Event Reports (2012)
Japanese | English
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Visit to Kalinda Primary School
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The Director of The Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Mrs Keiko Egusa, participated in a ‘Japan Day’ at Kalinda Primary School on Friday 7 December. Senior students presented the Consulate-General of Japan a beautiful hand-made mosaic by the students to give courage and hope to the people in Japan affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. A short film titled ‘Our World. Your Move’ by the Japanese Red Cross Society was screened at the school to raise awareness of how the disaster has affected children in the area. |
30th Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest Award Ceremony
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On Friday 7 December an Award Ceremony was held at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne to honour the Victorian winners of the 30th Australia-Japan Relations Essay Contest. It was attended by approximately 50 people including the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima; Director of the Japan Foundation, Sydney, Mr Nao Endo; sponsors; principals and teachers; and students and their family members. This year's School of the Year was awarded to The MacRobertson Girls' High School for the largest number of excellent essays submitted Australia-wide. Principal Jane Garvey accepted the prize on behalf of the school. |
The 2012 Emperor’s Birthday Function
  
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The Emperor’s Birthday Reception was held on Wednesday, December 5, at the official residence of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima. The reception was attended by over 370 people including State and Federal Parliamentary Ministers, and community and business leaders. Speeches were made by Consul-General Sobashima, the Hon Ted Baillieu, Premier of Victoria, and the Hon James Merlino, Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria, representing the Leader of the Opposition. As part of the refreshments, guests were able to enjoy sake and beer from Japanese brewers, and enjoy an expansive range of products from the “Made in Victoria” stand provided by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne. |
Opening of the Japanese Art Collection at Bendigo Art Gallery
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The Deputy Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hirohisa Chiba attended the Opening Party of ‘Japanese Visions: Works from the Collection’ at Bendigo Art Gallery on Saturday, 1 December. Over 200 people attended including a large number of gallery members and people with an interest in Japanese art and culture from all around Victoria. |
Recognition and Farewell Ceremony for 2012 Language Assistants
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The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima attended a Recognition and Farewell Ceremony for the Language Assistants of 2012 hosted by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development on 22 November. The Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, the Hon Nicholas Kotsiras MP attended to present each of the language assistants with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their support of language education in Victoria. |
Film Screening at St. Simon the Apostle Primary School
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A film screening of Arietty was held at St Simon the Apostle Primary School in Rowville on Monday, 3 December. Cultural Officer, Melissa Nemoto attended from the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne. Over one hundred year five and year six students of the Japanese language attended the event. |
NFAJS Biannual Conference held in Melbourne
 Consul-General Sobashima proposes a toast  Ambassador Akimoto delivers a speech  Cr Ong speaks at the dinner |
The 6th Biannual Conference of the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies (NFAJS) was held in Melbourne from Friday, 16 November until Sunday, 18 November. The conference was attended by delegates from various Australia-Japan societies from across Australia and some representatives from Japan-based societies. This was the first time that the conference had been held in Victoria. A welcome reception was hosted at the Parliament House of Victoria by the "Parliamentary Friends of Japan". The Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Victorian Legislative Council, was the guest speaker at the reception and delivered a passionate address supporting the value of the relationship between Japan and Australia and between Japan and Victoria. The reception was also attended by the Hon Ken Smith, Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, the Hon Tim Holding MP, and Mr Brad Battin MP. The Ambassador of Japan to Australia, HE Yoshitaka Akimoto attended the reception and was accompanied by the Consul-General, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, and the Director of the JICC, Ms Keiko Egusa. Consul-General Sobashima proposed a toast at the reception. Ambassador Akimoto, Consul-General Sobashima and Ms Egusa also attended the Saturday session of the conference. After the opening address by the President of the Australia-Japan Society of Victoria, Mr Murray Sayers, the Ambassador delivered a speech. The Ambassador's speech was followed by the Keynote Speaker, HE Murray McLean, former ambassador of Australia to Japan. A dinner was also held on Saturday, 17 November, at Melbourne Town Hall as part of the conference. Cr Ken Ong of Melbourne City Council attended the dinner and conducted a guided tour for the conference delegates and Consul-General Sobashima. |
Martial Arts Festival at the Mawson Lakes Sports Hall, University of Adelaide
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On Sunday 11 November 2012, Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima officially opened the All Japan Ju-Jitsu International Federation (AJJIF) Festival of Martial Arts at the Mawson Lakes Sports Hall, University of Adelaide. The festival was attended by numerous competitors and instructors from both interstate and overseas, including O-sensei Alexey Kunin, President of AJJIF and the world's second-highest graded martial artist outside of Japan. Major Moogy Sumner, Ngarrindjeri Nation Elder, provided a traditional welcome ceremony for the guests and participants. Organisation is already underway for the next AJJIF Festival of Martial Arts to be held in late 2014.
*Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the festival. |
Lectures Delivered by Vice Admiral Kaneda
 
