Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020 Mr Funayama Seijiro, Proprietor of Jun Pacific Corporation Pty Ltd NSW and The JET Alumni Association of NSW awarded Foreign Minister’s Commendations
2020/12/1
On 1 December, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020.
Among the recipients (individuals and groups), there are two from New South Wales. It was announced that Commendations will be awarded to Mr Funayama Seijiro, Proprietor of Jun Pacific Corporation Pty Ltd, (individual) and JETAA-NSW (group).
[Press Releases]Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2020
FUNAYAMA Seijiro, Proprietor, Jun Pacific Corporation Pty Ltd
For services to the promotion of Japanese food culture in Australia
As a Japanese wholesaler, Mr Funayama has contributed to the distribution of Japanese food products for more than 40 years, through the management of Jun Pacific Corporation and the Japanese food store "Tokyo Mart". He laid the foundations of the Japanese food market throughout Australia by maintaining continued sales, and by efforts such as promoting understanding of the safety of seaweed when restrictions were placed on seaweed sales in Australia.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2018 heavy rain disaster in western Japan, Mr Funayama contributed to society through his management decisions, for example, by choosing to handle ‘reconstruction support products’ from each of the affected regions. In 2013, he was a finalist in the “Ethnic Business Awards”, which acknowledge the contribution to Australia of migrant businesspeople. Through these efforts, Mr Funayama has greatly contributed to the friendship between Japan and Australia.
2. Foreign Minister’s Commendation (Group)
The NSW Chapter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Alumni Association (JETAA-NSW)
For services to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia
For more than 30 years since its establishment, the NSW Chapter of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Alumni Association (JETAA-NSW) has conducted many events promoting Japanese language and Japanese culture, for example by holding Japanese conversation sessions and by cooperating to hold exhibitions at Japanese festivals. JETAA-NSW is also deeply involved in the administration of the JET Programme, supporting the career development of former JET participants and contributing to the development of human resources who engage in Japan-Australia relations. JETAA-NSW plays a very active role beyond state borders: since 2016, JETAA-NSW has continuously held two positions on JETAA International, the international organisation for JET Programme alumni associations, and in 2019, it hosted the JETAA Oceania Conference. JETAA-NSW is also integrated into the local Japanese community and contributes to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Australia.