Consulate Event Gallery
September 2023
Matsuri Japan Festival in Chatswood 2023
On 9 September, “Matsuri Japan Festival in Chatswood 2023” organised by the Japan Club of Sydney (JCS) was held at Chatswood Mall. Acting Consul-General Tanaka Noriko attended the event. At the opening ceremony, she gave a speech and opened a sake barrel (kagami-biraki) together with Mayor Tanya Taylor, Willoughby Council, Mr Iino Takahiro, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Sydney Inc, Mr Goda Keigo, President of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sydney Inc, and Rev. Watanabe Shigenobu, President of JCS.
Festival-goers could try their hand at cultural activities such as the Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana and calligraphy. There were also many stage performances to enjoy, and food stalls offering a range of Japanese food.
August 2023
Visit to Gosford Lantern Festival
On 19 August, Consul-General Tokuda and Mrs Tokuda travelled to Gosford on the Central Coast to attend the Natsu-Matsuri lantern festival. The festival was held in the beautiful Japanese garden at the Gosford Regional Gallery.
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival
On 18 August, Consul-General Tokuda and Mrs Tokuda attended the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 at the Auburn Botanic Garden.
Courtesy call on Mr Gurmesh Singh MP
On 16 August, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on Mr Gurmesh Singh MP, Member for Coffs Harbour.
This year marks the 35th Anniversary of the City of Coffs Harbour and Sasebo City (Nagasaki, Kyushu) Sister City Relationship.
Victory in the Pacific Day Commemorations
On 14 August, a Victory in the Pacific Day Commemoration Service was held at Cabravale Memorial Park in Cabramatta, and on Victory in the Pacific Day (15 August), the Victory in the Pacific Day Commemoration Service was held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, central Sydney. Consul-General Tokuda attended both ceremonies.
Reception on board JS Shiranui
On 12 August, Consul-General Tokuda attended a reception on board JS Shiranui, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer, which was docked at Sydney Harbour.
The JS Shiranui was visiting Sydney to take part in the Japan-US-India-Australia Multilateral Exercise (MALABAR 2023).
Visit to Cowra
On 4 and 5 August, Consul-General Tokuda visited Cowra to attend the Prisoner of War Breakout commemorations (5 August). Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, was also at the event.
Courtesy call on Ms Liesl Tesch MP
On 3 August, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on Ms Liesl Tesch MP, Member for Gosford, where they discussed sister-city relations between Gosford and Edogawa City.
July 2023
2023 JET Programme Departure
On 29 July, 22 participants on the 2023 JET Programme departed from Sydney Airport.
Reference links:
Courtesy call on the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
On 24 July, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
JET Programme Farewell Reception
On 11 July, the Farewell Reception for NSW participants of the 2023 JET Programme was held at the Consul-General’s official residence. In his opening remarks, Consul-General Tokuda congratulated the participants on being accepted into the Programme, and hoped that the participants will enjoy their life in Japan, form positive connections with their communities and promote cross-cultural exchange between Japan and Australia.
This year’s 22 departing participants will join local communities across Japan, helping to facilitate English language education, and to promote cross-cultural exchange between Japan and Australia.
Reference links:
Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony held for Mr Thomas Bathurst AC KC
On 29 April, Mr Tom Bathurst was announced as a recipient of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, in the 2023 Spring Imperial Decorations, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening ties between Japan and Australia and the promotion of mutual understanding in the judicial field.
On 6 July, at his official residence, Consul-General Tokuda presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to Mr Bathurst, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and former Chair of the Judicial Section of the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific (LAWASIA). During the ceremony, a video message from Japan’s Chief Justice TOKURA Saburo was played to Mr Bathurst and assembled guests.
Visit to Campbelltown
On 3 July, Consul-General Tokuda visited Campbelltown. Located in western Sydney, Campbelltown has been engaging in active sister-city exchange with Koshigaya City in Saitama Prefecture for more than 39 years.
Mr Greg Warren MP, Member for Campbelltown, kindly organised the visit and the Consul-General participated in the NAIDOC week celebration and went to see "Koshigaya Park" located in central Campbelltown. He then visited the Japanese garden at the Arts Centre, which has a Japanese tea room gifted by Koshigaya, and had a lunch with Mr Warren and Dr George Greiss, Mayor of Campbelltown. He also met with locals involved in wildlife conservation efforts and learned about their activities.
Reference: Story in local media, Good Morning Macarthur
SMASH! 2023
On 2 July, Consul-General Tokuda attended SMASH! held at Sydney's International Convention Centre (ICC)．The SMASH! convention is the largest Japanese pop-culture event in the Pacific region, and this year attracted 33,000 people over the two days. He also participated in a tea ceremony demonstration and met the famous voice actor, Mr Toru FURUYA, who was invited as one of the special guests.
