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"Matsuri - Japan Festival"
On 10 December, around 30 thousand people gathered at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour for the annual "Matsuri - Japan Festival". The festival aimed to introduce Japanese culture through live presentations of Taiko drums, Bonodori, Kendo demonstrations and Samurai performances. Tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami and flower arrangement workshops were also offered as well as a range of Japanese food, travel advice and tourism information. The Consulate-General of Japan also had a booth introducing Japanese culture and the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
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The 2016 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students Awards Ceremony
On 8 December, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka held the award ceremony for the 2016 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students. Around 70 people attended the award ceremony which included the prize-winning students, their family, school officials, sponsors and Japanese language teachers. Consul-General Takewaka presented awards, plaques and prizes to the 26 student winners and the School of the Year.
The awards were followed by speeches from the Junior Division First Prize Winner, Ms Maggie Liu (North Sydney Girls High School), the father of Mr Brandon Ji-Seup Yoon (Barker College), the Senior Division First Prize Winner, and the School of the Year, St Columba’s Catholic College.
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 2016 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students.
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His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception
On 6 December, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka hosted a reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday and some 230 guests from various fields attended. The national anthems of both countries were performed by a leading seaman and an able seaman from the Royal Australian Navy. Subsequently, Consul-General Takewaka and the Hon. Catherine Cusack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, delivered their speeches. Then, the Hon. Tom Bathurst, Chief-Justice of NSW and Mr Takewaka gave the toast.
In his speech, Consul-General Takewaka said that Japan and Australia’s special relationship went beyond the political and economic arenas and this year, as the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, diverse people received consul-general’s and foreign minister’s commendations and three people were awarded Imperial Decorations by His Majesty the Empeor.
At the reception, sushi and sake were offered and a booth introducing Japanese high speed trains was set up. Drumming group Wadaiko Rindo Sydney also demonstrated in a live performance.
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 ©Hitachi Australia
 ©Hitachi Australia
 ©Hitachi Australia
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Hitachi Social Innovation Forum 2016 SYDNEY
On 1 December, Hitachi, Ltd. hosted an event titled ‘Social Innovation Forum 2016 SYDNEY’ in Sydney. In its opening session, President and CEO Mr Toshiaki Higashihara explained that Hitachi is able to contribute to solving various challenges facing Australia using the latest technologies and expressed his intention to expand its business in Australia.
NSW Premier the Hon. Mike Baird thanked Hitachi’s ongoing business in NSW and expressed his hope to cooperate with the private sector for solving social issues. He also announced that he had assigned Mr Bob Seidler, Vice-President of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee, as a special envoy of NSW.
The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, said that innovation has become an important issue at bilateral summits, referring to the deepening Japan-Australia relations.
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Consul-General’s Visit to Cowra
From 28 to 29 Nov, The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, paid his first official visit to Cowra. He met and exchanged opinions with Mayor, Cr Bill West and the councillors of Cowra Shire Council. He also visited the Prisoner of War Camp Site, planted a tree at Cherry Tree Avenue, laid flower wreathes at the cemeteries and had a meeting with persons involved in managing the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.
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Consul-General’s Visit to Bathurst Regional Council
On 28 Nov, The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, paid his first official visit to Bathurst Regional Council. He met and exchanged opinions with Mayor, Cr Gary Rush. Ms. Fudeko Reekie, who worked as a Japanese language teacher for 35 years in Bathurst and was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays in 2013, also attended the meeting. Bathurst Regional Council and Okuma Town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan have had a sister city relationship since 1991.
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 Courtesy visit to His Honour the Hon. John Hardy OAM
 Courtesy visit to Chief Minister Michael Gunner
 Courtesy visit to the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim
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Consul-General’s Visit to Northern Territory
The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, paid his first official visit to the Northern Territory from the 24th to 26th of November 2016. He met and exchanged opinions with His Honour the Hon. John Hardy OAM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, Chief Minister Michael Gunner, the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim and people who are involved with Australia-Japan exchange among many others. Through this visit, Consul-General Takewaka renewed his recognition of the depth of historical and economic ties between the Northern Territory and Japan and will continue to further promote and consolidate the relationship.
