Remarks of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashi at Japan Night on Thursday12 April 2012
Your Excellency Murray McLean, former Ambassador of Australia to Japan,
The Hon Brad Battin, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Japan in Victoria,
also representing tonight the Hon Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship,
The Hon Donna Bauer, Secretary of the Parliamentary Friends of Japan in Victoria, Mr Clive Scott,
General Manager of Sofitel Melbourne,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to Japan Night!
This is an annual gathering of the friends of Japan and Japanese residents here.
Last year, however, we cancelled Japan Night, due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
Last month was the first anniversary month of the disaster, and in the commemorative ceremony we enjoyed the presence of Ambassador McLean, Brad, Donna and many other friends of Japan. I said on that occasion that I felt a vibrant solidarity and bonds of friendship to Japan in this multicultural society.
I have learned that Brad and Donna respectively made a very considerate statement regarding the anniversary in the Parliament. Thank you very much.
Having lived here for half a year, I have confirmed my impression which I formed immediately after my arrival that the good relationship between Japan and Victoria, should have contributed to the liveability of Melbourne, the world’s most liveable city.
Activities of Japanese companies with their Australian partners here support the local economy. Cultural programs conducted by Japanese residents together with the
Australians here enrich the culture of this multicultural society.
Thus what you are doing is promoting both the bilateral relationship between Japan and Victoria and the liveability here. Thank you very much.
In conclusion, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all participants tonight. Please enjoy this Japan Night. I will enjoy, too.
Thank you.