Event Gallery - 2019 Archive

Sydney Japanese International School Graduation Awards Ceremony

 On Tuesday 17 December, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the Sydney Japanese International School's 42nd Graduation Awards Ceremony, where he gave his congratulatory address. This year marks the school's 50th anniversary since it was established in 1969.

We hope that the graduating class of some 20 students, amidst an international environment surrounded by English and Japanese, build upon the experience of their bilingual education, and play an active part in furthering our global society as a bridge to the world.

Visit to the Sun Masamune Sake Brewery

 On 13 December, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited the San Masamune（Go-Shu) sake brewery in Penrith. Sun Masamune brews Japanese sake from Australian grown rice. The Consul-General enjoyed a tour of their sake brewing facility.

Daikin Australia Site Visit

On 13 December, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Daikin Australia headquarters in Liverpool. He also enjoyed a tour of Daikin factory and its logistics center, Daikin Park. The company just celebrated its 50th anniversary in Australia.

Ryukyu Awamori Launch Event

On Monday 9 December, a restaurant in Sydney hosted a launch event for an Okinawan liquor called “Ryuku Awamori”. Paired with Italian cuisine, special cocktails were made using the Awamori liquor, which is known as Japan’s oldest distilled liquor. All in attendance were able to enjoy this new experience of Ryukyu Awamori.

Japan Road Show 2019

On Monday 9 December, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) held the “Japan Road Show 2019” in Sydney. Fifty-three suppliers from Japan set up booths and many people attended the seminars and business discussions. At the event, a range of Japanese products were promoted, including a booth which offered tastings of local Japanese sake.

Australia-Japan Roundtable

 On 29 November, the Australia-Japan Roundtable was held at the Consul-General’s Official Residence. Mr Brett Clark, TAL Group CEO and Managing Director attended as the guest speaker.

Representatives of Japanese and Australian companies as well as Japanese government agencies in Sydney participated.

30th Anniversary of Sister City Relationship between Minakamo City and Dubbo Regional Council

On 23 and 24 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Dubbo Regional Council and participated in events commemorating the 30th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Minakamo city in Gifu prefecture. On the 24th, a ceremony was held to open Minakamo Way in front of the Shoyoen Japanese Garden.

FootGolf Asia Cup in Port Stephens

On 22 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko participated in the presentation ceremony of the FootGolf Asia Cup in Port Stephens. He met with Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan.

Port Stephens is a sister city with Tateyama city in Chiba prefecture and Yuagawara town in Kanagawa prefecture.

Welcome Reception for the J-WIN Delegation

On 21 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko held a reception to welcome the delegation of Japan Women's Innovative Network (J-WIN) at his official residence.

Representatives of Japanese companies based in Sydney also attended the reception.

50th Anniversary Ceremony of Daikin Australia

On 13 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the 50th anniversary ceremony of Daikin Australia at Sydney Town Hall and delivered a congratulatory speech.

At the ceremony, the message from Prime Minister Scott Morrison was read by Ms Melissa McIntosh MP, Federal Member for Lindsay.

20th Anniversary of Sister City Relationship between Shibetsu City and Goulburn Mulwaree Council

On 12 November, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited Goulburn and attended the event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship between the Goulburn Mulwaree Council and Shibetsu City,Hokkaido. A Japanese garden named“Shibetsu Garden” is being constructed in Victoria Park in Goulburn to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

On 11 November, a ceremony was held at which a stone monument, garden stones and bamboo fences were donated by Shibetsu city.

Australian War Memorial

On 11 November (Remembrance Day), Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited the Australian War Memorial and laid a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony.

Courtesy call to Her Excellency the Honourable Justice Margaret Beazley AO QC

On 31 October, Mr. Kiya made a courtesy call on Her Excellency the Honourable Justice Margaret Beazley AO QC.

Sydney Metro Northwest site visit

On 30 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko took a journey on Australia’s first driverless train, the Sydney Metro Northwest which started operation in May 2019. Japanese company Marubeni is a member of the consortium which built and operates the project.

