Consulate Event Gallery - 2021 Archive
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September 2021
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January 2021
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December 2021
Japanaroo+ Events (Week 2)
In the final week of Japanaroo+, on Monday 13 December, Consul-General Kiya attended an event organised by the Fukuoka Prefectural Government in Sydney, called “Flavours of Fukuoka”. The event featured various restaurants and partners.
On Friday 17 December, Ambassador Yamagami, along with Consul-General Kiya, visited the Japan Special Exhibition at the Ken Done Gallery and met with the artist himself.
On Saturday 18 December, the Consul-General visited the Akira Family Sale event at the Akira Design Studio.
On Sunday 19 December, he participated in the first Sydney Kyudo Kai (Japanese archery) Open Doors event and observed their practice. Afterwards, he joined in the Japan Dance Exercise workshop taught by Junko Hirabayashi.
Matsuri Japan Festival in Chatswood
On Saturday 18 December, Consul-General Kiya and Ambassador Yamagami participated in the Matsuri Japan Festival, held in Chatswood for the first time in two years by the Japan Club of Sydney. The Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney also ran a stall.
Japanaroo – A Festive Season Concert
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On Friday 17 December, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko and Ambassador Yamagami Shingo attended the Japanaroo Festive Season Concert. It showcased performances with both Japanese and Australian artists and traditional instruments, such as koto and the didgeridoo. Ikebana, bonsai and origami installations were also on display.
Reference link: Japanaroo – A Festive Season Concert
Japan Expo
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On Friday 17 December, Consul-General Kiya visited the Japan Expo held at Town Hall and participated in the opening kagami biraki ceremony. The Expo featured exhibitors from the tourism and food industry, as well as various cultural demonstrations.
Reference links:
Japanaroo+ Events (Week 1)
Japanaroo+ launched on Friday 3 December and ran until Sunday 19 December. During this period, many events were organised by local Japanese businesses and organisations in Sydney.
In the first week, on Saturday 4 December, Consul-General Kiya attended the opening reception for the Sougetsu Ikebana Exhibition held at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
On Wednesday 8 December, he visited the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association of NSW (JETAA NSW) Visualising Japan Exhibition at Ted’s Ilford Galerie.
On Thursday 9 December, Consul-General Kiya listened to a talk by Melanie Eastburn, the senior curator of Asian art at the Art Gallery of NSW, which discussed the gallery’s Japanese collection from 1879 until now.
On Sunday 12 December, he participated in a chado (green tea) demonstration and workshop held by Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Association Inc. at the Ryo-an tea house in Leura, Blue Mountains. In the evening of the same day, he went to the Hokkaido BBQ (Jingisukan) night organised by JTB Australia.
J-Syd InstaLive: Japanaroo Virtual Violin Performance
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On Monday 6 December, Consul-General Kiya hosted Ms Aiko Goto and Ms Helena Rathbone from the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) at his residence for a live violin performance. Audience members included graduating students, guardians and teachers from the Sydney Japanese International School. The performance was also broadcast live as a part of this Consulate’s J-Syd InstaLive video series on Instagram.
Reference links:
Japanaroo+ Opening Night
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On Friday 3 December, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended a virtual Japanaroo+ Opening Night on Zoom. The night included various activities for the audience, including origami folding and Japanese lacquerware to taiko drumming workshops. At the end, a cooking video by Mr Saeki Terushige, Chef of Consul-General Kiya, was presented to teach people how to make a matcha roll cake.
Reference link: Japanaroo+ Opening Night schedule
November 2021
5th Japan-Australia Infrastructure Networking Meeting
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On 19 November, the 5th Japan-Australia Infrastructure Networking Meeting organised by the Embassy of Japan in Australia was held in Sydney. The main theme of the meeting was “Western Sydney Development”. About 100 people attended the meeting at the venue, with further 100 participants attending online.
Reference link: Consul-General of Japan in Sydney's Newsletter No.52 A new era of New South Wales-Japan corporation (26 November 2021)
October 2021
Japan Foundation Sydney Exhibition
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On 22 October, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended the opening of Japan Foundation Sydney’s latest exhibition “A Sense of Movement: Japanese Sports Posters”. The exhibition is open until 22 January 2022.
