Event Gallery - 2017 Archive

Consul-General Takewaka visits Rangers Valley feedlot

On 14 December, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited Rangers Valley feedlot with the Hon. Thomas George, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of NSW.

During their stay, the Consul-General and the Deputy Speaker were given a tour of the feedlot by Mr Keith Howe, Managing Director of Rangers Valley Cattle Station Pty Ltd.

"Matsuri - Japan Festival"

On 9 December, around 50,000 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 and Bonodori 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 distributing brochures introducing Japanese culture and activities of the Consulate, as well as the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.

Japan Information Night

On 7 December, JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) hosted the Japan Information Night in Sydney. Representatives from Japanese local governments and companies introduced the extensive charms of Japan. In his speech, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka expressed his expectation that this seminar would provide attendees with ample opportunity to develop new and exciting tour programs.

The 2017 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students Awards Ceremony

On 6 December, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka held the award ceremony for the 2017 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students. Around 80 people attended the award ceremony which included the prize-winning students, their families, 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.

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 2017 Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest for NSW and NT Secondary School Students.

His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception

On 5 December, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka hosted a reception to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s 84th Birthday and more than 300 guests participated from various fields. 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 Dr Geoff Lee, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, delivered their speeches. Then, guests enjoyed the Kagami-biraki (ceremonial breaking open of the sake barrels), and the Hon. Tom Bathurst, Chief Justice of NSW and Mr Takewaka gave the toast.

In his speech, Consul-General Takewaka said that the year 2017 began with the visit of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Australia, that top-level talks were regulary held, that this year marked the 60th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Commerce Agreement and that we enjoy the excellent bilateral relationship between Japan and Australia. He also mentioned the Hon Gladys Berejiklian’s visit to Japan as her first official overseas mission, which aimed to not only strengthen trade and cultual ties between Japan and NSW, but also foster active sister-city and sister-state relationships and student exchange.

At the reception, sushi, sake and Japanese food were offered and a booth introducing Japanese airline companies was set up. A Japanese Taiko Drumming group also gave a live performance.

Consul-General's visit to the Central Coast

On 30 November, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Central Coast Council, which was established through the merger of Gosford City and Wyong Shire councils in May of this year. Edogawa-ku, Tokyo formed a sister city relationship with Gosford City in 1988.

Consul-General Takewaka met with Mayor Jane Smith who took office after the September local government election this year. He also visited the local Japanese Garden.

School visit programme

On 30 November, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 60 students studying Japanese language at Girraween High School.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

School visit programme

On 29 November, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 30 students studying Japanese language at St George Girls High School.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

Visit by the Delegation from Nagaoka City

On 23 November, a delegation from Nagaoka City, led by Mr Shinji Takami, Deputy Mayor and Ms Mai Nakamura, Goodwill Ambassador of Sports, visited Sydney. Nagaoka City will host many exchange programs including a pre-camp of the Australian National Swimming Team in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. They visited the Australian Olympic Committee and the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Nichigo Press 40th Anniversary Party

On 17 November, Consul-General Takewaka attended the Nichigo Press 40th Anniversary Party. Nichigo Press received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in recognition of their contribution to deepening the mutual understanding between Japan and Australia through their free Japanese newspaper and English-language periodicals introducing Japan and its culture.

Opening Ceremony of the 21st Japanese Film Festival

On 16 November, the opening ceremony of the 21st Japanese Film Festival was held in Sydney. In his opening speech, the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, wished the Festival success and expressed his expectation that every year people could make new discoveries at the Japanese Film Festival - discoveries that would in turn make them want to learn more about Japanese culture. At the ceremony, Councillor Robert Kok of the City of Sydney, Mr Yoshiyuki Kishi, a film director, Ms Mugi Kadowaki, an actress, and other distinguished guests also gave a few words. The ceremony was followed by the screening of the movie “Mumon: The Land of Stealth” and both attracted large audiences.

Australia-Japan Roundtable joined by the Hon Gladys Berejiklian as a guest speaker

On 6 November, the Australia-Japan Roundtable was held at the residence of Consul-General Keizo Takewaka. The Hon Gladys Berejiklian, the Premier of New South Wales, joined as a guest speaker and many Japanese companies participated. Consul-General Takewaka expressed in his opening address that Japan and Australia, including NSW, have shared a strong bilateral relationship in various areas such as economic, political and people-to-people exchange, and there remains immense potential from the ongoing and active engagement between us. The Premier also expressed the strong relationship between Japan and NSW in her speech.

Haldon Street Festival

On 28 October, the City of Canterbury Bankstown held the Haldon Street Festival. As part of the Festival, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented the performance of a dance group, Sydney Soran Odoritai, to introduce Japanese culture.