Photo Exhibition at Australian National Maritime Museum: "Capturing The Home Front"

On 30 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended and made a speech at the opening ceremony of the photo exhibition "Capturing The Home Front" at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The exhibition displays about 100 photos which are taken by famous American and Australian photographers, including Japanese-American Toyo Miyatake.

Mr Kiya mentioned Prime Minister’s speeches regarding war history and visits to former war fronts. He emphasized the importance of the educating youth to learn history to avoid the ravages of war in the future.
https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/exhibitions/capturing-the-home-front

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Sydney Representative Office Opening Celebration

On 28 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the opening celebration of the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank Sydney Representative Office.

Mr Kiya congratulated them on the opening of the Sydney office and expressed his determination to support Japanese companies to put their expertise to best use in the further development of Australia.

2019 APO (Asia Pacific Oceania) Powerchair Football Cup

On 26 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the closing event of the APO (Asia Pacific Oceania) Powerchair Football Cup held in Sydney.

In his closing remarks, Consul-General Kiya praised the strong performances of the Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand national teams which participated, and congratulated Japan and Australia, which qualified for the 2021 World Cup. He also expressed his support for their future endeavours and wished them success.

The APO Cup includes four teams: Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Australia U21. The Japanese national team finished second and won the right to participate in the FIPFA (Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association) World Cup in Sydney in 2021. In addition, Mikami Yuki won the MVP of the tournament and the Golden Guard Award.

Australia-Japan-Canada Business Seminar on the TPP11 (CPTPP)

On 23 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended a business seminar regarding TPP11 (CPTPP) for Australian, Japanese and Canadian businesses arranged by the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce.

In his speech, Consul-General Kiya said that in order for the effects of TPP11 to be fully realised, it was essential to promote understanding of the TPP11 in Japan, Canada, and Australia, which have the largest economies among the 11 member countries, and he hoped that there would be more active economic exchange between the three countries.

At the seminar, a panel discussion was conducted by representatives from Australian, Canadian and Japanese government trade organisations, and there was a lively exchange of opinions, including by representatives from Australian, Canadian and Japanese companies.

Western Sydney Aerotopolis Site Visit

On 18 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko took part in a site visit program for the Western Sydney Development area, which was hosted by the Australian Government and the New South Wales Government.

The tour included a visit to the construction site for the Western Sydney International Airport, which is due to open in 2026, and a briefing on its development by the Minister for Western Sydney, The Hon. Stuart Ayres MP, and the CEO of the Western City & Aerotropolis Authority, Mr Sam Sangster.

Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Chapter’s “REIWA Spring Chakai”

On 13 October, Consul-General Kiya attended the REIWA Chakai (Japanese tea ceremony) held by Chado Urasenke Tankokai in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. It was the very first event that the Consul-General attended since arriving in Sydney. He was able to spend a relaxing time at the CHAKAI and would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the members of Urasenke Sydney Chapter.

JETAA Oceania Regional Conference Welcome Reception

On 4 October, a welcome reception was held at the Consul-General’s official residence for participants of the JETAA Oceania Regional Conference taking place in Sydney.

In his speech, Acting Consul-General Matsuo noted that over its 33 years, the JET Programme had played a significant role in strengthening ties between Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and he thanked JETAA for the role it plays in supporting this. He also expressed his expectation that people with JET Programme experience would play increasingly active roles as traffic between Japan and Australia increases ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

There was lively conversation among the attendees, who included not only JETAA members who had gathered for the Regional Conference, but also JET participants who had just returned from Japan this year and university representatives, among others.

JETAA (JET Alumni Association) is an alumni association composed of former participants on the JET Programme. Every year, the 8 chapters in Australia and New Zealand hold the ‘Oceania Regional Conference’ and this year it was held in Sydney from 5 to 6 October.

Foreign Minister’s Commendations – the first year of Reiwa (2020)

On 28 September, a ceremony was held at the Cowra Japanese Gardens to confer two of the first Foreign Minister’s Commendations of the Reiwa Era.

