Consulate Event Gallery
December 2020
'Briefing on NSW Government Procurement' Webinar
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On 17 December, the NSW Government and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented a briefing session (webinar), exclusively for the Japanese business community, on the NSW Government’s procurement process.At the webinar, senior leaders from the NSW Government spoke about NSW Government’s procurement processes, unsolicited proposals, as well as opportunities in Western Sydney.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko expressed his gratitude to the NSW Government. The Consul-General also conveyed how he valued the cooperation between Japan and NSW and their achievements this year in both the public and private sectors, despite the many difficulties we faced since the beginning of the pandemic.
Details about the event are available as below:
'Briefing on NSW Government Procurement' Webinar (Japanese)
2020 After JET Careers Webinar
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On 16 December, Consul-General Kiya attended and gave the opening remarks at the 2020 After JET Careers Webinar for returnee JET participants, JET alumni and university students studying Japanese.
The purpose of the webinar was to inform attendees about Japanese companies and organisations within Australia, and how they can use their Japan related skills and knowledge to progress their careers and further Australia-Japan ties.
The presenters at the event were as follows:
- Mr MOHRI Tomomi, Managing Director, Nippon Steel / President, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sydney
- Mr Matthew SLATTERY, Business Development Division of Sumitomo Australia
- Mr Mark LUCAS, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd
- Ms Carol CHENG, Research & Liaison Officer, CLAIR Sydney
The 2020 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students Awards Ceremony
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On 11 December, the award ceremony for the 2020 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students was held at the Consul-General's residence. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees were limited to only the prize-winning students. Consul-General Kiya presented the certificates to the 5 student winners.
We would like to congratulate the prize winners and all the students who took part in this year’s competition, as well as thank the official sponsors for their generous support.
Click to view the official results of the 2020 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students
November 2020
Consul-General Kiya Visits Wollongong, Newcastle and Central Coast Cities
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From 16 to 20 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Wollongong, Newcastle and Central Coast cities.
On 16 November, the Consul-General made a courtesy call on University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings, and paid a visit to NEC Australia located within the Innovation Campus of the university. He also got to see the traditional Japanese 'drum' (arched) bridge at the Wollongong Botanic Garden, which was presented to the City of Wollongong by its sister city, Kawasaki (Japan).
On 19 November, the Consul-General made a courtesy call on Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes for the 40th anniversary (21 November) of the sister city relationship between Newcastle and Ube (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan), and paid a visit to the defence and aerospace Special Activation Precinct located near Williamtown RAAF Base, which is currently being promoted by the NSW Government. While in Newcastle, he had the opportunity to exchange views with employees of Japanese companies there, and he visited the vineyard of a female Japanese winemaker in the Hunter Valley. He was a guest at Merewether High School's award ceremony to present them with the "School of the Year" award for this year's Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest (run by the Consulate), and he sat in on a vibrant Japanese language class at Newcastle High School.
On his visit to Central Coast City, the Consul-General enjoyed the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens, which was built with the help of Central Coast's sister city Edogawa (Tokyo Metropolis, Japan), and he spent time in the tea fields of Kunitaro's Waratah Farm, a fine producer of matcha tea in the locality. He also visited Gosford High School, another thriving hub of Japanese tuition.
In issue #30 of the Consul-General's newsletter, he writes about "Major Regional Cities in NSW: Promoting Business and Exchange with Japan", and provides the latest information regarding these regions.
The newsletter can be viewed here:
No. 30 Major Regional Cities in NSW: Promoting Business and Exchange with Japan
Remembrance Day 2020
On 11 November, Consul-General Kiya laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Martin Place in Sydney after the Remembrance Day service.
'NSW-Japan : Engagement for the Future' Webinar hosted by the NSW Government
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On 4 November the NSW Government in partnership with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney, hosted an online briefing session ‘NSW-Japan : Engagement for the Future’, exclusively for the Japanese business community, with simultaneous interpreting provided.
The highlight of the webinar was a speech by the Premier of NSW, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian, about investment opportunities in infrastructure, health and technology in NSW. In a Q&A session with the Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, the Premier stressed the government looked forward to welcoming more Japanese business to NSW. Dr Mimura Akio, Chairman of JCCI, also gave a video message.
Consul-General Kiya Masahiko, in closing remarks, expressed his appreciation to the Premier and others for organising the webinar, which was the first country-specific webinar ever organised by the NSW Government. He also stated “Let’s work together, for both Japan and NSW and for the planet”.
Details about the event are available as below:
‘NSW-Japan : Engagement for the Future’ (Japanese)
October 2020
Consul-General Kiya attends an online school exchange
On 30 October, Consul-General Kiya attended a video conference between Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College in Alice Springs and Mino Jiyu Gakuen in Osaka as a part of "Australian Olympic Connect Tomodachi 2020", which is an online school exchange program operated by Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
Aspiring Olympic BMX rider Saya Sakakibara also joined the video call. A heartwarming exchange was conducted including Q&A by students in both Japanese and English.