Luncheon with Ikebana International Sydney Chapter

On 27 October, Consul-General Takewaka invited members of Ikebana International Sydney Chapter to a luncheon at his residence.

Meeting with The Hon. Thomas George, MP

On 25 October, Consul Omae met with The Hon. Thomas George, MP at the Japan Centre at Southern Cross University and interacted with students and Japanese exchange students at the university.

Granny Smith Festival

On 21 October, the City of Ryde held the Granny Smith Festival. As part of the Festival, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented the performance of a dance group, Sydney Soran Odoritai, to introduce Japanese culture.

Mayor of Toda City in Saitama Prefecture visits Liverpool City

From 19 to 22 October, the Mayor of Toda City in Saitama Prefecture, Mr Kunio Jinbo, led a delegation to visit Toda City's sister-city, Liverpool City. On the evening of 20 October, a dinner party commemorating the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between the two cities was hosted by Cr Wendy Waller, Mayor of Liverpool City Council. Consul-General Keizo Takewaka also attended the dinner.

Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Ceremony and Reception for NICHIGO PRESS

On 17 October, at his residence, Consul-General Takewaka held the Foreign Minister's commendation ceremony and reception for NICHIGO PRESS in recognition of their contribution to deepening the mutual understanding between Japan and Australia through their free Japanese newspaper and English-language periodicals introducing Japan and its culture.

The reception jointly hosted with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations on the occasion of the International Bar Association’s 2017 Annual Conference in Sydney

On 10 October, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka jointly hosted a reception with the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) at the Consul-General’s residence on the occasion of the International Bar Association’s 2017 Annual Conference in Sydney.

Mr Martin Šolc, the President of the International Bar Association, the Hon Justice Margaret Beazley AO, President of NSW Court of Appeal, Justice Julie Ward Chief Judge in Equity, NSW Supreme Court, and Mr Mitsuhiro Wada Vice-President of the JFBA attended the reception.

Consul-General Takewaka noted the importance of the “Rule of Law”, the Japanese government’s support of women's rights, and touched upon North Korea’s human rights violations, including the abduction issue.

Consul-General Takewaka’s Visit to the Northern Territory

The Consul-General, Mr Keizo Takewaka, visited Darwin from the 8th to 9th of October 2017. During his visit, he met with various people including the Deputy Chief Minister, the Hon. Nicole Manison MLA, and the Lord Mayor of Darwin, Mr Kon Vatskalis. Consul-General Takewaka also paid a visit to the retiring Administrator of the Northern Territory, His Honour the Honourable John Hardy AO and Mrs Hardy.

Burwood Festival

On 8 October, Burwood Council held the Burwood Festival. As part of the Festival, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney presented the performance of a drumming group, Wadaiko Rindo Sydney, to introduce Japanese culture.

Consul-General Takewaka visits Coffs Harbour

On 6 October, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited Coffs Harbour, which established a sister city relationship with Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1988. Consul-General Takewaka met with the Mayor of Coffs Harbour, Cr Denise Knight, and was given a tour of the Japanese Gardens. The Consul-General also met with Ms Margaret Beckett, President of the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour and Mrs Patricia Degens, inaugural President of the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour.

Consul-General Takewaka visits the City of Orange

On 3 October, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited Orange, which established a sister city relationship with Ushiku City in Ibaraki prefecture, Japan in 1990. The Mayor of the City of Orange, Reg Kidd, expressed great appreciation for friendship with Ushiku City such as the high school student exchange program.

2 and 3 to GO!

On 27 September, with two years to the Rugby World Cup and three years to the Olympic Games, a reception named “ 2 and 3 to GO!” was held at the Consul-General’s residence to encourage sports exchange between Japan and Australia in the lead-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The reception was attended by many distinguished guests including Mr John Coates AC, the President of the Australian Olympic Committee and the Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, representatives of the various Australian Olympic and Paralympic sports organisations, legendary rugby players who participated in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, including Wallabies Nick Farr-Jones, Peter Grigg, Michael Lynagh, Simon Poidevin and Ross Reynolds, Mr Toshiyuki Hayashi, who was the captain of the Japan National team at the tournament, and Mr Yoshihiro “Demi” Sakata, the first Japanese Inductee to the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

The grand reception was graced with a special message from the Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, HE Mr Shunichi Suzuki, which was read out by the Consul-General.

