Japanese | English

• Information & Culture Section
• Events
• What's On
• Event Reports
• Sports Related Events
• Education & Exchange
• The JET Programme
• Study & Scholarships
• Useful Contacts
• Related Links
  

Event Report (2013)

* If you would like to see coming events information, please visit here

---

Cool Japan – Melbourne Now

As part of the Melbourne Now programme of the National Gallery of Victoria, a special “Cool Japan” event was held at the Community Hall in the NGV International building on Friday, December 20. The “Cool Japan” event included live performances on the Koto, a traditional Japanese musical instrument, and live demonstrations of Sumie painting, calligraphy and sushi making. The event attracted a large crowd and the audience were able to taste traditional Japanese food and drink.

---

31st Essay Contest Award Ceremony

On Wednesday, 4 December, Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima hosted a ceremony for the award winners of the 2013 Australia-Japan Essay Contest. Ten Victorian students received “Highly Commended” certificates and plaques, as presented by Ms Michelle Hansen, the First-Round Judge. Ms Jennie Wang (Mac.Robertson Girls’ High School) was the recipient of the “Outstanding” award in the Senior Division. Mr Kevin Wong (Simonds Catholic College) won First Prize in the Junior A Division and the Consul-General presented the prize to Mr Wong’s Principal, Mr Peter Riordan. The annual Essay Contest is designed for secondary school students from all Australian states and territories. To read more about the contest please visit the Japanese Embassy website.

---

Professor Jiri Vaclav Neustupny conferred Japanese Order

Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima presented Professor Jiri Vaclav Neustupny with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, conferred by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, in Melbourne on Friday 29th November 2013. The conferment ceremony, hosted by Consul-General Sobashima, was attended by Professor Neustupny’s family members, colleagues and friends, who praised his achievements. Professor Neustupny has played a leading role in Japanese language education and Japanese studies worldwide for over 38 years. Professor Neustupny was co-founder of the Japanese Studies Centre at Monash University and his career included a position at Osaka University as the first foreign national Professor, followed by positions at Chiba University and Obirin University in Japan. The conferment of the Order from the Emperor was made in recognition of Professor Neustupny’s outstanding contribution to strengthening relations and mutual understanding between Australia and Japan through the promotion of Japanese language education and Japanese studies in Australia.

---

Matsuri on Mobara

Matsuri on Mobara (Japanese Cultural Festival) was held at Mobara Park, Salisbury City, SA on 20th October. Salisbury and Mobara have been sister cities since 2002. Mayor Gillian Aldridge and Mr Masahiro Todaka, Consul at the Consulate-General of Japan, delivered speeches and the officially opened the festival. Many local residents and other participants enjoyed Japanese culture.

---

44th Japanese Language Speech Contest National Finals

On Saturday, 12 October, the 44th Japanese Language Speech Contest Finals were held at the University of Melbourne. At the National Finals the Japanese language students, who were champions of their respective states, presented their fluent Japanese speeches. Mr Yoshitaka Akimoto, Ambassador of Japan to Australia, made an address at the opening ceremony as a part of his official visit to Melbourne. Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne, and other consulate staff members also attended and encouraged the participants in the contest.

---

Japanese Studies Forum - "Beyond Cool Japan"

On Wednesday, 9 October, a Japanese Studies Forum organised by the Asia Institute entitled "Beyond Cool Japan: Perspectives on Japanese language education in Australia" was held at the University of Melbourne. The forum was attended by Japanese language learners and representatives from the education industry with a total attendance of about 60 people. The guest speakers at the forum were Mr Murray McLean, Chair of the Australia-Japan Foundation, and Ms Keiko Egusa, Director of the Japan Information and Cultural Centre. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion. Ms Egusa spoke of the Japanese government's strategy to promote the concept of "Cool Japan" and illustrated some practical examples of the strategy in Melbourne.

---

Opening ceremony for an Ikebana exhibition by the Ikebana International Melbourne Chapter

The Director of The Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Ms Keiko Egusa, participated in the opening ceremony for an Ikebana exhibition organized by the Melbourne Chapter of Ikebana International at Gasworks Arts Park in Melbourne on Tuesday 17th of September. Ms Egusa delivered a speech at the ceremony.

