Event Reports
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2025 Event Reports
2025 Reception for former MEXT scholars
On 20 March, Consul General Furuya invited former Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship recipients who studied in Japan to his official residence for a reception. This reception was the fourth since the Melbourne MEXT Alumni Association (MMAA) was formed in March 2019. After a speech by the Consul General, MMAA President Leonie Boxtel gave a report on the activities of the MMAA and proposed a toast.
Sixteen former MEXT Scholarship recipients attended the event and spoke about how their lives and careers have been shaped by their experiences of studying and living in Japan. The get-together provided a great opportunity for former scholars to reconnect with each other and forge new connections.
2025 Emperor's Birthday Reception
On 20 February 2025, the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence. The event was attended by about 300 people from a wide range of fields, including state and local government officials, state and federal politicians, mayors and councillors, members of the Victorian Consular Corps, Japanese cultural and educational organisations, representatives of Australian and Japanese businesses, and residents of South Australia and Tasmania.Following a livey taiko drum performance and the singing of the Australian and Japanese national anthems, Consul-General Furuya delivered a speech, which was followed by congratulatory remarks by The Hon Danny Pearson MP, Miniter for Finance and Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Mr Brad Battin MP, Leader of the Opposition, respectively. The toast was preceded by a Kagami Biraki (opening of the sake barrel) by the honoured guests.
The residence was decorated with welcome flowers by Ikebana International. Japanese companies provided beer, green tea and matcha slushies, probiotic drinks, as well as cheese and cheesecakes, Japanese sake from Tohoku and soba noodles from Nagano. A Japanese-made hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle were also on disply, and samples of healthcare-related products and Japanese fans were handed out. The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai was also promoted.
(Photos: Risako Yamanaka)
(Photos: Consulate-General of Japan)
Conferral Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Dr. Robyn Spence-Brown
On 28 January 2025, Consul-General Furuya presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Dr. Robyn Spence-Brown for her enormous contribution to the development of Japanese language education in Australia and the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.Dr. Spence Brown was joined by her family and friends for a reception followed by a dinner at the official residence.
Consul-General Furuya's Official Visit to Tasmania
Consul-General Furuya visited Tasmania from the 13th to the 14th of January. He met with Governor Barbara Baker AC, Premier Jeremy Rockliff MP, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett MP, and many other ministers and dignitaries. They discussed the long history of Japan-Tasmania relations and exchanged views on future economic cooperation and people-to-people exchange between Japan and Tasmania.
