Consulate Event Gallery

				March 2026	February 2026	January 2026

March 2026

Australia Food Market Seminar

 

On 4 March, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney and JETRO Sydney hosted the ‘Australia Food Seminar’, targeting trading companies, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants handling Japanese food products in Australia and Consul-General Yamanaka delivered the opening remarks. The seminar focused on expanding the market for Japanese food products in Australia and featured an expert lecture followed by individual consultation sessions for interested participants.
 

February 2026

Emperor's Birthday Reception

On 26 February, a reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Guests came from diverse areas; among them were key NSW State representatives. The heavy rain failed to dampen spirits and conversation flowed through the evening.

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 read out a special message from Foreign Minister Motegi who noted that 2026 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia.

Next, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, followed by the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Trade and Industry, representing the Premier and Government of NSW, both gave speeches. Governor Beazley’s remarks revealed her deep knowledge of Japan and appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. Then, Minister Chanthivong spoke displaying a warm regard for Japanese culture as he noted among other points the popularity of Japanese language in NSW, even using Japanese phrases several times during his speech.

At the reception, food prepared by residence Chef Onishi showcasing Japanese flavours was served. There were flowers by Ikebana International Sydney Chapter President Mrs Hiroko Prado and a bonsai by Mrs Megumi Bennett. Guests could also visit booths and displays introducing products and services of Japanese businesses.

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)
• Kikkoman (sashimi soy and sushi vinegar set)
• Lion (a subsidiary of Kirin, provided Kirin Ichiban-shibori and Hyoketsu)
• Nippon Food Supplies (Sparkling Sake “Mio”)
• Pentel (customised pens)
• Suntory (Boss canned coffee)
• Toyota (displayed an FC Crown hydrogen-powered car and gave test drives of a Mirai hydrogen-powered car)

Japanese government organisations – CLAIR, the Japan Foundation Sydney, JETRO and JNTO – also contributed booths. Travelling especially from Japan was the Hokkaido Bureau which introduced Ainu culture — the Ainu people are an indigenous people who have lived around the northern part of the Japanese Archipelago, especially in Hokkaido. Also present was The Shepherd Centre, which introduced its partnership with Shizuoka General Hospital, supporting Japan’s first publicly funded integrated early intervention program for children with hearing loss.

The Consulate would like to thank everyone for their support of the event.
 

Visit to Darwin

From 18 to 20 February, Consul-General Yamanaka visited Darwin in the Northern Territory to attend the Commemorative Service of the Bombing of Darwin Day and the Commemorative Service of the Sinking of USS Peary, among other events. He also laid a wreath at the memorial plaque for the 80 crew members of the I-124 submarine at the I-124 memorial in an outer suburb of Darwin.

During his visit, the Consul-General attended courtesy calls with the Acting Administrator of the Northern Territory His Honour the Honourable Chief Justice Michael Grant AO, Minister for Veteran Affairs the Hon. Jinson Charls MLA, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations the Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM MLA, and the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Darwin, the Honourable Peter Styles.


At a dinner with members of the Australian Japanese Association of the NT (AJANT), the Consul-General presented the Association with a Foreign Minister's Commendation, recommended by His Excellency Ambassador Suzuki, in recognition of AJANT's tireless dedication to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

 

Experience Japan Food - Explore Dinner

 

On 17 February, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries hosted a Japanese food promotion event “Experience Japan Food – Explore Dinner” in Sydney, and many Australia- based food industry professionals attended. At the event, Mr Satoshi Onishi, the official chef at the Consul-General’s residence and a certified JSA sommelier, spoke about “The Appeal of Japanese Rice and Ingredients from a Chef’s Perspective” and a representative from Japanese sake brewer in Niigata prefecture delivered a presentation. Also, Mr Adam Liaw, Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese Cuisine, showcased Japanese ingredients he experienced in Japan, as well as the unique attractions of Japan’s regional areas.

 

Japan Roadshow

 

On 2 February, Consul General Yamanaka attended the "Japan Roadshow 2026," an event hosted by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Representatives from local governments, accommodation providers, transportation agencies, and many other stakeholders from various regions of Japan participated, showcasing their attractions to Australian tourism industry representatives.