June 2023
Courtesy call on the President of the NSW Legislative Council
On 16 June, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council.
Visit to Sydney by a Grand Master of Urasenke
From 8 to 11 June, the fifteenth Iemoto (Head) of Chado Urasenke, Grand Master Dr SEN Genshitsu, who turned 100 years old this year, visited Sydney, his first visit since 10 years ago in 2013.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the start of Grand Master Sen’s Oceania Mission, the 50th anniversary of the founding of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Association, the 49th anniversary of the Urasenke Brisbane Liaison Office and the 30th anniversary of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Melbourne Association. Consul-General Tokuda participated in a series of events held during this visit by Dr Sen.
On 8 June, a commemorative dinner in honour of Grand Master Sen was held.
The following day on 9 June, Dr Sen conducted a special tea ceremony “Wago no Chakai (和合の茶会)” and gave a lecture at the National Maritime Museum. A tea ceremony demonstration was given by Urasenke teachers. In the afternoon, three tea ceremonies were conducted, one by each of the Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne associations.
Courtesy call on the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly
On 8 June, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Greg Piper MP, Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly.
Courtesy call on the NSW Minister for Health
On 6 June, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on the NSW Minister for Health, the Hon. Ryan Park MP.
Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service
On 2 June, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Sydney Commemorative Service held at North Head in Sydney Harbour and laid a wreath.
Kuttabul Memorial Service
On 1 June, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Memorial Service at HMAS Kuttabul and laid a wreath.
May 2023
Calligraphy exhibition by RenClub
On 31 May, Consul-General Tokuda visited an exhibition of calligraphy by Mr Ren Yano and his RENCLUB students at The Concourse in Chatswood.
Courtesy call on the Premier of NSW
On 29 May, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call on the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Chris Minns MP.
Also present at this introductory meeting were Deputy Premier Prue Car (whose other portfolios include Western Sydney), Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe1, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Minister for Multiculturalism and Sports Stephen Kamper1, Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong1.
1. For Ministers’ full portfolios, refer to NSW Parliament website.
The Sydney Koi Show
On 28 May, Consul-General Tokuda attended the opening ceremony of the 46th Sydney Koi Show. The event is conducted jointly by Australian Koi Association and Koi Society of Australia.
Australia-Japan Society of NSW Student Awards Night
On 11 May, Consul General Tokuda presented certificates to Japanese language students at the Student Awards Night held by the Australia-Japan Society of NSW.
The ceremony is held annually targeting universities in and around Sydney.
Sounds of Sumi exhibition
On 11 May, Consul-General Tokuda visited the exhibition "Sounds of Sumi" at Blank Gallery in Haymarket, Sydney. The Consul-General had the opportunity to view the works of two of the exhibiting artists, Ms Midori Furze and Ms OKA Tomoko, guided by the artists themselves.
Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea
On May 8, Consul-General Tokuda attended a service commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.
April 2023
Strathfield Festival
On April 29, Consul-General Tokuda attended Strathfield Festival. At the festival, nearly 200 attendees enjoyed a Japanese taiko drum performance (wadaiko) by Wadaiko Rindo Sydney as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Cultural Projects of Diplomatic Missions Overseas.
40th Anniversary of Japan Club of Sydney (JCS)
On April 28, Consul-General Tokuda attended an event commemorating the Japan Club of Sydney’s 40th anniversary. Founded in 1983, the Japan Club of Sydney (JCS) is run by mainly local Japanese volunteers, with the goal of building a network among Japanese families, sharing Japanese culture, improving mutual understanding with different local cultural groups, and contributing to Australian society. JCS has organised various activities including social, informational, and cultural education activities.
Reference link:https://www.japanclubofsydney.org/
Entrance Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International School
On April 26, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Entrance Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International High School.
Anzac Day Attendance
On April 25, Consul-General Tokuda attended various Anzac Day events including a Commemoration Service and Consular Star Ceremony hosted by RSL NSW, and a wreath laying ceremony hosted by Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne.
Courtesy call to the City of Ryde
On April 12, Consul-General Tokuda paid a courtesy call to the City of Ryde where he met with Mayor Sarkis Yedelian OAM, CEO Wayne Rylands, and General Manager Michael Galderisi to exchange views.
New Logo Announcement
On April 1, the logo for the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney was updated. Its design combines the Sydney cityscape with Japanese symbols like the Hinomaru (Japanese flag) and Mount Fuji, representing the determination to further deepen the friendship between Japan and Australia.
March 2023
Graduation Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International School
On March 22, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Graduation Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International School.
Visit to the Australian Museum
On March 17, Consul-General Tokuda visited the Australian Museum, and afterwards exchanged views on topics such as museum exchange.
Ikebana International Traditional Day event
On March 16, Consul-General Tokuda attended an event hosted by Ikebana International Sydney Chapter.
