|
Inaugural Flight of ANA
On 12 December, the flight ceremony for the launch of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) inaugural flight between Tokyo Haneda and Sydney was held at Sydney airport. The ceremony was attended by Mr O’Dea, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Major Events and Tourism, Ms Kerrie Mather, Sydney Airport CEO and Mr Kenya Inada, ANA Senior Vice President. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, welcomed the inaugural flight and delivered a congratulatory speech during the ceremony.
|
|
|
The 2015 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students Awards Ceremony
On 3 December at the Consul-General’s official residence, the award ceremony for the 2015 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students was held. Around 85 people attended the award ceremony which included the prize-winning students, their family, school officials, sponsors and representatives from the NSW Department of Education. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka presented awards, plaques and prizes to the 24 student winners and the School of the Year.
The awards were followed by speeches from the Junior Division First Prize Winner, Ms Renee Tsang (Sydney Girls High School), the Senior Division First Prize Winner, Ms Maureen Olmo (Northern Beaches Secondary College, Mackellar Girls Campus), and the School of the Year, Sydney Girls High School.
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.
Please click here for the official results of the 2015 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students Awards Ceremony
|
|
|
His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception
On 1 December, at his residence, the Consul-General Masato Takaoka hosted a reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday. With some 270 guests from various fields participating, the national anthems of both countries - “Kimigayo” and “Advance Australian Fair” - were performed by Australian sailors. Subsequently, Consul-General Takaoka and the Hon. John Ajaka, Minister for Multiculturalism of NSW, delivered their speeches. This was followed by Kagami-biraki (a Japanese custom, opening the wooden top of a sake barrel with wooden mallets for the wishing of good fortune and harmony) by Mr Takaoka and thirteen guests, and then, the Hon. Tom Bathurst, Chief-Justice of NSW and Mr Takaoka made a toast.
In his speech, Consul-General Takaoka touched on the common values of the Japan-Australia relationship. Looking back on the past twelve months, he explained the advancement of cooperation in the field of security, the coming into force of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) along with the broader exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture and sport. (Click here for the speech). The Hon. John Ajaka extolled the special relationship between Australia and Japan, which is built on common values, supplementary bilateral trade relations and the Japanese communities’ contribution to NSW’s multiculturalism.
|
|
Matsuri in Sydney
On 7 November, thousands of people gathered at Darling Harbour’s Palm Grove to attend the 7th Annual “Matsuri in Sydney” presented by Matsuri Inc. As with previous years, the festival aimed to introduce Japanese culture through live presentations of Taiko drums and shakuhachi, Bonodori and Soran dancing, karate demonstrations and J-Pop performances. Calligraphy, origami and flower arrangement workshops were also offered as well as a range of Japanese food, travel advice and tourism information.
During the Opening Ceremony, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, was joined by Cr Kok - representing the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Mr Mizukoshi - President of the Japan Club, and Mr Masuya - Chairman of the Japan Association, among others, for the traditional breaking open of the sake barrel known as “Kagamibiraki”.
The Consulate-General of Japan also had a booth introducing Japanese culture and the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
|
|
|
35th Anniversary Events of the Nagoya-Sydney Sister City Relationship
On 1 November, “Nagoya Day” was held in Hyde Park to celebrate 35 years of the sister city friendship between Sydney and Nagoya. Sydneysiders were introduced to the regional food and culture of Nagoya and Japan. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, was invited to deliver an opening address. On 2 November, a tree planting ceremony was held at Nagoya Garden in Hyde Park to plant sasanqua camellia trees donated by Nagoya City.
The mayor of Nagoya, Mr Takashi Kawamura, and members of the Nagoya City Assembly visited Sydney to attend these events.
|
|
Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Awarding Ceremony for Ms Cathy Jonak and Ms Sally Shimada
On 28 October, Ms Cathy Jonak and Ms Sally Shimada were presented with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Consul-General Masato Takaoka, at the awarding ceremony held at his residence. The two teachers have been working for over forty years as pioneers of Japanese education in Australia. They have been active in their roles as the Senior Language Consultant in the Japanese language department at The Japan Foundation and the Japanese Language Officer at the NSW Department of Education, respectively.
|
|
|
Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Awarding Ceremony for Cr Jenny Dowell, Mayor of Lismore
On 8 October, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Cr Jenny Dowell, Mayor of Lismore. The sister-city partnership established between Lismore and Yamato Takada in 1963 is the first and oldest sister-city relationship between Japan and Australia. Upon assuming the office of Mayor of Lismore in 2008, sister-city exchange and student exchange have been actively pursued between Lismore and Yamato Takada under Cr Dowell’s leadership. Notably, in 2013, the Mayor undertook various activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the sister-city relationship.
|
|
|
Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Awarding Ceremony for Mr Hideo Dekura
On 7 October, Japanese cuisine master Mr Hideo Dekura was presented with the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Consul-General Masato Takaoka, at the awarding ceremony held at his residence. Mr Dekura has worked in Sydney for more than 40 years to promote Japanese cuisine culture overseas. He has taught more than 20,000 students at the Sydney Seafood School and other educational institutions. He has also released more than a dozen books about Japanese food, of which the latest publication is “Sake”.
