the Centre.

In March 2003, plans were undertaken to rename the Centre The Prince Takamado Japan Centre for Teaching and Research in memory of the late Prince Takamado. In June 2004, the Japan Centre was rededicated to Prince Takamado with a celebration hosted by Dr. Roderick Fraser, President of the University of Alberta, in Edmonton.