Japan Festival, Sunday 20th May 2012 Welcome remarks by Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima
The Hon Anna Burke, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Australia,
Your Excellency Murray McLean, former Ambassador of Australia to Japan, Mr Brad Battin, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Japan in Victoria, Councillor Mark Lane, Mayor and other Councillors of the City of Whitehorse, Mr Tony Preston, President of the Japan Club of Victoria,
Ms Keiko Davies, Chairperson of the Japan Festival Organising Committee, Sponsors and Supporters of this Festival,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning to you all.
I appreciate this opportunity to say a few words at the opening of the 2012 Japan Festival, that is one of the biggest Japanese cultural events in Australia, just like the summer festival held in Docklands last February, with so many people present here and perhaps more coming.
Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city.
In this connection, I repeatedly said on various occasions and I am going to say this now again that perhaps the activities of Japanese companies with their Australian partners and cultural programs organized by Japanese residents with the participation of Australians here are also contributing to this liveability, that is the world’s best, economically and culturally, in this multicultural society.
Thus I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of, and volunteers for the Japan Festival Organising Committee headed by Ms. Keiko Davies for their tireless efforts in bringing this event together. I also pay tribute to the City of Whitehorse and the Box Hill Institute for their continued support.
It should be noted that the City of Whitehorse has such sister city relationship with the City of Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture that is the longest-running between Victoria and Japan. Just last week I attended a concert in celebration of Matsudo Week and was delighted to see the enthusiastic response which the concert received.
With respect to the Japan Festival, I believe that it has become an integral part of the annual calendar of the City of Whitehorse.
Last year, because of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, the Festival was utilised for fund-raising.
Indeed many organizations and individuals who are present today contributed then and on other occasions.
This year, too, the Festival supports Japan’s tsunami appeal.
I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to thank the Federal and State Governments and people of Australia, including Japanese residents here for their sincere sympathy and massive support.
With your support the affected areas are firmly on their way to recovery. Thank you very much!
Today we will view performances on the stage of Japanese drums, Shamisen and other instruments, dance, Kendo and other martial arts, as well as contests of karaoke singers, kimono and cosplayers and other shows. The exhibits here include tea ceremony, Ikebana, Bonsai, Shogi, Go and origami.
Of course, there are stalls of sushi, yakitori, Japanese sweets, and crafts, among others.
Therefore, I am confident that you will all enjoy this Festival.
I will enjoy, too.
In anticipation of another success, I would like to offer my congratulations already now to the organizers and supporters of this 2012 Japan Festival. Congratulations!
Thank you.