|
|
Cowra Sakura Matsuri
On 26 September, the annual Cowra Sakura Matsuri was held at the Cowra Japanese Garden. Afterwards, on 27 September, the 71st Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the Cowra Breakout was held at the Japanese Cemetery. When the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, Cowra is very beautiful. On the evening of the Sakura Matsuri, Consul-General Masato Takaoka noted that the well managed Japanese cemetery and the beautifully manicured Japanese garden, serve as testament to the fact that the people of Cowra have been able to look beyond one instance of past tragedy, in order to develop a special friendship with Japan, for which Japan is truly grateful.
|
|
|
Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Awarding Ceremony for Mr Manuel Panagiotopoulos
On 25 September, Consul-General Masato Takaoka presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr Manuel Panagiotopoulos, Managing Director of Australian & Japanese Economic Intelligence, at the awarding ceremony held at the Consul-General’s residence. The Commendation recognises his remarkable contribution to promoting friendship and mutual understanding between the Japanese and Australian business communities for the past 30 years. Among his contributions, the Australia-Japan Roundtable, which started in Sydney in 2001 and expanded to Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Tokyo and Singapore, just completed its 100th seminar on 10 September, inviting The Hon Julie Bishop as a special guest.
|
|
|
9th Annual Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony
On 18 September at the University of Sydney, the 9th Inoue Yashushi Award ceremony was held to celebrate outstanding achievement in Japanese Literature Studies by researchers based in Australia and New Zealand. The 9th Award was bestowed upon Mr Roger Pulvers, an Australian citizen who has lived in Japan for almost 50 years.
In his speech, Consul-General Masato Takaoka, as well as praising the winner, highlighted the importance of such an award to continue to promote interest and research into Japanese literature. After the ceremony, the audience were treated to a beautiful performance by the Sydney Sakura Choir and an English and Japanese poetry reading.
|
|
|
Strathfield Spring Festival
On 6 September, coinciding with Father’s Day, Strathfield Council held its annual Strathfield Spring Festival. As part of the Festival, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented “Japanese Spring Beats – Music from Japan” featuring performances by local Japanese acts: drumming group Wadaiko Rindo Sydney, the Satsuki Odamura Koto Ensemble led by Ms Satsuki Odamura and Sydney Sakura Choir led by Strathfield Symphony Orchestra music director Mr Sadaharu Muramatsu.
|
|
|
Maules Creek Mine Opening Event
On 2 September, an Opening Event for Maules Creek Mine was held at the mining site, about 500km north of Sydney. The mine is a joint venture of Whitehaven Coal, ITOCHU and J-POWER, and has high quality coal reserves. The coal produced from the Maules Creek Mine will be mainly exported to Japan. The Opening Event was attended by the Hon Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry and Science. Consul-General Masato Takaoka celebrated the occasion by touching on the importance of Australia as a stable resource supplier and mentioning his hope that the mine will advance the economic partnership between the two countries.
|
|
[photograph: courtesy of Itochu Corporation] |
|
Dinner with Sake
On 31 August, Consul-General Masato Takaoka hosted a “Dinner with Sake” at his official residence. Among the attendees were chefs, food journalists, a sommelier and a fashion designer who shared their fascination with the beauty of sake.
|
|
|
Consul-General’s Commendation to the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour
On 21 August, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, honoured the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour with the Consul- General’s Commendation, at an event celebrating the Society’s 25th Anniversary. The Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour has been making remarkable contributions to promoting grassroots friendships between Japan and Australia , including sister-city relations between Coffs Harbour and Sasebo.
|
|
|
55th Anniversary of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter
On 21 August, Consul-General Masato Takaoka attended a luncheon to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the founding of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter. The Consul-General congratulated the chapter on the milestone and thanked past and current members for their long-time dedication and passionate commitment to promoting ikebana. He said that their efforts had brought Japan and Australia ‘closely and beautifully together’.
Masters from the Sogetsu school of ikebana came from Japan to attend the luncheon and gave six different ikebana demonstrations. There was also an exhibition of beautiful ikebana arrangements by Ikebana International Sydney members which were enjoyed by the luncheon guests.
[photographs courtesy of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter]
|
|
Consul-General Masato Takaoka’s visit to Cowra
On 23 June, Consul-General Masato Takaoka made an official trip to Cowra and visited the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries, the Prisoner of War Camp Site and the Japanese Garden. Mr Takaoka, along with Mayor of Cowra Council Cr Bill West, laid flower wreathes at the cemeteries and planted a cherry tree at the Prisoner of War Camp Site.
|
|
|
Japan Travel Seminar 2015
On 10 June, JNTO hosted the Travel Seminar 2015 in Sydney. Representatives from Tokyo, Chiba, Hyogo, Matsumoto City, Central Japan Railway Company and Universal Studios Japan had booths to introduce each location's tourist attractions. At the Seminar, Consul-General Masato Takaoka told participants Japan is overflowing with attractions due to the variety of regions and their rich food culture, and encouraged participants to visit Japan to experience the heart of Japanese hospitality.