---

Japan - Endless Discovery Seminar 2013

On Thursday, 12 September, the Japan - Endless Discovery Seminar 2013 was held by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) at the Stamford Plaza Melbourne Hotel. The seminar was for local tour companies and media, and featured presentations and information booths provided by JNTO and Japanese local government organisations to promote the attractions of tourism in various places in Japan. Mr Hirohisa Chiba, the Deputy Consul-General of Japan, attended the event and delivered the opening speech.

---

The 44th Japanese Language Speech Contest - 2013 Victorian State Final

The State Final of the 44th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest was held on Sunday, the 1st of September at Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. The competition began with addresses from Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, Consul-General of Japan, and Mr Steve Herbert MP, Co-Chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Japan.
In this year's event, the newly-established Kake Gakuen Award Division was added to the pre-existing four divisions. A total of 51 participants presented their speeches, the product of their Japanese language study, in front of the judges and a large audience. The winners of each division, apart from the Kake Gakuen Award Division, will take part in the National Final at the University of Melbourne, on Saturday, 12 October. The winner of Kake Gakuen Award Division will participate in the 3rd Kake Trophy Speech Contest Finals held in Okayama prefecture in November. The winner of the special Melbourne-Osaka Sister Cities Award will be provided with a return flight to Osaka, a one week Japan Rail Pass and homestay accommodation. The high achievers in each division will also be considered for internships with several Japanese companies.

---

Ceremony to present the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr Toshinori Sakamoto, Founding Director of Wadaiko Rindo

On Tuesday 20 August 2013, a ceremony was held to celebrate the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation to wadaiko performer, Mr Toshinori Sakamoto, at the official residence of the Consul-General of Japan. Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima presented Mr Sakamoto with a letter of commendation and an accompanied prize from the Foreign Minister. Guests at the ceremony included the Sakamoto family, Cr Kevin Louey, City of Melbourne, Mr Nao Endo, Director of The Japan Foundation, Sydney, members and supporters of Wadaiko Rindo, as well as Mr Sakamoto’s friends. They lauded Mr Sakamoto’s efforts and achievements with Wadaiko Rindo. Mr Sakamoto founded the wadaiko class in Melbourne in 1996. Since 1997 he has performed and taught wadaiko mainly in Victoria, but also in other regions of Australia, as well as in Fiji, New Caledonia and China. Wadaiko Rindo conducts about 100 performances each year and has visited over 1,600 primary and secondary schools. Through these activities, Mr Sakamoto has introduced the Japanese traditional culture and thus contributed to education and human resource development. He also actively collaborates with shamisen and shakuhachi performers and promotes cultural exchange between Japan and Australia through music. The Foreign Minister’s Commendation recognises Mr Sakamoto’s such achievements.

---

APCC Mission Projest group visited the JICC

The group of the Asian-Pacific Children's Convention in Fukuoka (APCC) visited the JICC as part of APCC Mission Project on Friday, 16 August 2013. The Mission Project is an exchange programme for the children of Fukuoka to visit countries in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce Japanese culture and learn local culture through local homestay and school life.

---

The 2013 JET Programme Farewell Reception

The 2013 JET Programme Farewell Reception was held at the Seasons Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Friday, 26 July. The reception was attended by Mr Brad Battin MP, and Mrs Donna Bauer MP, Co-Chair and Secretary, respectively, of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Japan. Other attendees included university lecturers and former JET Programme participants. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima, delivered a speech in which he described the JET Programme as a fine example of the strong, friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan and Australia. The Consul-General also expressed his hope that the new JETs will have fulfilling and rewarding experiences in Japan. The 2013 JET Programme participants departed on Saturday, 27 July to commence their one-year contracts as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japan.

---

Teaching Practice for the 2013 JET Programme Participants

On 19 July, a session was held at the Japanese School of Melbourne to provide teaching practice for the new JET Programme participants. The participants attended an English class for year 7 students, and took part in English conversations with the students. A briefing session about education in Japan was also held by Mr Hisao Miyazoe, the Principal of The Japanese School of Melbourne.