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Vice Admiral Hideaki Kaneda delivered a lecture in Adelaide on October 25th and Melbourne on the 26th. The Adelaide lecture was held at Adelaide University and the Melbourne lecture was held at the Consulate-General of Japan. Vice Admiral Kaneda spoke about international relations between Japan and Australia, viewed in the context of relations with China. The Vice Admiral has extensive knowledge in the field of security, having written a number of books on that topic. Large audiences attended each lecture, with lively "question and answer" sessions being held after the presentations. |
Exhibition of Photos and Children's Drawings at St Michael's Uniting Church
 
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On Sunday the 30th of September, St Michael's Uniting Church on Collins St, Melbourne hosted a display of photos and drawings relating to Japan's recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The pictures were drawn by children who were affected by the disaster and express their fears and hopes for the future. The photos demonstrate some of the incredible images from the disaster and the recovery process. |
AJSV JCCI Business Briefing Presented by the Consul-General
  
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On Wednesday, September 26, the Consul-General, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, made a presentation on the Japanese economy and economic diplomacy as the guest speaker for the 2012 Twilight Business Briefing. The event was jointly organised by the Australia-Japan Society of Victoria (AJSV) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne (JCCI) and was hosted by Ernst & Young. Over 60 guests from the business community in Melbourne heard his presentation. Consul-General Sobashima reviewed the economic situation of Japan and explained Japanese policies seeking to achieve economic growth, including the recent "Rebirth of Japan" strategy and the innovative strategy for energy and the environment. He then explained Japan's economic diplomacy and the role Australia can play in this regard. The presentation was followed by a lively Question & Answer session. After the briefing, the attendees enjoyed the opportunity to network and have further discussions with the Consul-General and other guests. The AJSV and JCCI hold biannual business briefings with the support of different companies in Melbourne, focusing on issues of relevance to the Australia-Japan business community. You can view the Consul-General's presentation materials in English  and Japanese.
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Film Screening at Watsonia Library
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On Tuesday 25 September a film screening of ‘Can You See Our Lights? First Festival after the Tsunami’ was held at the Watsonia Library. This event aimed to focus on the reconstruction efforts of Japan since the Great East Earthquake and thank the Australian and Japanese communities for their support since the disaster. |
JETAA Big Bento Lunch
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To commemorate the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011, JETAA Vic/Tas/SA organised a Big Bento Lunch. The fundraiser encouraged people to get together with friends, family or colleagues and hold a Japanese-style lunch between March 11 and 17 to raise money for UNICEF's work helping children affected by the disaster. More than 60 groups - including workplaces and schools - from every state and territory in Australia registered for Big Bento Lunch, raising a staggering $15,315.01. UNICEF will use the money to fund psychosocial support, child protection and child-friendly reconstruction plans. Thank you to everyone who took part in Big Bento Lunch. |
Hanami Day at the National Rhododendron Gardens
 
