Event Reports

JET Programme Returnees Welcome Reception

On 27 October 2023, Consul-General Shimada and Mrs Shimada hosted a reception to welcome recently returned JET Programme participants and JETAA Oceania Regional Conference attendees from Australia and New Zealand. The reception was attended by Mr Staikos MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Tim Kane, Victorian State Office Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Manya Hiraki, Executive Director of the the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in Sydney, and many others with a connection with Japan, including former JET Programme participants, Japanese teachers and lecturers, and business representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne.
 

Japanese Film Festival Opening in Melbourne 

On Monday 23 October 2023, the 27^th Japanese Film Festival presented by Japan Foundation in Sydney, opened in Melbourne at The Kino Cinema. Consul-General Shimada delivered his opening remarks before the opening screening of the film ‘We’re Broke, My Lord!’.
 
The opening reception was joined by many guests, including Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025.

Conferral Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, to Ms. Lesley Jean Kehoe

On 14 September 2023, Consul-General Shimada presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, to Ms. Lesley Jean Kehoe.

The conferral by His Majesty the Emperor is in recognition of her significant contribution to introduction of Japanese culture in Australia and promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia as the Director of Lesley Kehoe Galleries.

Ms Kehoe was joined by family and friends for a reception followed by a luncheon at the official residence.

Her high expertise in Japanese art has greatly contributed to the discovery of many Japanese artists and has assisted in raising awareness of their work overseas.




 

Conferral Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, to Emeritus Professor Ross Elliot Mouer 

On 12 September 2023, Consul-General Shimada presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, to Emeritus Professor Ross Elliot Mouer for his enormous contribution to developing Japanese Studies in Australia and for promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

Emeritus Professor Mouer was joined by family and friends for a reception followed by a dinner at the official residence.

The Japanese Language Speech Contest Victoria 2023

On 27 August 2023, Consul-General Shimada attended the Victorian Final of the 53rd Australian Japanese Language Speech Contest, held at the Yasuko Hiraoka Myer Room in Sidney Myer Asia Centre, the University of Melbourne. This year's contest was held face-to-face for the first time since 2019. An audience of around 150 people watched 32 contestants deliver their speeches on various topics of their interest in Japanese. 

List of winners can be found here. 

 

2023 JET Programme Farewell Reception

On 18 July 2023, Consul-General Shimada and Mrs Shimada hosted a farewell reception at the Consul-General's residence for the 2023 JET Programme participants residing in Victoria. The reception was attended by Mr Matt Fregon MP reprsenting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Brad Battin MP representing the Parliamentary Friends of Japan, Mr David Limbrick MP, a former JET participant, Mr Murray McLean AO, a former Australian Ambassador to Japan. Other guests included a representative from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations in Sydney, former JET Programme participants, Japanese teachers and lecturers, and business representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne.

At the reception, Ikebana International Victoria conducted a brief flower arrangement seminar and the Melbourne Kyudo-kai performed ceremonial shootings of Kyudo, Japanese archery.

The 2023 JET Programme participants will depart on 29 July 2023 to begin their one-year contract as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations in Japan. For information on the JET Programme, please visit the JET Programme website.
 

Conferral Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Professor Alison Tokita

On 24 March 2023, Consul-General Shimada held a conferral ceremony at the official residence to present the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Professor Alison Tokita.

The conferral by His Majesty the Emperor is in recognition of her significant contribution to academic exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. Professor Tokita worked hard to promote Japanese studies as Director of the Japanese Studies Centre at Monash University for over a decade. She continues to this day to research Japanese traditional music and promote its appeal worldwide.

Professor Tokita was joined by the former Australian Ambassador to Japan, Mr Murray McLean AO, family, friends and colleagues for a reception followed by a dinner at the official residence.

Reception for former MEXT scholars

On 23 March 2023, Consul-General Shimada hosted a reception at his residence for former Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship recipients in Victoria. This was the second reception after the Melbourne MEXT Alumni Association (MMAA) was formed in March 2019. The event provided an opportunity for ex-MEXT scholars to renew their passions for Japan and make connections with each other. At the end of the reception, new President and Vice-President of the MMAA were appointed.

2023 Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception

On 16 February 2023, the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence. Approximately 400 people attended the event including state officials and politicians, local government representatives, members of the Victorian Consular Corps, Japanese cultural and educational organisations, and business representatives from Australia and Japan.

Following a speech by Consul-General Shimada, congratulatory messages were given by the guest of honour; Mr Nick Staikos MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier (representing the Premier), and Mr John Pesutto MP, Leader of the Opposition.

The venue was decorated with ikebana displays and samurai armour, and guests had the chance to see kyudo and live wadaiko and koto performances, and participate in a tea ceremony.

Additionally, Japanese food and drinks such as Japanese beer, sake, matcha slushies, Japanese probiotic milk beverages, and cheese cakes were served. Char-grilled Hida beef and strawberries were offered by Gifu prefecture, while Tokushima prefecture offered sudachi juice. Osaka City, Matsudo City, and Aichi Prefecture also promoted their respective sister city/state relationships with Victoria. Japanese companies also exhibited a hydrogen fuel cell car and a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and distributed samples of healthcare products.