---

Consul-General Sobashima participates in Monash University Japanese Studies Centre (JSC): The Mitsubishi Corporation Seminar Series

Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima attended a seminar entitled "Japan Renewal: post 3/11 Japan and the Media" hosted by Monash University JSC and sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) on 21 June 2013 at the university's law chambers in Melbourne. In the opening, after the welcome remarks by Professor Carolyn Stevens, Director of the Japanese Studies Centre of Monash University, Mr. Sobashima thanked the people of Australia once again for the support extended to Japan after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, explained the measures taken by the Government of Japan for the reconstruction as well as Abenomics, and said that if the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games would be held in Tokyo, that would further encourage Japan including the affected areas. Ms. Marie Turner, General Manager,d Director & Company Secretary of Mitsubishi Australia explained MC’s contribution and support to the recovery from the earthquake, and welcomed the participants to the seminar. Professor Mamoru Ito of Waseda University, in his key note speech, compared and examined the actions taken by the nation-wide TV stations and the local TV stations, and the main-stream media and the SNS, among others, and identified the issues to be addressed. Dr. Clare Maree of the University of Melbourne reviewed the situations of the evacuees and raised the issues to be addressed from gender perspectives, among others. Professor Vera Mackie of the University of Wollongong introduced examples of messages sent through the internet, and discussed such issues as nuclear energy and peace. Finally Mr. Roger Pulvers delivered a speech on the danger of nuclear reactors and the role of Japan in the international community, among others. Following these speeches, the participants put various questions for the above panelists to answer. Consul-General Sobashima also provided related information such as the measures taken by the Government of Japan.

---

Kirigami Workshop

The Japanese traditional kirigami artist Kanako Yaguchi, who was invited to Australia by the Japan Foundation, with the cooperation of organizations and schools, led four workshops, held at Craft Victoria on June 5, at the Paperlab (at the Japan Information and Cultural Centre) on June 6, and at Japaneasy and Gruyere Primary School on June 7. A total of 100 participants enjoyed making beautiful boxes and cards.

---

Special Screenings of Evangelion feature films

A special screening of the Japanese animation films Evangelion 1.01 and Evangelion 2.22 was held at the JICC on Tuesday, 4 June. Ms Yuko Miyamura, the voice actress of the character Asuka, attended the second session of the event as a special guest. In total, over 50 attendees viewed the two films and many were able to chat with Ms Miyamura after the screenings.

---

Japan Night

The Japan Night was held on Thursday, May 23, at the official residence of Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima. The reception was attended by around 50 people. Australians who had previously lived in Japan for around a year or longer were the main invitees. After the welcome remarks by Consul-General Sobashima, the Hon Bruce Atkinson, President of the Legislative Council, Mr Telmo Languiller , State Member for Derrimut, and Mr Peter Yates, Deputy Chairman of Asialink and Director of the Australia Japan Foundation made speeches emphasizing the importance of relations between Australia and Japan. A Statement to support the candidature of Tokyo for 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympics Games was also made. Guests mingled and talked on their various experiences in Japan and views on the relationship between the State of Victoria and Japan, among others.
Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech

---

Snow Travel Expo / Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar in Melbourne

On Sunday, 19 May, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) had an information booth at the annual Snow Travel Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Mr Hirohisa Chiba, the Deputy Consul-General of Japan, and Mr D'Arcy Butler, a JICC staff member, assisted with the JNTO's booth. Many people with an interest in traveling to Japan for skiing and snow sports visited the booth to enquire about winter tourism resorts in Japan.
On Monday, 20 May, the Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar was held by JNTO at Rydges Melbourne Hotel. The seminar was for local tour companies and tourism organisations. The event also featured information booths provided by Japanese local government organisations and tourist organisations to promote the attractions of winter tourism in Japan. Mr Hirohisa Chiba, the Deputy Consul-General of Japan, attended the event and delivered the opening speech.

---

2013 Japan Festival in Box Hill

On Sunday, 19 May, the 2013 Japan Festival, presented by the Japan Club of Victoria, was held at the Box Hill Town Hall and Box Hill TAFE. Consul-General Sobashima made an opening address at the event. This year, an information booth was organised by consular staff, with services including applications for residence and electoral registration for Japanese overseas residents. Visitors enjoyed food from Japanese food stalls, a kimono competition and a taiko drum performance on stage.

---

Kaye Green Solo Exhibition in Hobart

The Director of The Japan Information and Cultural Centre, Ms Keiko Egusa, participated in an opening ceremony for Australian painter Ms Kaye Green's solo exhibition at Salamanca Arts Centre in Hobart on Friday 10th of May. Ms Green visited Japan as an exchange student organised by Rotary Club in 1972, she also held her solo exhibition in Japan in recent years, she's known as an artist having deep connection to Japan.

