Consulate Event Gallery
April 2025
Visit to the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
On 4 April, Consul-General Yamanaka visited the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and exchanged views with Prof. Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor and President, and other senior UTS academics, for promoting academic interactions between Japanese universities and UTS as well as more collaborations with Japanese companies.
March 2025
Courtesy call on NSW Minister for Finance and for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos
On 19 March, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC, NSW Minister for Finance and for Natural Resources.
February 2025
Emperor's Birthday Reception
On 27 February, a reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence to celebrate the 65th 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 Yamanaka touched on the many aspects of Japan and Australia's close ties including politics, business and people-to-people exchange. He also expressed his hope that 2025 Expo Osaka, Kansai (13 April-13 October) would inspire ever more Australians to visit Japan.
Next, the guest of honour, the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Trade and Industry, representing the Premier and Government of NSW, gave a speech which displayed knowledge and understanding of Japan and a warm regard for Japanese culture.
Following the Minister’s speech was the conferment ceremony of the Imperial Decorations (Spring 2024 and Autumn 2024) for Dr Peter Armstrong and Mr Philip Mitchell. Dr Armstrong received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in recognition of his contribution to promoting of sumo in Australia and to friendship and goodwill between Japan and Australia. Mr Philip Mitchell received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of his contribution to friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.
At the reception, sake from Fukushima Prefecture and food prepared by residence Chef Onishi were served. Guests could also visit booths and displays introducing products and services of Japanese businesses. There were flowers by Ikebana International Sydney Chapter President Mrs Hiroko Prado 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.
To introduce them in alphabetical order, they were:
Coopers (provided Ebisu and Sapporo beer)
Fujifilm (displayed cameras and mammography models; instant photo service using Instax)
JTB (travel and Japan-Australia cultural exchange projects/activities information)
Kikkoman sauce set (sashimi soy, yakiniku and yakitori sauces)
Lion (a subsidiary of Kirin, provided Kirin Ichiban-shibori and Hyoketsu)
NH Foods (Omugi Gyu ‘barley beef’ sirloin)
Nippon Food Supplies (a subsidiary of Takara Shuzo, provided Mio sparkling sake)
Toyota (displayed an FC Crown hydrogen-powered car)
Suntory (Boss canned coffee)
Japanese government organisations – CLAIR, JETRO and JNTO – also contributed booths.
The Consulate would like to thank everyone for their support of the event.
Reference: A Record of Exchange as the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney - Edition 4
Visit to Darwin
From 18 to 20 February, Consul-General Yamanaka visited Darwin in the Northern Territory and attended the Commemorative Service of the Bombing of Darwin Day and the Commemorative Service of the Sinking of USS Peary, among other events. He attended the inaugural Mess Dinner Commemoration of the I-124, which was hosted by the Commander of the Royal Australian Naval Base HMAS Coonawarra, and laid a wreath at the memorial plaque for the I-124 submarine crew members.
During his visit, the Consul-General accompanied Ambassador Suzuki on a courtesy call to His Honour Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie PSM, Administrator of the Northern Territory. He also paid a courtesy call and held discussions with the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the NT.
The Consul-General wrote about his visit in more detail in “A record of exchange as Consul-General of Japan in Sydney – Edition 3”.
Inner West Kids Fest
On 16 February, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney participated in the Inner West Kids Fest, organised by Inner West Council, and offered an origami experience which enabled some 150 children to experience Japanese culture.
Art Gallery of NSW
On 13 February, the Consul-General met with Art Gallery of New South Wales Director Dr Michael Brand and Government Relations Manager Ms Jane Ponchon.
The meeting followed a tour of the Gallery by local Japanese volunteer guides, Ms Midori Furze and Ms Chie Hamada, who gave a highly informative overview of the Gallery's Japanese art collection and the SANAA designed new north building, Naala Badu.
The guided tours are free and take place weekly on Fridays (11am) and Sundays (1pm).
Reference links:
Courtesy call on NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully
On 13 February, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Paul Scully MP, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces.
Visit to Newcastle
On 12 February, Consul-General Yamanaka visited Newcastle for the first time and meet with Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge.
He also visited the newly opened high-speed rail hub in Newcastle where CEO Gillian Brown kindly gave the Consul-General a tour of the facility.
During his visit to Newcastle, the Consul-General learnt about new industries developing in the area, such as during his tour of the Port of Newcastle. A traditional exporter of coal, the port is now expanding its role to renewable energy and hydrogen.
He also saw how Japan is contributing to energy transition during a visit to the construction site of the demonstration plant for MCi Carbon, which has developed a technology to immobilize carbon dioxide.
A field trip to Bradfield City Centre
On 6 February, Consul-General Yamanaka visited the AMRF First Building of Bradfield City Centre (western Sydney), hosted by Bradfield Development Authority CEO Ken Morrison.
Japan Road Show
On 5 February, Consul-General Yamanaka attended the Japan Road Show and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. Ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which starts in April, the Expo’s official character Myakumyaku came to Sydney especially to attend the event.
Courtesy call on Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper MP
On 5 February, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport.
January 2025
JET Programme Returnee Reception
On 23 January, Consul-General Yamanaka hosted the 2025 JET Returnee Reception at his official residence.
The event was an opportunity for academics, representatives from the Japanese business community, Japanese government organisations and the NSW Department of Education, and JETAA NSW committee members to enjoy a pleasant evening networking with the recent returnees.