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Opening Ceremony of the 20th Japanese Film Festival
On 17 Nov, the opening ceremony of the 20th Japanese Film Festival was held. In his opening speech, the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, introduced Japan and Australia’s special relationship, which goes beyond the political and economic arenas, and said the audience would enjoy various aspects of Japanese culture including life style, food and pop culture through the films screened at the festival. At the ceremony, Ms. Yukiko Mishima, who is a film director, also gave a few words and the traditional Japanese drumming group Wadaiko-Rindo Sydney, demonstrated in a live performance.
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Japanese Budo Delegation 2016 to Sydney
Between 10th and 15th of November, the Japanese Budo Delegation headed by Mr Hideo Usui, the Chief Director of Nippon Budokan Foundation, visited Sydney to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the basic treaty of friendship and cooperation between Japan and Australia. On 11th November, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Keizo Takewaka, hosted the welcome reception for the delegation at his official residence. The Hon. John Ajaka, NSW Minister for Disability Services, Ageing and Multiculturalism, Mr Jonathan O'dea, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Investment, Major Events and Tourism, the Hon. Lynda Voltz, Shadow Minister for Sport and Veterans Affairs, Ms Anne Gripper, the executive director of Office of Sport, as well as representatives of budo associations in Australia, attended the reception and welcomed the delegation grandly.
The delegation introduced the spirits and essence of Japanese budo through such events as a mini demonstration at the Sydney Japanese International School, a budo seminar at the University of New South Wales and a budo demonstration at Sydney Olympic Park, as the main event of the visit. The visit ended in success as shown by the audience of over 2,000 gathered for the budo demonstration.
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Seibu Singapore Sydney Branch – Opening Reception
On 10 November, an opening reception for "Seibu Singapore Sydney Branch" was held in Sydney. The president of Prince Hotels, Mr Shigeyoshi Akasaka, introduced their hotels and explained their approach to attract foreign visitors. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, celebrated the occasion by introducing the successful relationship between Japan and Australia and expressing his appreciation to all parties for contributing to an increase of visitors to Japan, as well as his expectation of further contribution.
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Taronga Centenary Celebration Dinner
On 2 November in Sydney, the City of Nagoya hosted a Taronga Zoo Centenary Celebration which was attended by the Deputy Mayor of the City of Nagoya, Mr Shinkai, and a delegation of Nagoya City Assembly Members headed by the Chairperson, Mr Kato. Higashiyama Zoo in the City of Nagoya and Taronga Zoo have a sister-zoo relationship.
At the celebration, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Keizo Takewaka, awarded the Consul-General's Commendation to Dr David Butcher who led the transport of Japan’s first koala in 1984 and who has contributed to the promotion of the sister city relationship between Nagoya and Sydney as the chair of Sydney Nagoya Sister City Committee since 2013.
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Welcome Back Reception and Networking Event on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the JET Programme
On 20 October, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney, NSW JETAA and CLAIR cohosted a reception to welcome JET participants coming back this year, and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the programme. The Acting Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Mr Katsutoshi Miyakawa expressed his appreciation to participants’ hard work and dedication in Japan and expectation for them to continue to promote mutual understanding in his opening speech. The event was joined by participants from many areas, including academics, Japan related organizations and private companies, as well as JET participants, and they celebrated the 30th anniversary grandly.
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Ryde Granny Smith Festival
On 15 October, Ryde Council held its annual Ryde Granny Smith Festival. As part of the Festival, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented “Music from Japan” featuring performances by local Japanese acts: drumming group Wadaiko Rindo Sydney and the Satsuki Odamura Koto Ensemble. Cr Jane Stott, the Deputy Mayor of Ryde came to the stage and enjoyed the performance.