Reference link: A Sense of Movement: Japanese Sports Posters
2021 JET Programme - Farewell Message
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On 16 October, Australian participants selected for the 2021 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme departed and successfully arrived in Japan on 17 October.
During the hotel quarantine period, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko sent a farewell message to NSW JET participants wishing for their success while on the Programme and to learn more about Japan.
After the participants finish quarantine, they will travel to their respective assignments throughout Japan to teach English in schools as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs), or to work in local government offices as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs).
Reference link: Farewell message - 2021 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme NSW Participants
August 2021
51st NSW Japanese Speech Contest
On 22 August (Sunday), the 51st NSW Japanese Speech Contest was held online. Last year’s contest was cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, the contest was held virtually for the first time and was successfully realised thanks to the efforts of university-student volunteers and the Steering Committee members. Consul-General Kiya gave the opening remarks and expressed his hope that participants would continue to study Japanese and contribute to future cooperation between Japan and Australia in diverse fields.
The winners of the High School Senior Division and the Open Division Divisions (below) will proceed to the 51st Japanese Language Speech Contest Finals to be held on 2 October (Saturday).
High School Senior Division: Ms Zhihui (Rosie) Lin (Topic: 笑いのツボ The Sense of Humour)
Open Division: Ms Monica Agarwal (Topic: 姉から兄へのメッセージ Message from an Older Sister to an Older Brother)
For the full list of prize winners on the day, please see the NSW contest website:
https://nswjspeech.com/
Reference link: Consul-General Kiya’s Opening Remarks
Japanaroo Opening Night
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On 20 August, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko participated in the online opening event “Japanaroo Opening Night”.
At the Opening Night, in addition to introducing the various events running during Japanaroo 2021, there were also segments such as a talk time with the two Japanese and Australian artists who created the Japanaroo logo.
Mr Mark Coure MP and Secretary of the NSW Parliament Asia Pacific Friendship Group, and Cr Robert Kok from Sydney City Council also participated in the event and gave welcoming remarks.
In Consul-General Kiya’s opening remarks he said that in the face of the current COVID-19 challenge, it is for this reason that we need to demonstrate our strength by enjoying ourselves and entertaining others through Japanaroo. He also emphasised that the participants and event organisers of Japanaroo make up the “core” of the Japan-Australia community, and work as catalysts to enrich multiculturalism and enhance prosperity in Australia.
Tokyo Olympics – messages of thanks
Consul-General Kiya was delighted to receive many messages of thanks from members of the public after the Tokyo Olympics. In addition to congratulating the Government of Japan on the successful organisation of the Olympics in such difficult times, writers expressed their thanks for the joy that the Games and the athletes gave people around the world.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for their warm words.
July 2021
JSS and JCCI Annual General Meetings
On 30 July the Japanese Society of Sydney Inc.(JSS) and the Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sydney Inc. (JCCI) each held their annual general meetings online, where they approved the annual business reports and account statements. Also, new board members were announced at each meeting. Consul-General Kiya Masahiko attended both meetings and made remarks.
In his remarks for the JSS meeting, Mr Kiya said it is important for Japanese people, who are living in the multicultural society of Australia, to share Japanese cultural values and achievements, understand Australia further and deepen exchanges between the two nations, as a foundation to maintain the trusting relationship between Japan and Australia. He also said he would appreciate it if they could become a bridge between Australia and Japan through their daily lives and activities even during the pandemic.
In his remarks for the JCCI meeting, Mr Kiya said Japanese companies are leading players in connecting businesses in Japan and Australia and expressed his hope that they would become key players in the areas of Japan-Australia business where new potentials lie, without being satisfied with the current situation, bringing happiness and prosperity to two nations as well as to the world.
- Consul-General Kiya’s remark at the JSS meeting (Japanese)
- Consul-General Kiya’s remark at the JCCI meeting (Japanese)
June 2021
Lismore Visit
From 18 – 20 June, Consul-General Kiya visited Lismore City, which is located in the northeast of New South Wales. Lismore and Yamato-Takada in Nara Prefecture have been sister cities since 1963 and were the first sister cities between Japan and Australia.