Cr Bill West, Mayor of Cowra Shire, and Cr Bruce Miller, former Mayor of Cowra Shire, were presented the Foreign Minister’s Commendations by His Excellency the Ambassador, Mr Takahashi Reiichiro, and Acting Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr Matsuo Hideaki.

The event was attended by approximately 90 people from Cowra, and the speeches, awarding ceremony and commemorative photos were held in a tranquil atmosphere.

NOTE: The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients.

Promotion Event “Art Of Sake 2019”

On 12 September, in collaboration with eight Japanese sake importers in Sydney, the Consulate-General of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), with the support of the Japan Foundation, held the ART OF SAKE 2019. At the beginning of the event, there was a screening of the documentary film “Kampai! For the Love of Sake”, where Mr Kosuke Kuji, President of Nambu Bijin Brewery from Iwate prefecture, joined.

Acting Consul-General Hideaki Matsuo, who made an opening remark, said promoting Japanese products and culture is one way of supporting the disaster affected areas (which were depicted in the movie) and it was an important part of the work of the Consulate-General. He also expressed his hope that the event would lead to further business opportunities and cultural exchange between Japan and Australia.

The event was followed by Japanese sake tasting session where participants enjoyed a wide variety of Japanese sake offered by the importers based in Sydney.

Information about the sake exhibitors and their sake is available at: https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/artofsake2019.html

JET Programme Farewell Reception

On 22 July, the Farewell Reception for NSW participants on the 2019-2020 JET Programme was held. In his opening remarks, Acting Consul-General Matsuo gave the new participants some words of encouragement saying that he hoped they would enjoy interacting with people and living in Japan and deepen ties with Japanese people.

JET Programme participants are engaged in language instruction at schools and in international exchange related work in cities, town and villages throughout Japan. There are 28 new participants from New South Wales.

The 50th Annual Camellia Show

On 13 July, Consul-General Takewaka attended the 50th Annual Camellia Show of the NSW Camellia Research Society at Ravenswood School for Girls. The 50th anniversary event was opened by the Society’s patron, Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, the former Governor of NSW, and Consul-General Takewaka gave the occasional remarks regarding the history of the camellia in Japanese culture. On 29 February 2020, the International Camellia Congress will be held in Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.

Link:
Consul-General Takewaka’s speech at the NSW Camellia Research Society 50th Annual Camellia Show 

Consul-General Takewaka visits Darwin

On 9 July, Consul-General Takewaka visited Darwin and paid a farewell call to the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Her Honour the Hon. Vicki O'Halloran AO and the Chief Minister, Hon. Michael Gunner.

New Caledonia

On 7-8 July, Consul-General Takewaka visited New Caledonia and laid a wreath at the Japanese cemetery in Noumea.

Western Sydney University

On 5 July, Consul-General Takewaka visited Western Sydney University. He had discussions with Professor Barney Glover, Vice-Chancellor of the University, on Western Sydney development and university exchanges.

Lismore Lantern Parade

On 22 June, Consul-General Takewaka participated in the Lantern Parade of Lismore City. The Lantern Parade marked its 25th anniversary this year. Lismore City has maintained a sister-city relationship with Yamato Takada City of Nara Prefecture since 1963. Yamato Takada City's mascot character "Miku-chan" was very popular among the people of Lismore, following from last year.

Opening of Japanese Embroidery exhibition

On 15 June, Consul-General Takewaka attend the opening of a Japanese Embroidery exhibition by Ms. Dianne Conomos at Springwood. Mr Dennis Wilson addressed the opening of the exhibition, and Japanese violinist Aiko Goto also participated.

Consul-General Takewaka's visit to Camden Council

On 14 June, Consul-General Takewaka visited Camden Council and met Mayor Theresa Fedeli. Camden is one of the cities that participated in the Western Sydney City Deal. Camden has a sister-city relationship with Kashiwa City in Chiba Prefecture.

Welcome Reception for the Japanese Women Business Leaders' delegation

On 6 June, a reception to welcome the Japanese Women Business Leaders' delegation was held at the Consul-General's official residence in collaboration with the Australia-Japan Foundation. Active exchanges were held among business people in Australia and members of the delegation.

