Event Gallery - 2014 Archive
April 2014 |
February 2014 |
January 2014 |
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December 2014
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Matsuri in Sydney On 13 December at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, thousands of people gathered for the “Matsuri in Sydney”, organised by the Festival Executive Committee. The Matsuri in Sydney is an annual event aimed at introducing traditional and modern Japanese culture to Australia, and promoting mutual friendship and understanding between the two nations. The festival included Taiko drum and Soran dance performances, calligraphy and sushi demonstrations, J-pop and J-rock shows, as well Japanese travel and tourism exhibitions, complete with people dressed in colourful cosplay costumes, Yukata and Kimono. |
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After delivering his opening remarks, Consul-General Masato Takaoka joined with Councilor Robert Kok – representing the Mayor of Sydney, Mr Yushiro Mizukoshi – the President of the Japan Club, Mr Masaki Hayashi – Director of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mr Takanobu Nakamasu – President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for the traditional breaking open of the sake barrels known as “Kagamibiraki”. |
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Ceremony to honour Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara at the Sydney Central Synagogue On 6 December at the Sydney Central Synagogue, a ceremony was held to honour Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara for his efforts in issuing special transit visas to Jewish refugees during the Second World War, which saved thousands of lives. The ceremony was attended by Mr Sugihara’s great-grandson, Keisuke Sugihara.
The ceremony was presided over by Rabbi Levi Wolff, whose maternal grandfather was saved by one of the visas issued by Mr Sugihara. He expressed his undying gratitude for Mr Sugihara’s courage and humanitarian actions, without which, his own family would not be alive today. |
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Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception
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In his speech, Consul-General Takaoka, looking back on the past ten months since he assumed his position, explained that the bilateral relations between the two countries have deepened through reciprocal visits by the Prime Ministers of both countries, the conclusion of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and interaction of the citizens of both countries at various levels. (Click here for the speech). The Hon. Bradley Hazzard, touching on his visit to Japan, expressed his hope that the relationship between the two countries as well as between Japan and the state of NSW will develop further. |
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The reception warmed up with the Kagamibiraki and the guests enjoyed Japanese food culture represented by sushi and sake counters which were set up in the venue. |
November 2014
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Japanese Film Festival Reception
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Consul-General Masato Takaoka honoured the achievements of the Japan Foundation for organising the world’s largest Japanese Film Festival outside of Japan. He commended Director Suo for increasing the understanding of Japanese culture and society internationally through his previous masterpieces such as “Shall We Dance?” and his latest work “Lady Maiko”, which was chosen as the opening night film for the 18th Japanese Film Festival here in Sydney. He also congratulated Ms Kamishiraishi for making her stunning debut in the same film. |
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Director Suo and lead actress Ms Kamishiraishi also said a few words. Director Suo stated that while his work has tended to focus on Japanese culture and society, the themes of “family” and “humanity” are universal, and he hopes that he can continue to share such sentiments with Australia and the rest of the world. |
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UNIQLO Sydney Flagship Store - Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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October 2014
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8th Annual Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony
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In addition to the awards ceremony, Japanese choir "Sakura, Sakura" performed some Japanese songs and a screening of Inoue Yasushi’s original film "Chronicle of My Mother" was held. |
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University of New South Wales, Japanese Studies Student Conference
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Foreign Minister’s Commendation awarded to Ms Junko Morimoto
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Additionally, she courageously recounted her own experiences of the devastation of atomic bombs through her book My Hiroshima (1997), and worked tirelessly to impart the value of peace and the folly of war to primary and secondary students throughout regional New South Wales. |
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Consul-General Masato Takaoka thanked Ms Morimoto for sharing her wonderful stories and folktales, which have enriched and deepened Australians’ understanding of Japan. Additionally, he commended her for recounting her personal experiences through her book My Hiroshima, which has helped to promote a positive image of Japan as a country that aspires for peace, despite being the only nation in the world to suffer the devastation of nuclear war. |
September 2014
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Cowra Sakura Matsuri & Service of Respect The Cowra Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) was held on Saturday 27 September. There was a variety of events and demonstrations introducing Japanese culture, such as gagaku music, the shakuhachi flute, wadaiko drumming, karate and aikido. |
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Port of call of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force Training Squadron in Sydney
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That evening a reception was held aboard the Kashima which was jointly hosted by the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, and the Commander of the Training Squadron, Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa. The reception was well attended by senior figures from government, military, academia and business as well as notables such as Olympic champion Ms Dawn Fraser AO MBE and Assistant Commissioner Robert MacNeil of Fire and Rescue NSW, who led Australia’s contribution to rescue operations following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. About 200 guests participated in total. At the reception, Japanese food and sake were served to the reception participants, who were able to appreciate the pleasant atmosphere on board.