Australia, Japan & International Economic Outlook Seminar 2017

On 26 September, the Australia, Japan & International Economic Outlook Seminar 2017 was held by Australian & Japanese Economic Intelligence. In his opening address, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka explained that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Commerce Agreement and that the Australia-Japan relationship is more important than ever for the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

Approximately one hundred Japanese and Australian business and economic professionals participated in this seminar where the current economic conditions in Japan and Australia were outlined by three experts in the field, including Mr. Yoshiki Takeuchi, Director-General of the International Bureau in Japan’s Ministry of Finance.

The Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Palalympic Games, Minister Suzuki, visits Sydney

On 22 September, the Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Minister Shunichi Suzuki, visited Sydney.

During his visit, Minister Suzuki visited the headquarters of Australia Rugby Union. He discussed with CEO Mr Bill Pulver the best way for Japan to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Minister Suzuki also met with CEO of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Mr Charles Moore, and visited various sports facilities and the former athletes village. They both exchanged their opinions on how to effectively maintain the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic games after their completion.

48th NSW Japanese Speech Contest

On 16 September, the “48th NSW Japanese Speech Contest” was held at the University of Sydney, which brought together about 100 contestants. Winners from each division will progress to the “48th Japanese Language Speech Contest Finals” on 7 October.

* High School Senior Division: Ms Vicky Feng
* Open Beginner Division: Ms Cassandra Kwok
* Open Division: Ms Holly Huynh
* Background Speaker Division: Ms Jung A. (Monica) Lee

Japan-Northern Territory Business Forum

On 12 September, the Northern Territory Government hosted the Japan-Northern Territory Business Forum in Sydney, inviting Japanese companies. Northern Territory Chief Minister, The Hon Michael Gunner MLA, attended the event and expressed in his opening address that the territory and Japan have kept a good relationship, regardless of the chief minister’s change, and he expected that it would continue in future. Consul General Keizo Takewaka expressed in his address that he hopes that Japan and the government of the Northern Territory will work together for the sustainable development of the region through agricultural cooperation, business partnerships and infrastructure advancement.

At the event, where more than 40 Japanese businesses attended, trade and investment opportunities in the Northern Territory across the energy and minerals, agribusiness, infrastructure, international education and training, and tourism sectors were explained.

Kanazawa Hakka Inbound Promotion Seminar

On 12 September, the Kanazawa Hakka Inbound Promotion Seminar was held in Sydney by “Kanazawa Hakka”, which consists of eight hotels in Kanazawa. Consul-General Keizo Takewaka expressed his expectation that tourism to Japan would increase referring to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) and the launch of a direct flight between Sydney and Osaka.

Matsuri Japan Festival in Willoughby 2017

On 9 September, “Matsuri Japan Festival in Willoughby 2017” was held in Chatswood. “Matsuri Japan Festival in Willoughby 2017” is a Japanese festival organized by the Japan Club of Sydney with support from Willoughby City Council, and this was the third time it was held. Many people came to the festival and enjoyed Japanese drumming performances, calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony, and Ikebana among others.

School visit programme

On 6 September, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 26 students studying Japanese language at Gosford High School and 16 students at Hunter Sports High School, and later, on 11 September, a calligraphy workshop for 38 students studying Japanese language at Gosford High Shool.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

School visit programme

On 22 August, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a school visit programme, including calligraphy workshop and kimono demonstration, for 32 students studying Japanese language at St John's Park High School, and earlier, on 17 August, a calligraphy workshop for 7 students studying Japanese language at St Columba's Catholic College.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

Calligraphy workshop at St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School

On 10 August, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 49 students studying Japanese language at St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, as part of the school visit programme.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

Calligraphy workshop at Hunter Sports High School

On 4 August, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 48 students studying Japanese language at Hunter Sports High School, as part of the school visit programme.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

JET Programme Farewell Reception

On 11 July, the 2017 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme Farewell Reception was held at the Consul-General’s official residence. Consul-General Mr Keizo Takewaka delivered an opening address. In his address, he offered his congratulations to the JET Programme participants and expressed his expectation that the participants will enjoy their life in Japan and form bonds with Japanese people.

The participants will be assigned to schools and municipalities throughout Japan to assist with language education and with projects related to international activities, etc. The total number of new participants is 36 from New South Wales (2 of them have already departed for Japan).

15th Anniversary of Books Kinokuniya Sydney

On 7 July, Books Kinokuniya celebrated its 15th Anniversary of the establishment of Books Kinokuniya Sydney. Consul-General Keizo Takewaka delivered a congratulatory speech at the ceremony. In the speech, he expressed his expectation that Japan-Australia relations will further develop, referring to the fact that the branch has been contributing to Japan-Australia cultural exchange.

Celebratory reception in honour of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations

On 28 June, a celebratory reception in honour of the Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG, recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star and former Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), was held at the Official Residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney. Former Prime Minister of Australian the Hon. John Howard was among the attendees who included leading members of the legal community and other spheres.