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On Sunday 23rd of September, the annual Hanami Day was held in the Cherry Tree grove at the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda. The Hanami Day is a celebration of the popular tradition in Japan of having a picnic to view the cherry blossoms. This year's crowd was one of the biggest the event has ever attracted and people enjoyed delicious Asian food, Taiko drumming by drumming groups including Wadaiko Rindo, and various traditional Japanese arts and crafts. The National Rhododendron Gardens are home to the largest Cherry Tree grove in the Southern Hemisphere and were planted with the support of the Australia Japan Society of Victoria who organise the event in conjunction with Parks Victoria. The event was attended by Vice-Consul Koichi Kuzusaki and Mr D'Arcy Butler who attended as a representative of the Consulate-General. |
The 2012 Japanese Language Speech Contest - Victorian State Final
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The Victorian final of the 43rd Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest was held on Sunday the 16th of September at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. The competition began with addresses from the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, the Hon Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, and Mr Tokuya Mizuno of Swinburne University of Technology. The afternoon session was opened with speeches by Mr Norihito Tanahashi, President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne and Mr Nao Endo, Director of the Japan Foundation, Sydney. In this year’s event, 41 speakers took part in the competition, which is comprised of four divisions. Both sessions of the contest attracted a large crowd, with the audience enjoying the very high standard of public speaking and Japanese language ability. The winners of each division will take part in the National Finals at the Japan Foundation, Sydney, on Saturday, 13th October. The City of Melbourne once again supported the special Melbourne-Osaka Sister Cities Award, providing one lucky participant with a return flight to Osaka and one week’s homestay accommodation. This year’s contest also saw the introduction of a pilot program for internships at several prominent Japanese companies based in Melbourne. The winners of the first three prizes in each of the four divisions will be considered for internships with several Japanese companies. To view the award winners from each category please follow this link. *Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the event. |
Huntingdale Primary School Performance of the Play Urashima Taro
 
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On September 3rd and 4th, the Japanese play Urashima Taro was presented by students of Huntingdale Primary School, a Japanese/English Bilingual School. The play was performed at South Oakleigh Secondary College. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Sobashima and the Chair of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Melbourne, Mr Norihito Tanahashi attended the performance on Monday. The play was performed by students from Prep to Grade 6, with the dialogue entirely in Japanese. |
Japan Australia Friendship Association Volunteer Trip to Ishinomaki
 
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A team of volunteers from the Japan Australia Friendship Association (JAFA) of South Australia went
to Japan in August to assist with the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The volunteer group were invited to the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and met with Australian Ambassador Bruce Miller. The volunteers from JAFA helped fisherman in Ishinomaki prepare the shell beds for farming hoya, or Sea Pineapple. JAFA hopes to be able to organise a second volunteer group later in 2012. * Logistical support was provided by Peace Boat, a Japanese Non-Governmental Organisation. |
David Bowie Book Launch in Melbourne
 Photo: Takako Kaneshige |
On Thursday the 30th of August, a photography book was launched at Mossgreen Gallery in Melbourne; Speed of Life is a result of a 40-year collaboration between the photographer, Mr Masayoshi Sukita, and musician, actor and style icon, David Bowie. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, delivered a speech at the event and officially opened the exhibition. Mr Sukita has been taking photos of Bowie since 1972, on the stage, in the studio and on the street. The publication is a collection of the photographs of David Bowie taken by Mr Sukita, and outlines the recollections of both the photographer and Bowie himself. *Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the event. |
2012 Overseas Learning Experience Farewell Event
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The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima attended an event to farewell students and teachers participating in the 2012 Overseas Learning Experience Program at Queen’s Hall, Parliament on Thursday 23 August. The event included a formal farewell from the Victorian Minister for Education, the Hon Martin Dixon MP. The program provides the opportunity for Year 9 and 10 Victorian government school students who have not travelled overseas before with the opportunity to study and pursue a learning enquiry in another country. Twenty five students from Croydon-Maroondah Secondary College departed for Japan for three weeks at the end of September. |
City of Whitehorse Reunion Reception for the 40th Anniversary Delegation to Matsudo
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On Monday August 20th, a reception was held at the City of Whitehorse to acknowledge the 40th anniversary delegation to Matsudo. The anniversary visit was postponed by one year, due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The reception was hosted by the Mayor of Whitehorse, Cr Mark Lane. The Consul-General, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima attended the reception. Also present were the Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council, and Mr Yoshito Sagawa, Honorary Chairman of the Australia Japan Society of Victoria, among other attendees. Several presentations were made by members of the delegation who had visited Matsudo last May to highlight the significance of the Whitehorse - Matsudo sister-city relationship. |
Welcome Dinner in Mildura in Honour of the Delegation from Kumatori
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On Sunday August 19th, a dinner was held in Mildura to welcome a delegation from its sister-city, Kumatori. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, attended the dinner and delivered a speech. A welcome speech was made by the Mayor of Mildura, followed by a thank you speech by the Mayor of Kumatori, Mr Makoto Nakanishi.
*Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the event. |
Osaka - Melbourne Sister City Award Winner Calls on the Consulate
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On August 15th, Ms Sayaka Nakanishi, the Osaka - Melbourne Sister City Award Winner of the 45th English Speech Contest at Osaka in 2011, paid a courtesy visit to the Consulate-General of Japan, Melbourne. Mr Sobashima, Consul-General and Mrs Keiko Egusa, Director of the JICC welcomed Ms Nakanishi and talked about her speech and the schedule for her stay in Melbourne. Ms Nakanishi’s programme in Melbourne includes homestay and involvement in several cultural activities for three weeks. |
Collection of Children’s Messages from the “Kizuna” Exhibition
 