In his speech, Consul-General Takewaka expressed the expectation of moving toward "the society where women shine", introducing the 5th World Assembly for Women(WAW!)/W20 held last March in Tokyo and the 56th Annual Joint Business Conference AJBCC last October in Sydney, which was an impressive example of "Women-in Action".

Matsuri Japan Festival in Parramatta 2019

On 1 June, many people gathered at Centenary Square in Parramatta to enjoy the “Matsuri Japan Festival in Parramatta 2019” organized by the Japan Club of Sydney (JCS). At the opening ceremony, Consul-General Takewaka gave a speech and opened a sake barrel together with Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Andrew Wilson, Mr Masayuki Koyama, President of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sydney Inc and Mr Yushiro Mizukoshi, President of JCS.

This year is the second year for the festival. Festival-goers could try their hand at activities such as the Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana, origami, and calligraphy. There were also many stage performances to enjoy, and there was an excellent choice of Japanese food to warm people up on a cold but fun day in Parramatta.
 

77th Anniversary Memorial Service for HMAS Kuttabul

On 31 May, at the Kuttabul Naval Base, a memorial service was held to commemorate the 77th 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.

At the ceremony, the 27 names of those who lost their lives, were read by a student from a local high school and a student from Sydney Japanese International School.

The Sydney Koi Show

On 26 May, Consul-General Takewaka attended the opening ceremony of the Sydney Koi Show. This event was conducted jointly by Australia Koi Association and Koi Society of Australia.

Consul-General Takewaka joins “Japan Road Show 2019”

On 21 May, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) held “Japan Roadshow 2019” in Sydney. JNTO and guest speakers made presentations, and representatives from Japanese local governments, tourism companies and local tourism agencies, had active discussions on business.

In his speech, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka mentioned that Japan entered into the new era "Reiwa" and commended JNTO Sydney for its ongoing efforts to promote tourism to Japan through Japanese hospitality suitable to the spirit of "Reiwa". The Consul-General said that Australian travelers to Japan have been increasing and that the upcoming Rugby World Cup and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to be held in Japan, were great opportunities for increasing inbound tourism.
 

Reception on-board the Japanese training ship KAIWOMARU

On 17 May, Consul-General Takewaka delivered a speech at a reception on-board the Japanese training ship KAIWOMARU, on call in Darwin. The reception was attended by Darwin City officials, along with local Japanese residents and Japanese language educators. The history of KAIWOMARU's port of call in Darwin dates back to 1936.

50th Anniversary of the Sydney Japanese International School

On 15 May, Consul-General Takewaka attended the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the Sydney Japanese International School.

Ms Kumi Taguchi, ABC News broadcaster, delivered a congratulatory speech, and an aerial photograph of the students and staff commemorating the 50th anniversary, was taken by a drone in the schoolyard.

The Sydney Japanese International School was established in May 1969. It has approximately 230 students studying in both Japanese and International classes.

University Award Ceremony by AJS NSW

On 14 May 2019, Mr Keizo TAKEWAKA, Consul General of Japan attended the University Awards Ceremony conducted by the Australia-Japan Society of NSW. Mr Koichi TAKADA, the world renowned architect based in Sydney, gave a special lecture on his life in architecture at the ceremony.

List of University Award Recipients

Macquarie University - William Black
University of NSW - Mandy Wong
University of Sydney - Diana Vassilenko
University of Technology Sydney - James Fenton
University of Wollongong - Kelsey O’Brien
Western Sydney University - Barbara Ngo

2019 Sydney Swimming Open

Between 10 and 12 May, the 2019 Sydney Swimming Open was held at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The Japanese national team, made up of 20 swimmers, participated. On 11 May, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka visited the venue to support the team as well as to award medals.

Reception to Celebrate the Accession to the Throne of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince

On 6 May, a reception was held in order to Celebrate the Accession to the Throne of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, at the Consul-General’s residence.

The reception was attended by over 100 guests, including H.E. The Hon. Margaret Beazley, AO, QC, The Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, MP, The Hon. Tom Bathurst, AC, members of the Cabinet of the NSW Government and Parliament, Mayors and Councilors, and representatives from JSS, JCCI and JCS.