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 Photo: Nichigo Press
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10th Inoue Yasushi Award Ceremony
On 7 October, at the University of Sydney, the 10th Inoue Yasushi Award ceremony was held to celebrate outstanding achievement in Japanese Literature Studies by researchers based in Australia and New Zealand. The 10th Award was bestowed upon Ms Tamaki Tokita who is a lecturer at the University of Sydney. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Mr Masato Takaoka also awarded the Consul-General's Commendation to Mr Masanori Ohtani who established the Inoue Yasushi award and has continued to organize it for 10 years to promote the study of Japanese literature in Australia and New Zealand.
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Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony and Reception
On 6 October, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Mr Masato Takaoka held a Foreign Minister's commendation ceremony and reception on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (NARA Treaty) at his official residence.
At the ceremony, Mr Ian Cleworth (Wadaiko Player, Co-Founder of Taikoz), Mr David Jacobs (CEO, Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee – AJBCC), Prof Chihiro Kinoshita Thomson (Professor, University of New South Wales), Dr Riley Lee (Shakuhachi Player, Co-Founder of Taikoz), Mr Philip Mitchell (President, Australia Japan Society of NSW), Mr Mitsuo Shoji (Ceramist), Mr Ian Williams (Vice President, Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC)) and Chado Urasenke Tankoukai Sydney Association were awarded.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to those who contributed to strengthening the friendship between Japan and Australia and deepening the bilateral relationship.
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JFC Australia 30th anniversary celebration
On 2 October at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Japanese food product supplier JFC Australia celebrated its 30th anniversary at a reception hosted by JFC Australia Managing Director, Mr Kenichi Saito. Thirty years ago, Japanese cuisine was still little known, but today it is a well-loved part of Australian food culture. Consul-General Masato Takaoka expressed his appreciation for JFC Australia's achievements over three decades of business.
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Sakura Matsuri
On 24 September, the annual Cowra Sakura Matsuri was held at the Cowra Japanese Garden. On 25 September, a Service of Respect was held at the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries. The service was attended by the Deputy Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Katsutoshi Miyakawa and Mayor of Cowra, Cr Bill West, who together laid a wreath in memory of the fallen.
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Matsuri in Willoughby 2016
On 17 September, “Matsuri in Willoughby 2016” was held in Chatswood. “Matsuri in Willoughby” is a Japanese festival organized by the Japan Club of Sydney with support from Willoughby City Council, and this was the second time it was held. In his opening speech, the Consul-General Mr Takaoka expressed his appreciation to the Japan Club of Sydney for providing such a wonderful opportunity to share Japanese culture. The mayor of Willoughby Council, Ms. Gail Giles-Gidney expressed that “Matsuri in Willoughby” is a symbol of multicultural community in Willoughby. Many people came to the festival and enjoyed Japanese drumming performances, calligraphy and a Japanese tea space.
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Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony and Reception
On 14 September, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Mr Masato Takaoka held a Foreign Minister's commendation ceremony and reception on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (NARA Treaty) at his official residence. At the ceremony, Ms Aiko Goto (Violinist, Australian Chamber Orchestra), Mr Akira Isogawa (Fashion Designer) and Ms Satsuki Odamura (Koto Player, Representative of the Australia Koto Music Institute) were awarded. “SMASH !”, the pop culture event (President: Mr Andrew Qiu), who had received the commendation on 21 August also attended the reception. Mr Ken Done, who had received a Foreign Minister's commendation 10 years ago on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the NARA Treaty, proposed a toast. The Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to those who contributed to strengthening the friendship between Japan and Australia and deepening the bilateral relationship.