While there, the Consul-General was received by VC Prof Tyron Carlin and senior members of Southern Cross University, as well as Lismore MP Janelle Saffin at the Fr Tony Glynn Japan-Australia Centre.
He also paid a visit to Lismore City Council, where he met Mayor Vanessa Ekins, Deputy Mayor Neil Marks, Cr Darlene Cook and members of The Ikebana International Lismore chapter.
Additionally, the Consul-General visited the birthplace of Fr Tony and Fr Paul Glynn, Lismore Regional Museum, and Lismore Regional Gallery.
On Saturday (19 June), Consul-General Kiya also participated in the annual Lismore Lantern Parade and carried the mascot of Yamato-Takada City.
Reference link: Lismore and Yamato-Takada sister city profile
Discussions with property related company and organisation representatives
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On 17 June, Consul-General Kiya invited the Hon Melinda Pavey MP, NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing and representatives from Australian property/planning related organisations and Japanese property development and housing companies to his official residence.
At the meeting, Japanese company representatives gave presentations on their projects in NSW and participants had active discussions and exchanges on their business in NSW.
Fr Paul Glynn Visit
On 15 June, Consul-General Kiya paid a visit on Fr Paul Glynn. Father Paul, who went to Japan as a Catholic priest soon after WWII, has devoted a lifetime to reconciliation and friendship between Japan and Australia.
Visit to NTT Client Innovation Centre
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On 11 June, Consul-General Kiya visited NTT Client Innovation Centre (CIC).
It is one of several international exhibition facilities where NTT showcases their ICT solutions and promotes collaboration with their clients. The Sydney facility opened in 2018 as the very first CIC outside Japan.
At the centre, Mr Kiya was introduced to a number of advanced ICT solutions on exhibition. He also exchanged views with NTT AUS/NZ CEO Tania Balcombe on the further strengthening of the Japan-Australia relationship.
Macquarie University Visit
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On 7 June, Consul-General Kiya visited Macquarie University where he had discussions with Prof. S. Bruce Dowton, Vice Chancellor of Macquarie University, and other senior members of the University about Japan-Australia academic exchange. They also gave the Consul-General a tour of the campus.
Japanese companies such as Konica Minolta are partners in Macquarie University’s PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program.
Reference link: PACE program
Darwin Visit
From 2 - 4 June, Consul-General Kiya paid a visit to Darwin.
On 2 June, he met with Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison and Minister Paul Kirby to discuss Japan-NT business relations and a recent seminar that was held in Sydney. In the evening, he had dinner with Australian Japanese Association of the NT Inc. 北部準州豪日協会 (AJANT) members and their families.
On 3 June, the Consul-General met with and thanked NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker for the continued safety of Japanese residents in the Northern Territory. On the same day, Consul-General Kiya was briefed by Space and Digital Director Claire George and met with Investment Commissioner Andrew Cowan of NT Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet.
Reference links:
- Joint Seminar by the Northern Territory Government and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney: ‘Investment Opportunity in the Northern Territory: Natural Gas, Hydrogen and Critical Minerals’
- Consul-General's Newsletter - No.42 Business opportunities in the Northern Territory
HMAS Kuttabul Memorial Service
On 1 June, Consul-General Kiya attended the Memorial Service at HMAS Kuttabul and laid a wreath. On the previous day (31 May), the Consul-General also participated in a cruise organised by the Naval Historical Society of Australia that traced the 1942 Japanese midget submarine attack.
Reference link: Consul-General's Newsletter - No. 41 Commemorative events at Sydney Harbour: Building on the foundation of peace for the future
May 2021
The Sydney Koi Show
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On 30 May, Consul-General Kiya attended the Sydney Koi Show, which was co-organised by Koi Society of Australia and Australian Koi Association. Wadaiko Rindo Sydney also gave a performance of Japanese drumming.
Reference links:
Northern Beaches Visit
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On 27 May, Consul-General Kiya visited Northern Beaches to meet with Cr Michael Regan, Mayor of Northern Beaches Council. Northern Beaches has sister-city relationships with three Japanese cities: Chichibu (Saitama Prefecture), Tadaoka (Osaka), and Taito (Tokyo). The Sydney Japanese International School is also located in Northern Beaches.