During the reception, the calligraphy of “Reiwa” was displayed, the national anthems were sung by the Sydney Sakura Choir, and glasses of sake were raised to toast and celebrate the new era.

In his speech, Consul-General Takewaka stated that Japan-Australia relations made tremendous progress, including economic relations, as well as people-to-people ties, and that he is convinced that we will promote the further development of Japan-Australia and Japan-NSW relations in the “Reiwa” era.

Dinner with Japanese artists and academics

On 3 April, Consul-General Takewaka invited people active in the fields of fashion, culture and academia to a dinner at his residence, in collaboration with the Sherman Center for Culture and Ideas (SCCI).

Fashion designer Mr Akira Isogawa, Ms Tae Gessner from the International Kimono Club of Sydney, Artist Ms Midori Furze, Professor Toby Slade, who studies fashion, and Professor Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor of UTS, were among the guests at the dinner. An active discussion and exchange about Japan-Australia culture took place.

Consul-General Takewaka’s visit to Lake Macquarie City Council

On 2 April, Consul-General Takewaka visited Lake Macquarie City Council and met Mayor Kay Fraser. Lake Macquarie has sister-city relationships with Hakodate City in Hokkaido and Tanagura Town in Fukushima, respectively.

Consul-General Takewaka's visit to Wollondilly

On 1 April, Consul-General Takewaka visited Wollondilly Shire Coucil and met Mayor Matthew Deeth. Wollondilly is one of the cities that participated in the Western Sydney City Deal. Wollondilly includes Warragamba Dam, which is a significant water source for the Sydney area, as well as the NSW Rail Museum.

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), School of International Studies, Welcome Back Evening for returning students

On 29 March, Consul-General Takewaka attended the Welcome Back Evening for students of the UTS School of International Studies who had returned from exchange. The Welcome Back event was held on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary Celebration for the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies combined degree. In total 38 students returned from 15 Japanese partner universities from one year in-country study.

JET Programme Returnee and Alumni Career Networking Seminar

On 26 March, a Career Networking Seminar was held for the JET Programme returnees. Senior JET participants who had experience working in Japanese organisations made a keynote speech and participated in a panel discussion about utilising the experience they acquired on the JET Programme to pursue their careers. Active discussion and exchanges were held among the attendees.

Following the seminar, Consul-General Takewaka hosted a networking reception. In his speech, the Consul-General expressed his appreciation for the attendees’ individual service to the JET Programme and expectation for their career-building by making use of the JET network.

Visit to Murray Farm Public School

On 25 March, Consul-General Takewaka visited Murray Farm Public School to meet School Principal Joanne Wilcher and teachers. About 360 students of K-6 are taking bilingual education at the school.

Visit to the Saturday School of Community Languages Chatswood Centre

On 23 March, Consul-General Takewaka visited the Saturday School of Community Languages Chatswood Centre to meet School Principal Sana Zreika and teachers.　About 100 students of Year 11-12 are learning the Japanese language at the school.

Port of call of the Japanese Antarctic Research Icebreaker ‘Shirase’ in Sydney

The Japanese icebreaker ‘Shirase’, carrying the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE), called at Sydney from March 18 to 23 on its way back from Showa Station in Antarctica to Japan.

At a reception held onboard on the evening of March 20, Captain Koji Miyazaki, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka, and Captain Steve Bowater, RAN Commander Shore Force (representing Commander Australian Fleet, RADM Jonathan Mead) gave their speeches.

Reception for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

On 18 March, a reception for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games was held at the Consul-General's residence to encourage excitement and momentum for the Games, which are less than 500 days away.

The reception was attended by many distinguished guests including Mr John Coates AC, President of the Australian Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad Tokyo 2020 at the International Olympic Committee, representatives of the Australian Paralympic Committee and Japanese and Australian sponsor companies.

At the reception, the Consul-General welcomed the active sports exchange between Japan and Australia and expressed his expectations for the Tokyo 2020 Games, and Mr Coates presented the preparation status of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The grand reception was graced with a special video message from the President of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mr Yoshiro Mori. In line with the Olympic theme, the evening’s menu featured five different food items in the five Olympic colours, as well as Japanese sake and plum wine.