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Consul-General's Commendation Awarding Ceremony for Ms. Tomoko Koyama
On 10 September, the “NSW Japanese Speech Contest” was held at Macquarie University, which brought together about 100 contestants. Consul-General Masato Takaoka commended those candidates on their performances and expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic Japanese language teachers who encouraged their students to study Japanese. He also awarded the Consul-General's Commendation to Ms Tomoko Koyama. In her capacity as Director of Macquarie Japanese Studies Centre, a position she has held since 2006, she has been dedicated to enabling the Centre to meet its stated purpose of supporting and improving the teaching of Japanese in the community and advancing Japanese language and culture. This was the seventh time that the contest was held at the Centre since 2010, and Ms Koyama has been a hard-working committee organizer overseeing all aspects of the contest.
[photographs courtesy of MJS Centre, Macquarie University]
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The 2016 (Heisei 28) Spring Imperial Decoration Luncheon for Dr. Sakuko Matsui (Honorary Associate Professor, University of Sydney)
On 1 September, the 2016 (Heisei 28) Spring Imperial Decoration Luncheon for Dr. Sakuko Matsui (Honorary Associate Professor, University of Sydney) was held at the Consul-General’s official residence. Dr. Sakuko Matsui arrived in Sydney in 1961, and until her retirement from the University of Sydney in 2001, she worked continuously over four decades as a teacher of Japanese language and literature. She made an enormous contribution to the spread of Japanese language and Japanese culture in Australia. Dr. Sakuko Matsui has taught many people including Prof. Hugh Clark (Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney) who is also an awardee of the 2016 (Heisei 28) Spring Imperial Decoration, Prof. Leith Morton (Emeritus Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology), and Mr Bruce Miller (Ambassador, Australian Embassy Tokyo).
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The 2016 (Heisei 28) Spring Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Prof. Hugh Clarke (Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney)
On 25 August, the 2016 (Heisei 28) Spring Imperial Decorations Conferment Ceremony for Prof. Hugh Clarke (Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney) was held at the Consul-General’s official residence. Prof. Hugh Clark was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of Japanese studies and to the promotion of Japanese language education, as well as mutual understanding, in Australia. In his area of specialisation, research into Japanese linguistics and Okinawan studies, Prof. Hugh Clarke made significant and pioneering contributions for more than 45 years. In the international arena, he created many opportunities to explore the unique nature of Japanese linguistics and the culture and history attached to it, and he transmitted the profound depth of Japanese linguistics and traditional culture.
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Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation - Awarding Ceremony for SMASH
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Japan and Australia which was signed in 1976, Consul-General Masato Takaoka awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation, on 21 August, to the pop culture event “SMASH!”(President, Andrew Qiu). Established in 2007, the event marked its 10th anniversary this year and is the biggest pop culture gathering in the Pacific Region. SMASH has encouraged broad interest in Japan among young Australians, and has provided motivation to learn the Japanese language.
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The Annual Luncheon of the Ikebana International Sydney Chapter
On 19 August, Consul-General Masato Takaoka, who is a patron of the Ikebana International Sydney Chapter, attended their annual luncheon and gave the opening speech. In his opening speech, the Consul-General mentioned that Ikebana, a proud Japanese cultural tradition, has played a key role in Japan-Australia relations. At the luncheon, a beautiful Ikebana demonstration by four schools, Ikenobo, Sougetsu, Koryu, and Ohara was held.
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NSW Japanese Teachers’ Conference 2016
On 19 August, the NSW Department of Education hosted the “NSW Japanese Teachers’ Conference 2016”. Over 200 Japanese teachers from various places around NSW participated in the conference and sessions which were held under the theme “Aspire to Inspire”. In his opening address, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic Japanese language teachers who are vital to Australian students choosing to study Japanese, and acknowledged how those Japanese teachers have played an important role in Japan-Australia relations.