---

Kodomo No Hi Japan Festival

The JAFA Kodomo No Hi Japan Festival, run annually by the Japan Australia Friendship Association, is one of the biggest Japan festivals in Adelaide with an 18-year history. This year’s festival was held on May 5th, and provided a day filled with Japan-related performances, exhibitions, activities, stalls and plenty of Japanese food. The festival was blessed with excellent weather, which contributed to the record crowd of over 5000 attendees. Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima attended the festival and took part in the opening ceremony.
*Photos provided by Paul Smith

---

Reception for Ms Kaori Matsumoto, Judo Gold Medalist from the London Olympic Games

On Thursday, 18th of April, a gathering was held at the JICC to welcome Ms Kaori Matsumoto, the Gold Medalist in Women's Judo at the London Olympics. Around 50 attendees, including Judo fans, scholars of martial arts, and representatives of Japan-related companies and organisations, were able to chat with Ms Matsumoto and offer their congratulations.
At the beginning of the reception, the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima delivered a speech to welcome Ms Matsumoto and her delegation. In his speech the Consul-General brought attention to Tokyo’s status as a candidate city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Japanese Government’s support for Tokyo’s bid. Mr Sobashima reiterated the Japanese Government’s gratitude for the support from Australia after the Great East Japan Earthquake and expressed the Government’s intention to demonstrate their gratitude to the global community through the hosting of the 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games.
Ms Matsumoto also delivered a speech acknowledging the support that she knew people in Melbourne had offered her and the joy that she was able to visit Melbourne and express her gratitude. Ms Matsumoto also spoke of her pleasure at visiting the Japanese School in Melbourne and at the warm reception she received both there and at the welcome event at the JICC. Ms Matsumoto then fielded questions from the audience.
Ms Matsumoto visited Melbourne as part of the corporate activities of her affiliated company, Four Leaf Japan Co., Ltd., and as part of activities for social contribution.

---

Minami Sanriku Students Exchange Program Study Tour to Australia

Morning Tea and certificate presentation ceremony hosted by Victoria Education Minister the Hon Martin Dixon on Thursday 28th March.

---

Students from Soka University and Ritsumeikan University visited the JICC

As part of the Project for Promotion of Global Human Resource Development, groups of students from Ritsumeikan University and Soka Univeristy visited the JICC.

---

OSAKA CUP 2013 Melbourne to Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race

The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima proposed a toast at the reception. *Please click here to read Consul-General Sobashima's speech delivered at the reception.

---

JET Returnee Reception

A reception was held in Melbourne in honour of the 2012 JET Programme Returnees on Tuesday 5 March. The reception was well attended by many supporters of the JET Programme including members of the business and educational sectors, as well as many former JET Programme participants. The Consul-General of Japan, Mr Hidenobu Sobashima warmly welcomed the returnees back to Australia. He also encouraged them to be actively involved with the JET Alumni Association and assist in promoting the relationship between Japan and Australia.

---

Visit of Delegation of Tokyo Medical Centre at the Japanese Consulate in Melbourne 22 Feb 2013

---

Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival 2013

---

Deputy Consul-General of Japan visits 'Umitaka Maru' Research and Training Vessel in Hobart

The 'Umitaka Maru'

Mr Hirohisa Chiba, the Deputy Consul-General of Japan, attended a reception hosted by the Hobart City Council to welcome the ‘Umitaka-Maru’ research and training vessel to Hobart’s shores on Thursday 24 January 2013. The following day, Mr Chiba had the opportunity to meet with many of the crew, and attend a Shinenkai BBQ hosted by the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania.

---

Mosaic Presented to School in Fukushima Prefecture

JICC Director posing with the principal and students from Asakawa Primary School

In 2012, a number of year five and six students from Kalinda Primary School in Melbourne made a beautiful mosaic plaque to remember the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The koi fish was depicted as it swims upstream and the children wanted to depict the bravery and courage of the people of Japan. JICC Director, Ms Keiko Egusa, visited Fukushima Prefecture in January 2013 and presented the plaque to Asakawa Primary School located in one of the affected areas. A JET participant from Melbourne is currently working in the town as an Assistant Language Teacher.

---