Consul-General Takewaka‘s visit to Fairfield

On 18 March, Consul-General Takewaka visited Fairfield City Council and met Mayor Frank Carbone. Fairfield is one of the cities that participated in the Western Sydney City Deal.

Cowra Festival of International Understanding

On 16 March, the Cowra Festival of International Understanding was held in Cowra City, attracting many visitors. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout and Japan was selected as the official guest nation for the festival. There was a Japanese parade and many performances such as Japanese choir, drumming and kimono performance, held as part of the festival.

On the following day, the Japanese delegation participated in a memorial service at the POW camp and cemetery.

Public Seminar by Professor Yasuhiro Matsuda

On 12 March, Mr Yasuhiro Matsuda, Professor of Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia at the University of Tokyo gave a lecture on “The Dilemma between Security & Economy: Japan’s Strategy Toward the New Cold War” at the University of Sydney.

SODEISHA exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery

On 1st March, Consul-General Takewaka attended the opening of the exhibition “SODEISHA connected to Australia” at Newcastle Art Gallery. More than 300 people gathered at the ceremony, including Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, as well as Mayor of Maitland Cr Loretta Baker.

Australia’s first exhibition of SODEISHA was held at Newcastle Art Gallery in 1979. Since then, the Art Gallery has maintained the most important collection of SODEISHA outside of Japan. Mr. Satoru Hoshino, an original member of the SODEISHA group, also attended the exhibition opening.

Calligraphy workshop at Airds High School

On 26 February, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop at Airds 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. 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

Dinner with Mr Akira Isogawa and Ms Kumi Taguchi

On 22 February, Consul-General Takewaka invited Mr Akira Isogawa, one of Australia's most famous fashion designers, and Ms Kumi Taguchi, a broadcaster on ABC, to a dinner at his residence.

Ms Junko Hirabayashi, a producer of the Japanese radio program on SBS, was also invited to the dinner.

Western Sydney University and Meiji University’s student exchange

On 14 February, Consul-General Takewaka visited Western Sydney University (WSU) and had talks on Japan-Australia relations with the students of WSU as well as those of Meiji University who are staying at WSU on a short-stay program. The two universities conduct a mutual short-stay program.

Calligraphy workshop at Newcastle High School

On 13 February, the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney held a calligraphy workshop at Newcastle 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. 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

Ms Jenny Dowell receives the order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette

On 7 February, Ms Jenny Dowell received the order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from Consul-General Keizo Takewaka.

Ms Dowell contributed to maintaining and expanding the sister city relationship between Lismore and Yamato-Takada of Nara Prefecture, which has continued since 1963. She was recognized for her work in promoting exchange between Japanese and Australian youth, enabling the relationship to deepen and flourish into the future.

In his speech, Consul-General Takewaka highlighted Ms Dowell's contributions to the sister city relationship and shared his own memories of attending the recent lantern parade to celebrate the 55th anniversary in June 2018. Consul-General Takewaka expressed his appreciation and expectation that such grassroots initiatives will lead to the vibrant development of the relationship between both countries.

Consul-General Takewaka joins “Matching Seminar for Professionals of Authentic Japanese Wagyu Beef”

On 16 January, the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council (JLEC) held “Matching Seminar for Professionals of Authentic Japanese Wagyu Beef” in Sydney. During the seminar Mr Hishinuma, Director of JLEC, gave a presentation and a meat specialist conducted a cutting demonstration. Furthermore, nine Japanese beef suppliers and representatives from local restaurants and hotels, had active discussions on business.

In his speech, Consul-General Keizo Takewaka mentioned that tourism to Japan and Japanese food is very popular in Australia. Against this background, Japanese Black (beef) returned to the Australian market. Japanese Black, under strict production conditions as a top quality commodity, is different from Australian Wagyu. Consul-General Takewaka encouraged attendees to use their skills to bring out the wonderful flavours of Japanese Black.