Reference link: Northern Beaches, Chichibu, Tadaoka and Taito sister city profiles
AJS NSW's Student Awards Night
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On 25 May, Consul-General Kiya gave the keynote address at Australia-Japan Society of NSW’s annual Student Awards Night and presented the awards to the recipients.
Penrith Council Visit
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On 24 May, Consul-General Kiya visited Penrith City Council to meet with Mayor Cr Karen McKeown and General Manager Mr Warwick Winn. Penrith has been a sister city of both Fujieda City of Shizuoka Prefecture and Hakusan City of Ishikawa Prefecture for over 30 years.
Reference link: Penrith, Fujieda and Hakusan sister city profiles
Opening Reception of “Sculpture Rocks”
On 20 May, Consul-General Kiya attended the opening reception of the “Sculpture Rocks” exhibition, which showcases sculpture by Japanese artists. The exhibition is now on at The Rocks until 3 June.
Relevant link: Sculpture Rocks
Visit to UNSW Hydrogen Energy Research Centre
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On 20 May, Consul-General Kiya visited the UNSW Hydrogen Energy Research Centre and received a thorough briefing on the prospective national hydrogen industrial research facility. At the research centre, he was also introduced to a Hy-Cycle and a hydrogen-powered BBQ.
Opening of the "War and Peace - The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" exhibition
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On 20 May, Consul-General Kiya participated in the opening of the "War and Peace - The atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The exhibition is open until 29 August.
Relevant link: Australian National Maritime Museum, War and Peace Exhibition
50th Anniversary of the Epping and Ikebukuro Rotary Clubs
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On 17 May, Consul-General Kiya gave a speech at the 50th Anniversary of the sister-club relationship between the Rotary Club of Epping and the Rotary Club of Ikebukuro, Tokyo. In his speech, the Consul-General discussed the importance of the Australia-Japan relationship.
Reference link: Speech by Consul-General Kiya Masahiko - 50th Anniversary of the Epping and Ikebukuro Rotary Sister Club Relationship 
Talks with Japanese Food Business Representatives
On 13 May, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko invited Mr Yonemori Katsuya, an owner of Japanese restaurant “Kyushu”, Mr Yasuoka Yasushi, an owner of Japanese restaurant “SAKANAYA” and Mr Umeda Hiroshi from Japanese food wholesaler JunPacific to his official residence. They discussed the history of Japanese food in Australia. Mr Takahara Masaki, Managing Director of JETRO Sydney also attended.
Visit to Blue Mountains
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On 12 May, Consul-General Kiya met with Deputy Mayor Chris Van der Kley and members from the Blue Mountains Sister City Committee. They have promoted student exchanges and “citizen runner” exchanges with Sanda city of Hyogo Prefecture for more than 30 years.
Reference link: Blue Mountains and Sanda sister city profile
Visit to the NSW Police Force Commissioner
On Monday 10 May, Consul-General Kiya and representatives from JCCI, JSS and JCS met with NSW Police Force Commissioner Michael Fuller.
Consul-General Kiya thanked Commissioner Fuller for the continued police support provided to the Japanese community, and requested assistance on issues of concerns including the handling of potential domestic violence cases and hate crimes, and the increasing number of scams.
Commissioner Fuller welcomed the visit and stated, “The NSW Police Force pledges to respond in earnest to these matters. If anyone faces any problems, please do not hesitate to contact the police.”
Visit to Orange City Council
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On 5 May, Consul-General Kiya visited Orange City Council where he was warmly received by Cr Reg Kidd, Mayor of Orange City Council. Ushiku city of Ibaraki Prefecture and Orange are sister cities, undertaking high school exchanges in both directions for over three decades.
Reference link: Orange and Ushiku sister city profile
Visit to NSW Department of Primary Industries in Orange
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On 5 May, Consul-General Kiya visited Orange in NSW and had discussions with DG Scott Hansen and Director Ian Sanders at the headquarters of NSW Department of Primary Industries. He also met with researchers and entrepreneurs working at GATE (Global AgTech Ecosystem), which is a part of NSW Department of Primary Industries.