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At the end of May a display of pictures and messages from children in Japan was held at Emerald Primary School and Gembrook Primary School. At the exhibition, comments were collected from the local school children who viewed the display and expressed their sympathy and support for the children in Japan. |
Warrnambool-Miura Sister City 20th Anniversary Event
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On Wednesday, August 8th, Warrnambool City Council hosted a reception at the Lighthouse Theatre to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the sister city relationship with Miura City in Kanagawa Prefecture. Mrs Keiko Egusa, Director of the JICC attended the function and made a speech. Speeches were also delivered by Cr Jacinta Ermacora, Mayor of Warrnambool and Mr Hideo Yoshida, Mayor of Miura. A delegation of 11 students from Miura was also present at the function. |
Japan Olympic Display at NAB
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On Tuesday 7 August, the Deputy Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hirohisa Chiba and Director of the Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Mrs Keiko Egusa visited the National Bank of Australia on King Street to view their Japan display as part of their work Olympic competition. To get into the Olympic spirit, countries were assigned to different sections to decorate in national colours and themes. The Japan display won the top prize on their floor for their creative decorations and display of artefacts, some of which had been borrowed from the JICC. |
JICC Information Seminar for ALT Participants
 
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On Monday July 30th, a group of 16 participants in the Assistants to Teachers of Japanese (ATJ) Program visited the Japan Information and Cultural Centre to participate in an information seminar. The ATJ Program is managed by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and is designed to provide valuable support for teachers and students of Japanese in Victoria by enabling students to be assisted by native Japanese speakers. The seminar was also attended by Mr. Hirohisa Chiba, the Deputy Consul-General, who delivered a short speech to thank the ATJ participants for their efforts and offer them some words of encouragement. Following the Deputy Consul-General's speech, the seminar was hosted by Ms. Melissa Nemoto and Mr. D'Arcy Butler, focusing on handy tips for holding cultural lessons with Australian school students. The ATJ participants were also shown a variety of teaching aides and displays that can be borrowed from the JICC library for use in the classroom. |
JET Programme Farewell Reception
 
