Consulate Event Gallery
March 2023
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.
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 ～