Event Reports

Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation to the Japanese Saturday College of Melbourne

On 27 July, Consul-General Furuya presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to the Japanese Saturday College of Melbourne. The certificate was awarded in recognition of its efforts to promote Japanese language teaching in Australia and for its outstanding contribution to preserving the language and culture of Japan.

2026 JET Programme Farewell Reception

On 23 July 2026, Consul-General Furuya hosted a reception to farewell 2026 JET Programme participants at his official residence. The reception was attended by Mr David Limbrick MP, a former JET Programme participant, Ms Yuko Mitsunaga, Executive Director of the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in Sydney, and Ms Belinda Taing, President of the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia chapter. Other guests included former JET Programme participants, Japanese teachers and lecturers, business representatives from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne, and other JET Programme supporters.

At the reception, Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter #29 gave a brief beautiful ikebana demonstration as an introduction to Japanese culture.

The 2026 JET Programme participants will depart on 25 July 2026 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.

Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation to the Melbourne International School of Japanese

On 21 July, Consul-General Furuya presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to the Melbourne International School of Japanese. The certificate was awarded in recognition of its efforts to promote Japanese language teaching in Australia and for its outstanding contribution to preserving the language and culture of Japan.

2026 Reception for former MEXT scholars

On Wednesday 25 March, Consul General Furuya hosted a reception at his residence for former Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship recipients who studied in Japan. Following a speech by the Consul-General, Melbourne MEXT Alumni Association (MMAA) President Leonie Boxtel delivered a speech that included a report on the activities of the MMAA. Subsequently, Laica Chrose, former Brazilian MEXT scholar residing in Melbourne, who is the Gold Award winner of the 2025 Japan International Manga Award organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, spoke about her experience attending the award ceremony held recently in Tokyo.

Sixteen former MEXT scholarship students attended the event and shared updates on their current circumstances. The reception served not only to deepen the bonds between the returning scholarship students but also as an excellent opportunity to strengthen the close ties between Japan and Australia.

Conferral Ceremony of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Hon. Timothy Pallas

On 10 March 2026, Consul-General Furuya presented the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, to Hon. Timothy Pallas for his enormous contribution to promoting regional exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

Hon. Pallas was joined by family and friends for a reception followed by a dinner at the official residence.

2026 Emperor's Birthday Reception

On 17 February 2026, the Emperor’s Birthday Celebration Reception was held at the Consul-General’s residence. The event was attended by about 400 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 Australian and Japanese national anthems, Consul-General Furuya delivered a speech, which was followed by congratulatory remarks by The Hon Ben Carroll MP, Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and for WorkSafe and the TAC,. The toast was preceded by a Kagami Biraki (opening of the sake barrel) by the honoured guests, including the Hon Danny Pearson MP, Minister for Finance and Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and for Government Services, and Mr Brad Battin MP, representing the Opposition.

The residence was decorated with welcome flowers by Ikebana International. Japanese companies provided beer, green tea, matcha slushies, probiotic drinks, as well as cheese and cheesecakes. Onigiri and Japanese sake from Tohoku were offered as well. A Japanese-made hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle were also on display, and samples of healthcare-related products and Japanese fans were handed out.

(Photos: Fiona Cull)　

Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation to Assoc Prof Enomoto Kayoko

On Thursday 5 February, Consul-General Furuya presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Assoc Prof Enomoto Kayoko of Asian Studies, School of Social Science, The University of Adelaide.

The certificate was awarded in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of Japanese language education in Australia and advancing mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. Congratulations to Assoc Prof Enomoto. We look forward to your further contributions to the Japan-Australia relationship!