In 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of JAPAN (MAFF) and NSW DPI signed a MoC and have been promoting cooperation.
Reference link: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and NSW DPI MoC
Autumn Cowra Visit
On 4 May, Consul-General Kiya visited Cowra. There, he laid wreaths at the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries, and also attended a tree planting in memory of the late David Jacobs of the Australia Japan Business Cooperation Committee (AJBCC).
At the Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, he was among those celebrating the inaugural Koyo Matsuri (Autumn Festival).
Relevant link: Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre profile
April 2021
JETAA NSW receives Foreign Minister's Commendation
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On 30 April, Consul-General Kiya hosted the Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association (JETAA) for NSW at his official residence and conferred their Foreign Minister's Commendation for FY 2020.
Reference link: FY 2020 Foreign Minister's Commendation announcement
‘Investment Opportunity in the Northern Territory: Natural Gas, Hydrogen and Critical Minerals’ Seminar
On 28 April, the Northern Territory Government and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney hosted a joint seminar 'Investment Opportunity in the Northern Territory: Natural Gas, Hydrogen and Critical Minerals' exclusively for the Japanese business community.
It was the first face-to-face seminar since the beginning of the pandemic, and many senior leaders, including Northern Territory Government officials and company representatives who travelled from Darwin, spoke about business opportunities in the Northern Territory. The seminar was also broadcasted online and viewed by many Japanese business people in Australia and Japan.
In his opening remarks, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko expressed his gratitude to the Northern Territory Government and conveyed his hope that this seminar would help Japanese companies to expand their business further in the Northern Territory.
Details about the event are available as below:
Joint Seminar by the Northern Territory Government and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney : ‘Investment Opportunity in the Northern Territory: Natural Gas, Hydrogen and Critical Minerals’
Canterbury-Bankstown Visit
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On 26 April, Consul-General Kiya visited the City of Canterbury-Bankstown and had discussion with city officials including Mayor Khal Asfour and the deputy vice-chancellor of Western Sydney University. He also visited the construction site of the planned Western Sydney University Campus. Canterbury-Bankstown has a sister city relationship with Suita City in Osaka prefecture.
Reference link: Canterbury-Bankstown and Suita sister city profile
Sutherland Visit
On 26 April, Consul-General Kiya visited Sutherland Shire Council and paid a courtesy call on Mayor Steve Simpson. Sutherland Shire Council has been engaging in exchange with its sister city of Chuo City in Tokyo since 1991 and this year marks their 30th anniversary.
Reference link : Sutherland and Chuo sister city profile
Anzac Day Service
On 25 April, Consul-General Kiya attended Woollahra Council’s Anzac Day ceremony and laid a wreath. He also visited the Well of Contemplation at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
Campbelltown Visit
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On 15 April (Thursday), Consul-General Kiya visited the City of Campbelltown and paid a courtesy call on Cr George Brticevic, Mayor of Campbelltown. Campbelltown, located in western Sydney, has maintained an active sister-city relationship for over 37 years with Koshigaya City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
Guided by Mayor Brticevic, Consul-General Kiya visited Koshigaya Park, which is located in the city’s centre, and the Japanese Gardens with a tea house that was presented to Campbelltown by the people of Koshigaya. Both beautifully maintained facilities are a place of relaxation for the people of Campbelltown and is proof of the friendship with Koshigaya City.
Visit to Western Sydney University
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On 12 April, Consul-General Kiya visited Western Sydney University to give a lecture on climate change and Japan-Australia cooperation as part of a WSU program on Australia-Asia relations.
Reference link: Climate Change: Roles of Japan and Australia in the World
Willoughby Visit
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On 9 April (Friday), Consul-General Kiya paid a courtesy call on Cr Gail Giles-Gidney, Mayor of Willoughby City Council, and Cr Craig Campbell, Deputy Mayor. Located in Sydney’s north, Willoughby is a lively suburb which is home to people from many different backgrounds, including more than 3,500 Japanese. The Consul-General thanked Mayor Giles-Gidney and Deputy Mayor Campbell for supporting local Japanese people in their daily lives and their community activities. He also expressed his gratitude for Willoughby City Council’s ongoing and enthusiastic exchange with sister city Suginami-ku (Tokyo).