|
|
|
73rd Anniversary Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul
On 1 June, at the Kuttabul Naval Base, a memorial service was held to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Kuttabul by a Japanese midget submarine. In this year’s ceremony, along with the names of the sailors on the HMAS Kuttabul, the names of the six Japanese submariners were also read. The Commanding Officer of HMAS Kuttabul, Rebecca Jeffcoat, paid tribute to the bravery of the submariners and commemorated the loss of all those who gave their lives for their country during wartime. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masato Takaoka, was also invited to the ceremony and laid a wreath.
|
|
MUJI Sydney - Official Opening Ceremony
On 23 May, an official opening ceremony was held for MUJI’s flagship store in Sydney - MUJI The Galleries - with the presence of Mr Satoru Matsuzaki, President of Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd.
Consul-General Masato Takaoka also joined in the ceremony to commemorate the occasion, stating in his speech that MUJI’s store would bring Japan closer to people in Australia.
|
|
|
AJS-NSW 2015 University Awards Night
On 19 May, the Australia Japan Society of New South Wales (AJS-NSW) held their annual University Awards Night.
The awards recognise students with outstanding performances in the field of Japanese Studies, from the six major universities around Sydney. Consul-General Masato Takaoka gave a keynote presentation about the current political and economic situation in Japan and the ongoing Japan-Australia relationship.
|
|
After the ceremony, the president of AJS-NSW, Mr Philip Mitchell, joined other members of AJS-NSW, professors and students from the participating universities, the prize winners and their families for a reception.
Please click here if you are interested in learning more about AJS-NSW. |
|
|
Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar 2015
On 18 May, JNTO hosted the Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar 2015 in Sydney. Representatives from Japan’s main ski regions including Hokkaido, Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata made presentations on each ski resort and what they can offer. At the seminar, Consul-General Masato Takaoka told participants that Japan is famous for having some of the world’s best powder snow areas and an ideal ski destination for Australians. Mr Takaoka also said apart from snow, there are many other things to enjoy in Japan, such as food, sake, hot spring and nature, and expressed his hope that more Australians will visit Japan and experience Japanese style hospitality.
|
|
The First NSW & NT Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for Secondary School Students Award Ceremony
On 11 March at the Consul-General’s official residence, the award ceremony for the First NSW & NT Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for Secondary School Students was held. Mr Masato Takaoka, the Consul-General of Japan, presented plaques and certificates to the 22 awardees present, of the total 26 prize winners. About 75 guests attended the ceremony which included representatives from the NSW Department of Education, school officials, judges, the students and their families, and The Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Tertiary Education and Skills, Parliament of NSW, as guest of honor. |
|
The First Prize in the Junior Division was awarded to Simone Cooper (St Columba’s Catholic College) and the First Prize in the Senior Division was awarded to Emily Kim (North Sydney Girls' High School), who each gave a speech at the Ceremony. The School of the Year was awarded to North Sydney Girls' High School and accepted by the Principal, Mr David Tomlin and the Head Japanese Teacher, Ms Sally Mizoshiri. The Senior Division First Prize winner, Emily Kim, was also presented with a return flight to Japan courtesy of JTB and Japan Airlines.
We would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners, and our gratitude to all the participants of the contest, and to the sponsors for their invaluable support.
|
|
|
The Consul-General of Japan presents: “The Art of Sake”
On March 10, the Consulate General of Japan in Sydney was proud to hold an exclusive sake cultural lecture – “The Art of Sake” – at the official residence of Mr Masato Takaoka, the Consul-General of Japan.
The lecture was presented by the eminent sake expert, Mr Andre Bishop, who is the only Australian national to hold the title of “Sake Samurai” – the highest honour awarded by the Japanese sake industry.
Mr Bishop outlined the sake production process, observed the state of the sake market in Australia and introduced the best combination of cuisines to pair with sake. He shared his passion for the unique charms of sake with over 50 attendees, whom included leading gourmet food editors, journalists, charismatic chefs, expert sommeliers and discerning bar managers, who were all keen to promote the fledgling relationship between the Australian culinary scene and Japanese sake.
|
|
Also joining the event were five Sydney based sake distributors (Daiwa Food, JFC, Jun Pacific, Déjà vu Sake, Sakenet Australia), and three Japanese breweries (Asahishuzo, Kizakura and Yoshikubo). Together they introduced guests to sake representative of over 14 prefectures, 17 breweries and 25 varieties. The Consul-General’s Official residence chef also prepared a specially designed tasting menu, which fused Japanese culinary influences with the freshest local ingredients, to provide guests with the perfect accompaniment to the sake on offer. |
|
|
Clean Up Australia Day
On March 1, on the occasion of the 25th Clean Up Australia Day (a day to encourage people across the nation to clean up), the Japanese Society of Sydney organized a clean-up event in the Lane Cove National Park. 177 volunteers including Mr Masato Takaoka, the Consul-General of Japan, participated in the event and cleaned up the park and the nearby roads for two hours. The participants, including families and small children, enjoyed a barbecue lunch after the clean-up event.
|