A media release by AOC prior to this exchange is available on this site:
https://www.olympics.com.au/news/olympic-hopeful-sakakibara-to-ignite-olympic-excitement-with-australian-and-japanese-students/
Consul-General Kiya's Visit to Darwin
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With border restrictions having been eased on 9 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Darwin from 25 to 28 October.
While in Darwin, he made a site visit to the planned location of a prawn aquaculture business, which is currently being developed under the partnership of Japanese and Australian companies, and he exchanged views with representatives of the Northern Territory Government and others involved in Japan-Australia exchange.
The Consul-General also visited the City of Palmerston, which is a satellited city of Darwin. Palmerston is a sister city with Aridagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, and this year marks their 10th anniversary as sister cities.
In issue #27 of the Consul-General's newsletter, he writes about "The Northern Territory and Japan: Towards deepening and widening business and exchange" and reports on the latest situation.
The newsletter can be viewed here:
https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_27newsE.pdf
September 2020
Consul-General Kiya attends Service of Respect at the Cowra War Cemeteries
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On 27 September, Consul-General Kiya laid wreaths together with Cr Bill West, Mayor of Cowra, at the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries. This year, the Cowra Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) was cancelled due to COVID-19, but the decision was made by Cowra to conduct the Service of Respect at the Cowra War Cemeteries as in normal years.
Also participating in the service was Mr Ishikawa Yoshikazu, Chairman of the Japanese Society of Sydney, who wrote about the visit on the JSS website (Japanese language): http://www.jssi.org.au/2020/09/30/4280
Ikebana International Sydney Chapter's Annual General Meeting
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On 17 September, Ikebana International Sydney Chapter held their Annual General Meeting (AGM). While taking precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19, members exhibited beautiful works and gave an ikebana demonstration. Consul-General Kiya gave a speech about how the activities of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter have contributed to the development of multiculturalism and Japan-Australia relations.
August 2020
NSW Governor’s virtual visit to Cowra
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On 27 August, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson, held an official virtual meeting with Cr Bill West, Mayor of Cowra Shire Council, and Mr Bob Griffiths, Chairman of the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
Her Excellency, Mr Wilson, Cr West and Mr Griffith discussed the history and the latest situation of Cowra and the Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Kiya Masahiko, also participated in the meeting.
The theme of issue #19 of his consul-general's newsletter is "Cowra as a Bridge between Australia and Japan" https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_22newsJ.pdf
Wreath laying for the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War
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August 15 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Consul-General Kiya laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Martin Place in Sydney.
The theme of issue #22 of his consul-general's newsletter is "75th Anniversary of the End of the Second World War: From Enemies to Friends" https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_22newsJ.pdf
July 2020
'NSWーJapan Engagement : A Shared Recovery' Webinar hosted by the NSW Government
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On 29 July, the NSW government, in partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney, hosted an online briefing session ' NSW-Japan Engagement: A Shared Recovery ', exclusively for the Japanese business community. At the webinar, The Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney made a keynote speech, and senior leaders from the NSW government spoke about NSW's response to the COVID-19 crisis and a framework for recovery.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko expressed his gratitude to the NSW government and said business opportunities in NSW would be significant for Japanese business communities.
Details about the event are available as below:
'NSWーJapan Engagement : A Shared Recovery' Webinar hosted by the NSW Government (Japanese)
June 2020
Consul-General Kiya visits Cowra
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On 25 and 26 June, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko paid his first official visit to Cowra. First, he visited the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries and laid wreaths with the Mayor of Cowra Shire Council, Cr Bill West. He also visited the former POW camp, site of the Cowra Breakout in August 1944.
On his second day in Cowra, he visited the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, where he was fortunate to receive an explanation by its chairman, Mr Bob Griffiths.
Thanks to this visit, the Consul-General learnt about the history of Cowra as well the people-to-people exchange between Cowra and Japan.
The topic of issue #19 of his consul-general's newsletter is "Cowra as a Bridge between Australia and Japan." https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_19newsE.pdf.
78th Anniversary Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul
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In the morning of 1 June 2020, at the HMAS Kuttabul naval base, a memorial service was held to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the attack on Sydney Harbour by Japanese midget submarines. At the ceremony, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Kiya Masahiko, as the representative of the Japanese Government, laid a wreath in memory of the Australian and Japanese who died during the attack.
The theme of issue #17 of his consul-general's newsletter is "HMAS Kuttabul and the Midget Submarines in Sydney – 'We will remember them.'" https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_17newsE.pdf..
April 2020
NEC Partners with NSW Government to Develop Smart City
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On 23 April, the NSW Government, NEC Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary NEC Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be foundation partners in the co-creation and development of a world-leading Digital Safer and Smarter City environment in priority NSW government precincts including western Sydney. A signing ceremony took place over video conference and Consul-General Kiya also attended. This is the 5th MoU a Japanese company has signed with the NSW government in relation to the development of western Sydney.
NEC Media Release
March 2020
Visit to Alice Springs and Uluru
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On 12-14 March, Consul-General Kiya paid his first official visit to Alice Springs and Uluru in the NT.