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On Friday 27 July, a farewell reception was held in honour of the departure of the participants of the 2012 JET Programme. The reception was well attended by many supporters of the JET Programme including Mr Colin Brooks - a member of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Japan, Japanese business leaders and members of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The reception was also attended by many former JET Programme participants. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, wished the participants well over the next twelve months and encouraged them to be actively involved in their local communities and assist in promoting the relationship between Japan and Australia. The JET Programme participants departed on Saturday 28 July to commence their 12-month contracts in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). *Please click here to read Consul-General’s speech delivered at the reception. |
Burnside Japanese Cultural Day 2012
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On Saturday July 21st, a Japanese Cultural Day was held at the Burnside Library in South Australia by the initiative of the Burnside City Library with support from the Australia Japan Association of South Australia (AJASA). The festival was attended by Mr and Mrs Adam Wynn, Honorary Consul-General of Japan in South Australia, and Mr Jim Stewart, President of the AJASA. Ms Keiko Egusa, Director of the Japan Information and Cultural Centre of Melbourne attended the festival and delivered the opening speech. A wide range of Japanese cultural activities such as the tea ceremony, kimono-wearing, calligraphy, and traditional dance performances were demonstrated and people also enjoyed stalls selling Japanese books and food. |
Official Visit to Victoria by the Hon Hideaki Ohmura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Japan
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The Hon Hideaki Ohmura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture, Japan made his first official visit to Victoria from the 10th to the 12th of July, 2012 upon the invitation of the State Government of Victoria. Aichi and Victoria have developed a friendly sister-prefecture/state relationship for 32 years. During his visit, the Governor met His Excellency The Hon Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria, The Hon Peter Ryan, Acting Premier, The Hon Richard Dalla-Riva, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, The Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council, The Hon Ken Smith, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and The Hon Daniel Andrews, Leader of the Opposition. Governor Ohmura and Acting Premier Ryan signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Cultural Exchange between Aichi and Victoria, to further promote exchanges. The Governor also visited such places as a factory of Japanese manufacture and sporting facilities and exchanged views with businessmen here. On this occasion, Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima hosted a reception, where Governor Ohmura talked and exchanged with the representative of the Victorian Government and Parliament as well as of municipalities, schools and companies which have relationships with Aichi Prefecture. *Please click here to read Consul-General’s speech delivered at the reception. |
Japan Day at Caulfield Primary School
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On June 26th, a Japan Day was held at Caulfield Primary School, a school which runs a Japanese Language Immersion Programme for its students. At Japan Day, students enjoyed a variety of Japanese cultural activities, such as kimono wearing and taiko-drumming. |
2012 JET Programme Orientation for Victorian Participants
 
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On Saturday 30 June, approximately thirty Victorian participants in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme took part in a Pre-Departure Orientation Session in Melbourne. The participants will depart for Japan on Saturday 28 July to work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as part of the 2012 programme. The JET participants took part in four workshops on contract details, ALT team teaching, roles of CIRs, culture shock management and general life in Japan. The JET Alumni Association members shared their valuable advice and experiences from the JET Programme. The Deputy Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hirohisa Chiba wished the JETs all the best for the year ahead and encouraged them to actively promote the Japan-Australia friendship. |
Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts was staged by students of the Nippon Sport Science University
(c) Tryber PTY LTD 
(c) Tryber PTY LTD 
 
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On Saturday, 18 February 2012, an exhibition of Martial Arts and Traditional Performing Arts was staged by students of the Nippon Sport Science University. The event was held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre and attracted a large crowd. The audience were able to enjoy a very wide range of Japanese martial arts including Kyudo (Japanese Archery), Sumo wrestling, Karate, Judo, and even the less well known art of Shorinji Kempo.
The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima attended the event and delivered a speech. *Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the event. |
The 2012 Japanese Summer Festival
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On Saturday, February 11, the 2012 Japanese Summer Festival was held at Docklands in Melbourne. The popularity of this annual event continues to grow, with this year's festival attracting a crowd of around 13,000. Consul-General Sobashima made an opening address at the event in which he spoke of the strong bonds between Australian and Japan and praised the contributions of Japanese companies and individuals to Melbourne's famous liveability. The festival crowd enjoyed terrific performances by the Taiko Group Wadaiko Rindo, and a shamisen performance by Noriko Tadano & The Shamys. Crowd members also took part in the traditional Bon Odori summer festival dance. *Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the festival. |