Consulate Event Gallery
December 2024
Japan Expo 2024
On 14 December, Consul-General Yamanaka attended the Japan Expo 2024 held at Sydney Town Hall and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony. The Expo, which was supported by this Consulate, featured exhibitors from the tourism and food industries, as well as various cultural demonstrations. Also noteworthy was the presence of the Reconstruction Agency promoting the attractions of Fukushima.
Courtesy call on NSW Legislative Council President Ben Franklin
On 6 December, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the NSW Legislative Council, to exchange greetings after his arrival in Sydney.
Courtesy call on Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Greg Piper
On 3 December, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, the Hon. Greg Piper, MP, to exchange greetings after his arrival in Sydney.
Matsuri Japan Festival in Sydney
On 1 December, Consul-General Yamanaka attended Matsuri Japan Festival 2024 and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
Matsuri Japan Festival 2024 is co-organised by Japan Club of Sydney (JCS), Japanese Society of Sydney Inc (JSS) and Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and this year’s festival was the first since 2019.
November 2024
Courtesy call on the Premier of NSW
On 27 November, Consul-General Yamanaka 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), Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong.
On the same day, the Consul-General also met with Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.
Visit to Cowra
On 22 November, Consul-General Yamanaka visited Cowra for the first time to attend the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the dedication of the Japanese war cemetery.
He also visited the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
Courtesy call on NSW Chief Justice, the Hon. Andrew Bell
On 14 November, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on The Hon. Andrew Bell, Chief Justice of New South Wales.
Meeting with NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations
On 13 November, Consul-General Yamanaka met with the Hon. Robyn Cahill OAM, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations for the Northern Territory.
October 2024
35th Anniversary of Sister City Relationship between Minokamo City and Dubbo Regional Council
On 26 and 27 October, Consul-General Yamanaka visited Dubbo Regional Council and participated in events celebrating the 35th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Minokamo city in Gifu prefecture. A celebratory dinner was held on the evening of the 26th (Sat.), and the following day, he visited Shoyoen Japanese Garden in the Dubbo Regional Botanic Gardens and took part in a tea ceremony at the 'Jurian' teahouse.
Courtesy call on the Governor of NSW
On 23 October, Consul-General Yamanaka paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, to exchange greetings after his arrival in Sydney.
Japanese drumming at 2024 Ryde Granny Smith Festival
On 19 October, the City of Ryde held its annual Granny Smith Festival. As part of the Festival, there were two performances of Japanese drumming by Wadaiko Rindo, Sydney. Hundreds of people watched the performances.
September 2024
Visit to Cowra
On 28 September, Acting Consul-General Nishida Yuichiro travelled to Cowra to attend the Sakura Matsuri or Cherry Blossom Festival.
On the following day, Mr Nishida attended the Service of Respect at the Cowra Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries.
Australian Sake Awards 2024 Ceremony & Australian Sake Festival
On 28 and 29 September, the Australian Sake Festival was held in Sydney and Consul Goto Takeru attended the opening ceremony.
At the event being held for the third time, more than 200 kinds of sake were available for tasting. Visitors could also enjoy a variety of cultural performances.
Two days earlier on 26 September, Acting Consul-General Nishida attended the Australian Sake Awards 2024 Ceremony held in Sydney. At the ceremony, sakes that received excellent evaluations at the judging panel held in May this year were served, and attendees included award winners, judges and industry representatives.
Ikebana International Sydney Chapter Annual General Meeting
On 19 September, Acting Consul-General Nishida Yuichiro attended the Annual General Meeting of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter #36.
Matsuri Japan Festival in Chatswood
On 14 September, “Matsuri Japan Festival in Chatswood 2024” organised by the Japan Club of Sydney (JCS) was held at Chatswood Mall. Acting Consul-General Nishida Yuichiro attended the event.
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.
The Consulate ran a stall which included a sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) workshop.
Grand Bonsai and Ikebana Exhibition
On 14 September, Acting Consul-General Nishida attended the Grand Bonsai and Ikebana Exhibition at the Garden Gallery in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The exhibition was a triple celebration of Mrs Megumi Bennett’s 50th anniversary of bonsai and ikebana in Australia, the 25th anniversary of the Bonsai Society of Sydney, and the 5th anniversary of the Koryu Shoyo-kai School of ikebana.
Strathfield Spring Festival
On 7 September, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney participated in the Strathfield Spring Festival, organised by Strathfield Council, and offered an origami experience which enabled some 150 children to experience Japanese culture.
August 2024
Inaugural Australia-Japan Business Dinner & Foreign Minister’s Commendations
On 30 August, Acting Consul-General Nishida attended the Inaugural Australia-Japan Business Dinner, which was co-hosted by the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) and the Australia-Japan Society of NSW (AJS-NSW). At the reception, Ms Wendy Holdenson (left) and Ms Debra Hazelton were presented with Foreign Minister's Commendations for their contributions to the promotion of economic relations between Japan and Australia.
Japan Roadshow
On 26 August, Acting Consul-General Nishida Yuichiro attended the Japan Road Show in Sydney. Organised by JNTO (@VisitJapanAU), many prefectures and private tourism companies had booths at the event to attract Australian buyers.
Official Opening of Nihon University’s Newcastle Campus
On 22 August, Consul Ikegaya Mayumi attended the official opening ceremony of Nihon University’s first overseas campus in Newcastle.
Farewell Reception for Consul-General Tokuda
On 12 August, the Farewell Reception was held for Consul-General Tokuda Shuichi.
Visit to Cowra
On 4 and 5 August, Consul-General Tokuda visited Cowra to attend the Cowra Breakout 80th Anniversary commemorations (5 August). Mr Hosaka Yasushi, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, also attended the ceremony as did many other Japanese people, including several mayors and representatives from local governments and cities.