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Japan-Northern Territory Business Networking Lunch
On 29 June, the Northern Territory Government hosted a business networking lunch inviting Japanese companies based in Sydney. At the event, where around 40 Japanese business people attended, Northern Territory Treasurer David Tollner and other government officials explained the potential of Northern Territory as a trading partner as well as an investment destination in a wide range of areas such as mining, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism. In his opening address, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, expressed his hope that the Northern Territory Government, together with the Federal Government, will continue to improve the investment environment amid the increasing attention towards the development of Northern Australia, including the Northern Territory.
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AJS-NSW 2016 University Awards Night
On 8 June, 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 ongoing Japan-Australia relationship, the G7 summit held in Japan and President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima.
Please click here if you are interested in learning more about AJS-NSW.
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74th Anniversary Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul
On 1 June, at the Kuttabul Naval Base, a memorial service was held to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the attack on Sydney Harbour by Japanese midget submarines. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masato Takaoka, was invited to the ceremony and laid a wreath. At the ceremony, the names of the fallen sailors on the HMAS Kuttabul sunk in the attack were read by students from a local high school, and the names of the six Japanese submariners who lost their lives were also read by students from the Japanese school in Sydney. An address was made by Captain Paul Martin, OAM, RAN (Rtd.) to remember the sacrifice and bravery of all those who lost their lives.
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Port of call of the Japanese Antarctic research icebreaker ‘Shirase’ in Sydney
The Japanese icebreaker ‘Shirase’ (Captain Hisanobu Ohga), carrying the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE), arrived in Sydney on March 24 for the first time in two years on its way from Showa Station in Antarctica back to Japan. At a reception held onboard on the evening of March 24, the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Mr Masato Takaoka, in his speech, touched upon the Shirase’s shared history with Australia. In 1911, Lieutenant Nobu Shirase, who aimed to reach Antarctica, received support from Sydney locals. “Shirase”, whose name is derived from Lieutenant Shirase, remains a symbol of friendship between Japan and Australia. Today, active exchanges exist amongst various fields between both nations.
During its mission this year, the Shirase rescued 66 stranded expeditioners from Mawson Base after the Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis ran aground. At the reception, Dr Nick Gales, director of the Australian Antarctic Division which conducts research in Antarctica, expressed gratitude towards Japan for its assistance.
On March 25, Sydney Morning Herald published the story of the Shirase’s visit to Sydney: “A century later, Shirase returns to Sydney a hero after rescuing 66 Australians”
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The Art of Sake 2016
On 21 March, "The Art of Sake 2016" was held at the Consul General's residence. Culinary expert, Mr Hideo Dekura, presented a lecture which was followed by a tasting of various sake brands that afforded guests an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world of sake.
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 ©Nichigo Press
 ©Nichigo Press
 ©Nichigo Press
 ©Nichigo Press
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Dinner in Honour of the Japanese Business Community
On 15 March, NSW Premier The Hon Mike Baird hosted a dinner for business people engaged in Japan-Australia business including members of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sydney Inc. At the dinner, Premier Baird emphasized Japan has always been a close partner to NSW and expressed his intention to further promote trade and investment through more active participation of Japanese companies. The dinner was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art and attended also by Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events The Hon Stuart Ayres who acted as the MC for the evening, Treasurer The Hon Gladys Berejiklian, and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure The Hon Andrew Constance. The Consul-General Mr Masato Takaoka and JCCI, Sydney Inc. President Mr Masaru Utaki both expressed their appreciation to the Premier's firm commitment to Japan, and stressed that they would continuously promote strengthening the economic ties between Japan and NSW.
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The Great East Japan Earthquake 5th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony
On 11 March, the Great East Japan Earthquake 5th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony organised by JCS Rainbow Project Organisation was held at St Matthews Church in Manly. Many Japanese and Australian government, business and community representatives participated in the event. The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Masato Takaoka, delivered the opening address, followed by a moment of silence to commemorate the exact time of the earthquake. A video message from former Prime Minister Julia Gillard was screened, followed by a speech from Superintendent Kim Reeson, representing the Fire and Rescue NSW personnel who assisted with relief efforts immediately after the earthquake. Students from Tohoku University and Fukushima University made presentations, and renowned violinist Ayako Ishikawa and local Japanese cultural artists also performed.