In his remarks at the reception, the Hon. Michael Kirby expressed his gratitude to His Majesty the Emperor, the Government of Japan and the Japanese people for the honour. He also expressed his concern about the deterioration of the situation in North Korea, including the state of human rights. He further explained that abduction issue is a very serious problem for Japan, and he expressed his intent to continue to work actively to resolve human rights issues, including the issue of abductions of Japanese citizens.

The Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue, HE Mr Katsunobu Kato sent a congratulatory message to Mr Kirby, which was read out by the Consul-General. Guests took the opportunity to express their own congratulations to Mr Kirby, and the evening’s celebration passed very pleasantly.

References
・ Congratulatory message from Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue, HE Mr Katsunobu Kato
・ Opening Remarks by Consul-General Takewaka

Calligraphy workshop at Central Coast Grammar School & North Sydney Girls High School

On 19 June, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop for 46 students studying Japanese language at Central Coast Grammar School, and earlier, on 15 June, for 34 students studying Japanese language at North Sydney Girls High School, as part of the school visit programme.

The Consulate-General of Japan offers the school visit programme, including calligraphy workshops, for schools in NSW and NT. Please contact the Information and Culture Section at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney for more information:

TEL: 02-9250 1000
Email: cginfo@sy.mofa.go.jp

75th Anniversary Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul

On 1 June, at the Kuttabul Naval Base, a memorial service was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Sydney Harbour by Japanese midget submarines. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Keizo Takewaka, was invited to the ceremony and laid a wreath. Consul-General Takewaka also laid a wreath in front of a midget submarine.

JAPAN ADVENTURE TRAVEL MART 2017

On 23 May, JNTO hosted the JAPAN ADVENTURE TRAVEL MART 2017 in Sydney. Representatives from Japanese local governments and companies introduced the extensive charms of Japan. In his speech, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka expressed his expectation that tourism to Japan would increase throughout all seasons, beyond just the skiing season, referring to the Japan-Australia Tourism Seminar held while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Sydney in January this year.

The Hon. Mr Michael Kirby AC CMG, recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations

The Hon. Mr Michael Kirby AC CMG was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, as announced in 2017 Spring Imperial Decorations on 29 April, in recognition of his achievement contributing to promoting understanding in the international community of the situation of Human Rights in North Korea including the issue of abductions of Japanese citizens. On 9 May, Mr Kirby attended the conferment ceremony conducted at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and there received the Imperial Decoration and the Patent of Decoration.

Major positions held by the Hon. Mr Michael Kirby AC CMG
Former Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, former Justice of the High Court of Australia, former Chancellor of Macquarie University.

Mr Kirby’s achievements
Annex

75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea Commemorative Ceremony

On 6 May, a ceremony commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea was held at Darling Harbour, Sydney by the Australian National Maritime Museum and Naval Officers Club. Senior members of the Royal Australian Navy, representatives from the US, and Mr Keizo Takewaka, Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, were invited to participate and laid flower wreathes.

AJS-NSW 2017 University Awards Night

On 27 April, Mr Philip Mitchell, the president of the Australia-Japan Society of New South Wales (AJS-NSW) held the 2017 University Awards Night. Consul-General Keizo Takewaka awarded the certificates to the students with outstanding performances in the field of Japanese Studies, from the six universities in the greater Sydney region.

Ms Jisun Shin (Macquarie University)
Ms Rena Run Yuan Ma (University of New South Wales)
Ms Yu-Hsin Kao (University of Sydney)
Ms Anita Jiaqin Gallagher (University of Technology Sydney)
Ms Claudia Blanche (University of Wollongong)
Ms Sandy Tran (Western Sydney University)

Union of Kansai Governments’ Top Promotion Visit to Australia

On 19 April, a delegation from the Union of Kansai Governments to promote tourism to Kansai, headed by Mr Keiji Yamada, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, visited Sydney. They invited travel agencies in Australia to a reception to highlight Kansai’s attractions, as well as had meetings with people regarding tourism.

Consul-General Keizo Takewaka delivered a speech at the reception. He expressed his expectations of the increased importance of regional tourism to Japan, referring to the Japan-Australia Tourism Seminar held while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Sydney in January.

Consul-General’s Visit to the City of Newcastle

On 3 April, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka paid a visit to the City of Newcastle, which has a sister city relationship with Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Lord Mayor of the City of Newcastle, Nuatali Nelmes, expressed great appreciation for exchanges with Ube City such as Ube Senior High School’s visits to Newcastle.