On 12 March, he met with Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan Mayor. He also met with the NT Minister for Renewable Energy, the Hon. Dale Wakefield, who is from Alice Springs. That evening he met with local Japanese language teachers, not only to hear about Japanese language education but also to learn about the Japanese community.
On 13 March, the Consul-General began the day by observing a Japanese class at St Philip's College. He then moved on to Uluru where he learnt something about the local Anangu culture and Japanese tourism.
Consul-General Kiya is keen to convey the attractions of Central Australia in order to deepen understanding and encourage many Japanese people to visit Alice Springs and Uluru in the future.
He shared his observations and thoughts in issue #16 of his consul-general's newsletter "Alice Springs and Uluru: Looking beyond COVID-19" - https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_16newsE.pdf.
Parramatta Square Site Visit
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On 10 March, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Parramatta Square where building construction is in progress by the joint venture of Obayashi Corporation and Built. Parramatta Square is part of the redevelopment around Parramatta station. Obayashi Corporation is providing expertise and financing in constructing multiple buildings in the project.
The 4th Japan-Australia Infrastructure Networking Meeting
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On 3 March, the 4th Japan-Australia Infrastructure Networking Meeting was held by the Embassy of Japan in Australia and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney. In his speech, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko emphasised that the Master Plan for the Aerotropolis project in western Sydney is due to be released this year and 2020 is an important milestone year for companies who wish to participate in the project.
February 2020
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Visit to Sydney
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First Reception in Celebration of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito's Birthday
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On February 11, the Consul-General Kiya Masahiko hosted a reception at his residence in celebration of the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor. It was the first birthday celebration for His Majesty Emperor Naruhito since his accession to the throne in May last year.
Blessed with fine weather, the event was attended by more than 250 guests from diverse fields.
To open the reception, the national anthems were sung by students from Sydney Japanese International School, followed by a minute's silence out of respect to those affected by the bushfires.
In the Consul-General's speech, he mentioned that the Japan-Australia relationship in all areas is deeply rooted in mutual trust and friendship between our two countries. Premier Berejiklian attended the reception and expressed her congratulations to His Majesty the Emperor. The Premier also gave the countdown to the traditional breaking open of the sake barrels.
At the reception, a variety of booths promoting Japanese produce, services and companies exhibited. Guests were also entertained by a live Japanese Taiko drumming group performance.
Thank you to the following companies and organisations for their support and contributions to event:
- Gifu Prefecture
- Grow Green Tea Company
- Go-Shu Australian Sake
- Jun Pacific
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai)
- Prince Hotels & Resorts
- Panasonic Australia
- Lion
Consul-General Kiya’s speech
JCCI Sydney New Year Seminar
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On February 10, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended a New Year Seminar hosted by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Sydney and gave the opening remarks.
JCCI/TCCI Economic Mission’s visit to Sydney
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From February 5 to 7, the Japan/Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI/TCCI) Economic Mission led by Dr Mimura Akio visited Sydney.
Consul-General Kiya Masahiko delivered a talk to the mission on Economic Growth in NSW and Business Opportunities for Japanese Companies. JCCI Sydney also gave a presentation on the development of Western Sydney.
During their visit to Sydney, the Economic Mission also met with the NSW Government and the Business Council of Australia and exchanged their views on further strengthening the economic ties between Japan and Australia.
Japan Kansai Tourism Seminar 2020
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On February 5, the Kansai Tourism Bureau held the Kansai Tourism Seminar 2020. Many tourism companies and organisations from the prefectures that make up the western-region of Japan known as 'Kansai' exhibited at the seminar, where they proposed new travel destinations of the best lesser-known attractions in Kansai.
Hague Convention Seminar
On 4 February, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the Hague Convention seminar and gave the opening address.
The Hague Convention: https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/hague/index.html
January 2020
Talks with the President of the Australian Olympic Committee
On January 30, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko invited Mr. John Coates, President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), to the Consul-General's official residence. Opinions and ideas were shared in working towards a successful 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Strathfield Lunar New Year Festival 2020
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On January 25, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Strathfield to celebrate Strathfield Council's inaugural Lunar New Year Festival. He met Mayor Antoine Doueihi and others as he enjoyed the festival.
Wheelchair Road Race Marathon
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On January 23, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the welcome reception for Sydney's 10km Wheelchair Road Race Marathon. Participants included six athletes and two coaches from Japan. The race began on the morning of January 26 through Sydney's The Rocks.
Courtesy call to the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, MP
On January 23, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko made a courtesy call on the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, MP. At the meeting, Mr Kiya expressed his sympathies to those affected by the unprecedented bushfires.
Mr Kiya and Premier Berejiklian discussed a wide range of agendas including the development of Western Sydney. They also exchanged views on further strengthening the relationship between Japan and NSW.
Georges River Lunar New Year Festival 2020
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On January 18, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the Opening Ceremony of Georges River's Lunar New Year Festival and met with Mayor Kevin Greene.