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Participation of Japanese Community in Clean Up Australia Day
On March 6, the Japanese Society of Sydney and Japan Club of Sydney organized an event for Japanese expatriates to participate in the Clean Up Australia Day activities in Lane Cove National Park. The event showed the goodwill and solidarity of the Japanese community with 152 people participating in the 26th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day. Under beautiful weather, participants collected bags of rubbish during the two hour clean-up. Many people participated with their families and enjoyed a barbecue lunch after the clean-up event.
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Seiko Boutique - Opening Reception
On 2 March, an opening reception for "Seiko Boutique", the first Australian boutique by Seiko Watch Corporation, was held in Sydney. Chief Operating Officer Mr Hirohiko Umemoto, who was representing the company, explained Seiko's watch-making history and craftsmanship and expressed his hope that the boutique in the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) will be the hub for advertising the Seiko brand in Australia. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masato Takaoka celebrated the occasion by hoping that Seiko’s watches will mark the time in Australia as the Seiko Clock Tower at Ginza 4 Chome has been a constant presence marking the time over generations. Their speeches were followed by the cutting of a watch-shaped cake as well as a ribbon cutting ceremony.
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An evening with Geiko and Maiko from Gion, Kyoto
On 24 February a reception featuring a special performance by Geiko and Maiko from Gion, Kyoto, was held at the Consul-General’s official residence.
Along with receiving an introduction to the Gion ‘flower district’ of Kyoto and the profession of Geiko and Maiko by the “okami-san” who led the group, guests were treated to a beautiful performance by the Geiko and Maiko featuring songs, dance and shamisen.
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Commemorative service for the 74th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin Day
On 19 February, a commemorative service was held in the Northern Territory city of Darwin in observance of the 74th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masato Takaoka, participated in the service.
In this year’s service, as a sign of Australia and Japan’s close friendship, Consul-General Mr Takaoka, had the privilege of laying wreathes side by side with Senator Natasha Griggs, Federal Member for Solomon, Northern Territory who acted on behalf of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Veterans' Affairs Dan Tehan.
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5th Anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Former Prime Minister Gillard’s visit to the Consul-General’s residence
On 5 February, former Prime Minister Gillard visited the Consul-General, Mr Masato Takaoka’s residence. The Hon. Julia Gillard was the Prime Minister during the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake and was the first foreign leader to visit the affected region after the disaster. The purpose of the visit was to record a video message to be presented at the Great East Japan Earthquake 5th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony on the 11th of March, 2016, hosted by the Japanese Club Rainbow Project.
In her message, former Prime Minister Gillard outlined her first-hand experience of witnessing the tragic aftermath of the disaster on ordinary people, during her visit to Minami Sanriku in Miyagi Prefecture. She was greatly moved by the plight of the victims and it is an experience which has stayed with her to this day. The former Prime Minister acknowledged the many challenges that still exist even five years after the disaster for reconstruction, but also wished to send her best regards to all the people in the affected areas and remind them that there is still hope on the horizon. During the visit Consul-General Mr Takaoka also joined in an interview with a representative from the Rainbow Project.
(Click here for more information about the Rainbow Project Memorial Ceremony)
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Sydney Japanese School visit by NSW Treasurer, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP
On 5 February, NSW Treasurer, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, visited the Sydney Japanese School and gave a lecture.
In answer to lively questions from the students, the Treasurer explained how she worked hard every day to improve civic life by managing the state budget.
Additionally, during her time as Transport Minister, she sought to improve the NSW rail transport through the introduction of the Opal card system, which is similar to the Suica IC card system used on bullet trains in Japan.
Furthermore, due to her Armenian background, the Treasurer stressed the importance of learning other foreign languages beyond Japanese and English.
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