The 2016 (Heisei 28) Autumn Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mr Robert Seidler AM (Vice President of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee)

On 30 March, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka held the 2016 (Heisei 28) Autumn Imperial Decoration Conferment Ceremony for Mr Robert Seidler AM. Mr Robert Seidler AM was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in recognition of his contribution to deepening and expanding economic relations between Japan and Australia.

As Vice President of the AJBCC and the Chair of the Australia-Japan Infrastructure Sub-Committee established within the AJBCC, he received and instigated various missions. As a business and legal consultant, he has also supported the expansion and investment endeavours of Japanese corporations in the Australian market since 1972 (Showa 47). In December last year, he was appointed as a special envoy to Japan by the NSW State Government.

Consul-General's Commendation Awarding Ceremony

On 22 March, at his residence, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka awarded the Consul-General's commendation to Ms Haruko Asakura, a visiting professor at Hijiyama University. Ms Asakura has contributed to the promotion of Japanese language studies as a Japanese lecturer at the Australian Catholic University for about 20 years and participated in promoting Japan-Australia exchange.

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 21 on its way from Showa Station in Antarctica back to Japan. At a reception held onboard on the evening of March 21, Captain Hisanobu Ohga, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka, The Hon. Raymond Williams, Minister for Multiculturalism and The Hon. John Ajaka, President of the Legislative Council of NSW gave their speeches.

Consul-General Takewaka visits Lismore

On 9 March, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited Lismore, the sister city of Yamato Takada in Nara Prefecture. The sister city relationship was established in 1963 and marked the first such relationship between Japan and Australia.

During his stay Consul-General Takewaka met Lismore City Mayor, Cr Isaac Smith, and visited the Japan-Australia Centre at Southern Cross University and he interacted with Japanese exchange students.

Participation of Japanese Community in Clean Up Australia Day

On March 5, 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 on the 27th anniversary of Clean Up Australia Day. Thankfully, Ian Kiernan AO, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Clean Up Australia Limited also joined us on the day.

2017 Swimming NSW State Open Championships

Between 3 and 5 March, the 2017 NSW State Open Championship was held at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and 13 members of the Japanese national team took part in the championships. Australian Olympic Medalists also participated in the championships and Japan sends a national team each year. On 4 March, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited the championships to support the team as well as to award medals. During the championships, Japanese swimmers won the men’s 200m butterfly, 200m and 400m individual medleys, 4x50m and 4x100m club medley relays and mixed 4x50m medley relay. The next championships will be held in January 2018.

Consul-General Takewaka visits Dubbo

On February 24, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka paid his visit to Dubbo which established a sister city relationship with Minokamo city in Gifu prefecture in Japan in 1989. Mr Takewaka met with the Administrator of Dubbo Regional Council, Mr Michael Kneipp, and visited the Japanese Garden, Shoyoen, which was built in 2002.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi pays a courtesy call on the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of New South Wales

On Monday 20 February, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of New South Wales.

1. State Minister Kishi congratulated Premier Berejiklian on her recent appointment before touching on a range of issues such as the increased presence of Japanese companies in various fields in NSW, the large Japanese community in the state and the strong trade relationship with NSW, as well as growing two-way tourism, expressing his hope for even closer ties in the future.

2. In response, Premier Berejiklian welcomed State Minister Kishi’s visit to Sydney and NSW. The Premier stated that in addition to existing trade, she welcomed the recent investment activity by Japanese companies. She expressed her hope that a further increase in cultural and social exchanges, including sister-city ties and Japanese language education, would lead to the promotion of future ties between NSW and Japan.

Consul-General Takewaka visits Darwin

On 17 February, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited Darwin, as part of the Ambassador to Australia, Sumio Kusaka’s official trip to the Northern Territory of Australia, where he attended talks with Chief Minister Gunner and paid a courtesy call on Police Commissioner Kershaw.

In the evening, Consul-General Takewaka attended the Plaque Unveiling commemoration for the Japanese I-124 Submarine carried out by the Australian Japanese Association of the Northern Territory.

Akita Fair -Culture and Tourism-

On 3 February, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka attended the Akita Prefecture Fair in Sydney.

The fair provided tourist resources outlining Akita Prefecture’s ski resorts, hot springs and scenic locations, and introduced specialty items and local Sake brewed in the region.

Signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Northern Territory Government

On 13 January, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on Agriculture between the Japanese government (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) and the Northern Territory Government (Ministry of Primary Industry and Resources) at the Austrade offices in Sydney.

This MoC aims to promote agricultural cooperation and the development of The Food Value Chain Project in northern Australia, and is expected to expand the export of agricultural products produced in Australia to the growing ASEAN market.