July 2024
JET Farewell Reception & Departure for Japan
On 8 July, the Farewell Reception for NSW participants of the 2024 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. At this year’s reception, Urasenke Sydney held a tea ceremony especially for the new JET cohort.
On 27 July, the 31 participants on the 2024 JET Programme departed from Sydney Airport.
The new JET 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:
June 2024
Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service
On 7 June, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Sydney Commemorative Service held at North Head in Sydney Harbour and laid a wreath.
May 2024
Kuttabul Memorial Service
On 30 May, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Memorial Service at HMAS Kuttabul and laid a wreath.
Visit to Newcastle
On 27 May, Consul-General Tokuda visited Newcastle to attend a round table hosted by Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. Together with other distinguished representatives of the City of Newcastle, they discussed future collaboration.
The Sydney Koi Show
On 26 May, Consul-General Tokuda attended the opening ceremony of the 47th 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 14 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 for universities in and around Sydney, including Wollongong and Newcastle.
Cowra Koyo Matsuri
On 3 May, Consul-General Tokuda visited Cowra and participated in the Koyo Matsuri, which was held at the Cowra Japanese Gardens. Together with Mayor Ruth Fagan, he laid flowers at the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries.
April 2024
Sydney Japanese International School Entrance Ceremony
On 30 April, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Entrance Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International School.
ANZAC Day Commemoration Service
On 25 April, Consul-General Tokuda attended the ANZAC Day Commemoration Service organised by RSL NSW.
Judo with Gold-Medallist Takato Naohisa
On 13 April, Consul-General Tokuda attended a Judo event alongside gold-medallist Takato Naohisa.
23rd Jodo Championships
On 12 April, Consul-General Tokuda attended the 23rd Jodo Championships, facilitated by Australian Kendo Renmei.
School Visit
On 10 April, Vice-Consul Tateno visited St. Columba’s Catholic College. She spoke about Japanese culture with Year 11 students who are studying Japanese and legal studies.
JET Programme Early-Arrival Participants Depart for Japan
On 6 April, Consul Ikegaya saw off two early-arrival JET Programme participants from Sydney International Airport.
March 2024
46th Australian Kendo Championships
On 31 March, Consul-General Tokuda attended the 46th Australian Kendo Championships organised by the NSW Kendo Association and Australian Kendo Renmei.
All-Australia Karate Championships
On 17 March, Consul-General Tokuda attended the All-Australia Karate Championships facilitated by the International Organisation Kempo Genbu Ryu.
Sydney Japanese International School Graduations
On 15 March, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Sydney Japanese International School Graduation Ceremony.
Speech at New College, UNSW
On 13 March, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Lent Formal Dinner held at UNSW’s New College and gave a speech on Japan-Australia relations to more than 250 students, mainly in master’s and doctoral programs.
The 2024 JET Returnee Reception
On 12 March, Consul-General Tokuda hosted the 2024 JET Returnee Reception at his official residence. After speeches by the Consul-General, Mr Angelo Mendoza, President of JET Alumni Association of NSW (JETAA NSW), and Ms Koizumi Sayoko, Deputy Executive Director of CLAIR Sydney, guests heard a thoughtful speech by Mr Tin-Lok Shea, a Partner at H&H Lawyers, who is a former Coordinator for International Relations on JET.
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. Chef Kodera, executive chef at the residence, prepared local dishes from each of the seven prefectures where the most recent returnees were posted and the home prefecture of Ms Koizumi from CLAIR to remind them of their hometowns in Japan.
February 2024
Emperor’s Birthday Reception
On 28 February, a reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence to celebrate the 64th 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 touched on the many aspects of Japan and Australia's close ties including politics, security, business and people-to-people exchange.
Next, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of NSW, followed by the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong, Minister for Trade and Industry, representing the NSW Premier, both gave speeches. Governor Beazley’s remarks revealed her deep knowledge of Japan and included mention of a Japanese athlete active in wheelchair marathons and the Cowra Breakout which marks the 80th anniversary this year.
An additional element on this occasion was the conferment ceremony of the Imperial Decoration (Autumn 2023) for the Honourable Jonathan O’Dea, former Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly. Mr O’Dea received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of regional exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.
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 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.
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
FujiFilm
JAL (Japan Airlines)
JTB
Lion (Kirin Beer)
Nippon Food Supplies (Takarashuzo Group)
Sapporo Beer
Toyota (display of Mirai hydrogen car)
Kikkoman (the soy sauce for sushi)
NH Foods (Omugi Gyu Angus for the roast beef)
LeTao cheesecake
From Japan
Akita Meijo Sake Brewery (Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture)
Kawatsuru Sake Brewery (Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture)
Japanese government organisations – CLAIR, JETRO and JNTO – also contributed booths and were part of the “All Japan” promotion.
The consulate would like to thank everyone for their support of the event.
Visit to University of New South Wales
On 23 February, Consul-General Tokuda visited the University of New South Wales and exchanged views with Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President, and his colleagues, for promoting academic cooperation.
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, Chief Minister and Treasurer.
Inner West Kids Fest
On 17 February, Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney participated in Inner West Kids Fest, organised by Inner West Council, and offered workshops of Origami and Sumi-e. Nearly 400 children enjoyed experiencing Japanese culture.
January 2024
Australia Day
On 26 February, Consul-General Tokuda attended an Australia Day event organised by the Strathfield Council.
Sydney Japanese International School Entrance Ceremony
On 18 January, Consul-General Tokuda attended the Entrance Ceremony at Sydney Japanese International School.