Japanese Sake Seminar: A Japan Brand Promotional Event
On 14 March, Consul-General Tokuda welcomed Mr KARAHASHI Hiroyuki, President of Homare Sake Brewery Co., Ltd to his residence, where Mr Karahashi gave a presentation about Japanese sake. People who attended the seminar gave feedback such as “It was the first time I was able to learn about Japanese sake in detail,” and “Touching the actual sake drinking vessels made me want to learn more about Japanese culture.”
This seminar was held under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Japan Brand Project.
Reference: Japan Brand Project
Japan Media Event by JNTO
On 2 March, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office held an event to showcase Japanese cuisine and culture to representatives from the media industry.
Consul-General Tokuda attended the event and made a remark.
Courtesy call on the Mayor of Strathfield
On March 1, Consul-General Tokuda made a courtesy call to Strathfield, meeting with Mayor Matthew Blackmore, Deputy Mayor Karen Pensabene, General Manager Michael Mamo, and Directors Cathy Edwards-Davis, Kristy Watts, and Clare Harley to exchange views.
February 2023
Japanese Chef’s Chat
On 27 February, the Consul-General's chef Kodera Hirofumi was invited to join a monthly learning event for professional chefs “Japanese Chef’s Chat” , which was held for the first time after a year and a half.
At the event, Chef Kodera demonstrated how to prepare Kinmedai - Alfonsino/red bream - both grilled and steamed.
You can watch the video here.
Emperor’s Birthday Reception
On 22 February, a reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence to celebrate the 63rd birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Guests included people from all walks of life, including key representatives of the NSW Government.
The formal proceedings began with the national anthems performed by the Sydney Japanese Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dr Sadaharu Muramatsu, the artistic director of Strathfield Symphony Orchestra.
In his celebratory remarks, Consul-General Tokuda described how, post-COVID, there has been a multilayered reinvigoration of Japan-Australia relations, and he explained how the current state of Japan-NSW friendship continues to progress. In her address, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, demonstrated her deep understanding of Japanese culture even presenting a WAKA poem and she conveyed her expectation that the Japan-Australia relationship would continue to deepen.
At the reception, food prepared by residence Chef Kodera and his team as well as drinks were served. Guests could also visit booths and displays introducing products and services of Japanese businesses. There were flowers by Ikebana International Sydney Chapter and a bonsai by Mrs Megumi Bennett. The companies listed below kindly contributed through booths and displays or by providing items as giveaways for guests.
FUJIFILM Australia Pty Ltd
Grow Green Tea Company Pty Ltd
NIHONSAKARI CO.,LTD.
Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Ltd
Frucor Suntory
Lion Pty Ltd
Orion Breweries, Ltd
The consulate would like to thank everyone for their support of the event.
Visit to Darwin
From 18 to 20 February, Consul-General Tokuda visited Darwin in the Northern Territory and attended the Commemorative Service of the Bombing of Darwin Day, the Memorial Service for the I-124 Submarine Crew and the Commemorative Service of the Sinking of USS Peary, among other events.
He also paid courtesy calls and held discussions with His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and the Honourable Eva Lawler, Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Minister for Education, and Minister for Territory Development.
Visit to the Consulate-General from Meiji University Political Economy Students
On February 16, a group of political economy students from Meiji University on a short-term exchange program at Western Sydney University visited the Consulate-General. The students received a lecture on Japan-NSW relations, and were able to ask many questions on this topic.
Japanese Fugu Tasting and Business Meeting
On 13 February, Consul-General Tokuda attended “Japanese Fugu (pufferfish) Tasting and Business Meeting ” at Azuma Japanese restaurant hosted by Japan’s International FUGU Association.
At the event, a variety of fugu dishes including fugu sashimi were offered for tasting. Many Japanese food business representatives attended the event, having active business discussions.
Japan Travel Fair
On 4 February, Consul-General Tokuda attended “Japan Travel Fair” , a public event held at Luna Park in Sydney organised by JNTO.
At the fair, there were about 20 exhibitors including travel agencies and Japanese local governments as well as Japanese cultural performances and workshops, attracting a large number of people.
Reference Link:
January 2023
Meeting with Ikebana International Sydney Chapter
On 30 January, Consul-General Tokuda invited representatives of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter to his official residence and held a meeting to exchange views.
Japanese language guided tour of the Art Gallery of NSW
On 28 January, Consul-General Tokuda went on a Japanese language guided tour of the Art Gallery of NSW.
The guided tours are free and take place weekly on Fridays (11am) and Sundays (1pm).
Reference links:
- Art Gallery of NSW website - guided tours in Japanese (日本語)
- Consul-General's Newsletter | Letters and Essays from Sydney 2.0 – Volume 8 ～ Japanese volunteers’ guided tour of the Art Gallery of NSW ～