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In his welcoming speech at the reception, Consul-General Masato Takaoka thanked all who gave cooperation to Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces Training Squadron’s visit Sydney, and also spoke of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s historic and successful visit to Australia in July, which elevated relations between the two countries to new levels - increasing already strong Japan-Australia relations in terms of signing the Japan-Australia EPA and strengthening ties in economic and security fields (Click here for the speech).
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During its stay in Australia, the Training Squadron participated in a range of events, including: a wreath laying commemoration to mark the 1942 attack on Sydney Harbour; a lecture by Rear Admiral Yuasa at a local university; and sports exchanges (including friendly matches with the Royal Australian Navy and exchange with the Kendo Association of NSW). Additionally special tours were held for children from the local Japanese community. On September 14, the Training Squadron departed for Honiara, the next stop on its international tour.
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MOU Signing Ceremony between Japan’s National Institute for Material Science and NSW State Government This MOU will promote the research collaboration including the exchange of people and scientific/technical information between universities in NSW and Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science. |
August 2014
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Japan Centre 10th Anniversary Ceremony at the Southern Cross University in Lismore, NSW.
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July 2014
JET Programme Farewell Reception
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June 2014
Unveiling Ceremony for Plaques in Woollahra In her address, Mayor Zeltzer remarked that the plaque will serve as a historical record of the war. She was also pleased to note the friendly and cooperative relationship Japan and Australia share today.
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The plaque reads "Bombardment 1942 |
May 2014
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Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul and Japanese Midget Submarines
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Before the ceremony, Consul-General Masato Takaoka also laid a wreath at a memorial to the crew of the midget submarines.
In a speech given by the Commanding Officer of the HMAS Kuttabul, Commander Todd Willson, the continuing significance of reconciliation between Japan and Australia was emphasised, as was strengthening Japan-Australia relations into the future. |
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Snow & Adventure Seminar 2014 On 26 May, JNTO hosted the Snow & Adventure Seminar 2014 in Sydney. Representatives from Japan’s main ski regions including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata made presentations about the holiday experiences their regions offer. At the Seminar, Consul-General Masato Takaoka told participants how Japan is an ideal ski spot for Australians and it is famous for having some of the best powder snow in the world. The Consul-General also expressed his hope that Australians will visit Japan not only for skiing but also for other enjoyable experiences including Japanese cuisine, Japanese culture and onsen. |
March 2014
Port of call of the Japanese Antarctic research icebreaker ‘Shirase’ in Sydney The Japanese icebreaker ‘Shirase’, carrying the 55th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE), arrived in Sydney on March 15 en route back to Japan. The Shirase had successfully completed its mission to deliver supplies and personnel to Showa Station (Japan’s Antarctic research station). During the Shirase’s stay in Sydney, several special events were held. Captain Koji Hidaka visited representatives of the Australian navy and local government and took the opportunity to lay wreaths at HMAS Kuttabul. Furthermore, special tours of Shirase were conducted for school children and business people. Shirase departed Sydney on March 21. |
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On the evening of the ship’s arrival in Sydney, a reception was held on board. More than 200 people participated, including Australian and Japanese representatives from government, academia and business. At the reception, Japanese food and drink were served to the participants, who enjoyed the friendly atmosphere on deck. Consul-General Masato Takaoka emphasised in his speech at the reception the hardships faced by Captain Hidaka during the journey and by the JARE team during their year on Showa Station. Consul-General Masato Takaoka also remarked on his desire to broaden and strengthen the relationship between the two countries. |
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Great East Japan Earthquake Third Anniversary event On 11 March, the NSW branch of the Australia-Japan Society, NSW Branch (AJS NSW), organised a memorial event for the three year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The event was opened by Mr Peter Gibson, who has travelled to the affected areas in Japan on foot. Consul-General Masato Takaoka spoke about the reconstruction effort that are ongoing in the affected area, and again expressed his gratitude for the friendship and support from Australia.
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Also, Mr Philip Mitchell, President of the AJS NSW, presented a donation raised by AJS NSW to fund the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the affected area to Consul-General Masato Takaoka. The donation will be sent from the Consulate-General of Japan to the Japanese Red Cross Society. |
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Plaque unveiled at Cowra War Cemetery |
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After the unveiling ceremony, services of respect were held at both the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries in memory of those who died during the war, including the civilian internees. Deputy Consul-General Toshiaki Kobayashi attended on behalf of the Consulate; he laid a wreath and paid his respects to the memory of the fallen. |
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Clean Up Australia Day & BBQ |
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The volunteers collected these “mountains of rubbish”. Across Australia, 570,000 people attended events and helped to clear away rubbish from over 7,000 locations. In all, over 15,700 tonnes of waste was collected around the country. (Photo Credit: Japan Club of Sydney)
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Ikebana Sogetsu Exhibition
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