March 2021
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami – Commemorating 10 Years
On 11 March, Consul-General Kiya attended the Rainbow Project’s commemoration in Sydney to remember the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and to thank Australians for their support over the 10 years since the disaster.
In his welcoming speech, the Consul-General expressed his profound gratitude to the people of NSW and Australia for their support in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and in the decade since. Robert McNeil, an assistant commissioner at Fire and Rescue New South Wales, also gave a speech as one of the members from the Australia search and rescue team that went to Tohoku in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
At 4:46pm in Sydney, the exact moment the earthquake struck in Japan, a minute of silence was held together over a livestream with the people in Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures.
During the event, an original movie “10 Colours, 10 Years” was screened, documenting the recovery and resilience of the Tohoku region and people and the continuing connections between Australia and Japan. Cultural and musical performances from local artists were also given.
Relevant links:
- Consul-General Kiya's opening remarks
- The Consul-General's newsletter: No.37 Japan-Australia Exchange - Coming together for areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Deputy Consul-General visits Bathurst
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On 11 March, Deputy Consul-General Tanaka attended a tree-planting ceremony in honour of the Ohkuma 30th Sister City and 10th Earthquake Anniversary held by Bathurst Regional Council.
Ohkuma is located in Fukushima and had to be evacuated after the tsunami caused by the earthquake struck the nuclear power plant. Despite this, the bonds between the two cities have remained strong as the Deputy Consul-General noted. She said it was inspirational to see the sister city relationship between Bathurst and Ohkuma continue to this day.
After the ceremony, she visited the Bathurst Regional Council office and met with the Mayor and Councillors.
Funayama Seijiro receives Foreign Minister’s Commendation
On 10 March, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko visited the Jun Pacific Office and presented the proprietor, Mr Funayama Seijiro, the Foreign Minister’s Commendation award.
Reference link: FY 2020 Foreign Minister's Commendation announcement
Taste of Japan Event
On 4 March, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office, in cooperation with Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), held an event called “Taste of Japan” to showcase Japanese cuisine and culture. Almost 40 representatives from the media industry attended the event.
Consul-General Kiya Masahiko, in his remarks, said Japan would be a great tourist and cultural destination for more Australians after the pandemic. He also expressed his hope that this event would give the participants an opportunity to find their own Japan and share it with their readers and followers.
(This event followed the NSW COVID-19 safety guidelines.)
February 2021
His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday – Dinner with the Governor of New South Wales
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On 23 February, to celebrate His Majesty the Emperor’s 61st birthday, Consul-General Kiya Masahiko received Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson, for dinner at the Consul-General’s residence. Ideas and opinions were exchanged on ways to further deepen the relationship between Australia and Japan.
At the start of the dinner, a recorded performance of the Australian and Japanese national anthems sung by students from the Sydney Japanese International School (シドニー日本人国際学校) was played. In addition, Consul-General Kiya presented and explained a message for the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s 61st birthday.
Consul-General Kiya conveyed his view to the Governor that the local Japanese community would continue to enrich Australia, which values multiculturalism, and work as a bridge for the development of our two countries. Both the Consul-General and the Governor shared an understanding that Australia and Japan, as “Special Strategic Partners”, are further deepening their cooperation on all fronts of political, economic and cultural relations, including global challenges such as COVID-19 and natural disasters.
Darwin Visit
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On 19 February, in commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Consul-General Kiya accompanied Ambassador Yamagami to attend official services held in the city. The Consul-General also visited several places and people during his time there.
In issue #35 of the Consul-General's newsletter, he writes about "Darwin and Japan: the Ties of History, Business, and Security".
The newsletter can be viewed here: https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/document/CGKiya_35newsE.pdf
Mr Matsunaga Yoshiaki receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
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On 16 February, Mr Matsunaga Yoshiaki received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays from Consul General Kiya Masahiko at the official residence of the Consul-General.
Mr Matsunaga was recognized for his services to the promotion of Japanese culture as President of the Chado Urasenki Tankoukai Sydney Association.