Remarks of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima at the 2014 Japanese Summer Festival in Melbourne on 2 February 2014
Mr Mitsuyuki Takada, President of the Japanese Society of Melbourne,
Mr Max Yasuda, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne,
Organisers,
Sponsors,
Volunteers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Boys and Girls,
and Babies,
Good afternoon.
Thank Heavens for the good weather today!
First, I would like to congratulate Melbournians for living in the world’s most liveable city.
Congratulations!
In connection with Melbourne’s world’s best liveability ranking for three years running, 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 the cultural programs organised 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.
This Festival is a good example of what I have just said.
This is a Japanese cultural event which was planned and will be performed by Japanese residents, sponsored by Japanese companies.
The event is also supported by the City of Melbourne and the State of Victoria as well as local and international sponsors.
What is more, you are participating!
I should like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all of them and you for making this event another successful Japanese Summer Festival in this multicultural society.
Just last week on Australia Day, we saw almost 100 groups of different cultures, interests and origins, including Japanese groups, marching from Melbourne Town Hall to Federation Square here.
That was an extensive demonstration of different cultures.
Today you will have the opportunity to intensively observe the Japanese culture.
We already heard the drumming by Wadaiko Rindo led by Mr Toshinori Sakamato who received the commendation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.
They will be playing again later.
Also we will hear the drumming by another group Miyake Taiko, led by Grand Master Akio Tsumura and his sons who have come over from Japan.
Furthermore, we will hear the Koto, Shamisen with guitar, and Japanese flute. We will see dances of Japanese students and of Japanese ladies in Kimono, as well as Hip Hop dance and Japanese martial arts demonstration.
As for the stalls, we have Japanese food and drinks and cultural items, as usual.
Thus I hope you will all enjoy this Japanese Festival.
I will enjoy it, too.
Thank you.