Japanese | English

Event Report (2014)

Japanese | English

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

The 2014 Emperor's Birthday Reception

The Emperor’s Birthday Reception was held on Thursday, December 4, at the official residence of Consul-General Haneda. The reception was attended by around 300 people, including representatives of the State Government and the Opposition, members of Parliament, Consular Corps in Melbourne, cultural and educational organisations and business representatives both from Japan and Australia.

Consul-General Haneda made a speech on the evening, followed by congratulatory remarks by the Hon Telmo Languiller on behalf of the Premier of Victoria, and the Hon Bruce Atkinson for the Opposition.

During the reception the guests had the opportunity to enjoy a Wadaiko (Japanese drums) performance, participate in a Japanese tea ceremony and see ikebana displays. Free samples of beer from Japanese brewers, as well as various kinds of Japanese sake were offered as part of the refreshments. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne displayed panels on their business activities, while some members of the Chamber distributed a range of free samples to guests on the evening.
 

Japanese Film Festival in Melbourne

On Thursday, 27 November, Japanese Film Festival, organised by the Japan Foundation Sydney, was opened in Melbourne. Consul-General Haneda delivered a speech at the event before screening of an opening filim of the night, Lady Maiko. The Japanese Film Festival runs until Sunday, 7 December.

2014 JET Returnee Reception

On 24 October, Consul-General Haneda hosted a reception at her residence to welcome JET Programme participants who have recently returned from Japan and the delegates of the JET Alumni Association Oceania Regional Conference from across Australia and New Zealand.


45th Annual Japanese Language Speech Contest Results

The 45th annual Japanese Language Speech Contest was a great success!

Click herepdf to see the full contest results.

Junior High School Students from earthquake-stricken Iwate visit Melbourne

Six junior high school students from earthquake-stricken Iwate visited Melbourne in a programme coordinated by the Nichigo Junior Project. The students stayed with local families and visited several high schools in Melbourne. Consul-General Haneda received a courtesy call from the students on Thursday, 28 August.

2014 AEU-STU Education Exchange Conference

On 19 August, Consul-General Haneda gave a speech at the 2014 AEU (Australian Education Union) - STU (Shizuoka Teachers Union) Education Exchange Conference held at the Victorian Branch of the AEU.

The Consul-General receives a Courtesy Call from the Japanese National AFL Team

On Friday, 15 August 2014, Consul-General Haneda received a courtesy call from the Samurais, the Japanese National AFL Team, which is currently participating in the 2014 AFL International Cup in Melbourne. Mr Hideki Miyasaka, President of the Samurais, spoke to Consul-General Haneda about the Samurais' records and their schedule of games along with their passion to expand the recognition of AFL within Japan.

Details of the games and the latest information can be found on the AFL Japan website.

（From Left）Mr Kuno, Mr Sakaki, Consul-General Haneda and Mr Miyasaka

The 2014 JET Programme Farewell Reception

The 2014 JET Programme Farewell Reception hosted by the Consul-General of Japan, Ms Keiko Haneda, was held at the Seasons Botanic Gardens Melbourne on Friday, 25 July. The reception was attended by Mr Brad Battin MP, and Mr Steve Herbert MP, both Co-Chairs of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Japan. Other attendees included officials from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR Sydney), university lecturers and former JET Programme participants.

The 2014 JET Programme participants departed on Saturday, 26 July to commence their one-year contracts as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in Japan. This year the total of 32 new ALTs will participate in the Programme from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Please click here to read the Consul-General Haneda's speech delivered at the function.

The Consul-General attends the 2014 International Aids Conference

Consul-General Haneda gave an opening speech at the satellite panel discussion on Gender, HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights(SRHR) at the 2014 International AIDS Conference. The discussion organised by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) was held on the 20th of July.

Click here to read a summary of the discussion.

Burnside Library Japanese Cultural Day

A Japanese Cultural Day was held at Burnside Library on 12 July, 2014. Burnside Library is very supportive of multicultural events, and has around 2,000 Japanese books in its collection.

Visitors had the opportunity to be dressed in a Kimono, experience 'Sado', the Japanese tea ceremony demonstration, and purchase Japanese books. Consul Todaka attended the event and delivered a speech at the opening. Renowned Hokkaido chocolatier Royce, which opened its first Australian store at the Westfield Marion in South Australia, introduced its 'Nama' chocolate, which was very popular on the day.

The Consul-General attends a Sister City Event between Campaspe and Shiroi

Consul-General Haneda attended a lunch hosted by Councillor Ian Maddison, Mayor of Campaspe Shire on 4th of July to welcome Mayor Fumio Izawa and a delegation from Shiroi City, Chiba Prefecture. Campaspe Shire and Shiroi City have enjoyed a sister-city relationship since 1998, with their mayors visiting each year. This time, Mayor Maddison invited Mayor Izawa to stay at his house, and next time Mayor Maddison will stay at Mayor Izawa’s house in Shiroi.

Consul-General Haneda’s Visit to the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

On July 3rd 2014, Consul-General Haneda visited the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. While taking in the sweeping views of Melbourne on the quiet, comfortable ride, CEO Chris Kelly explained to Consul-General Haneda about the current state of the Docklands re-development and the operations of the Observation Wheel since its opening in December 2013.

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel was designed and constructed by Japanese Sanoyas Holdings Corporation (based in Osaka) and is owned and operated by its subsidiary, Sanoyas Rides Australia (SRA). The cabins are always on the outside of the wheel’s circumference, allowing for 360 degree panoramic views to be enjoyed throughout the ride. The Melbourne Star is the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world.

(From left) Mr. Chris Kelly (CEO, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel), Consul-General Keiko Haneda, Mr. Toshiya Kawasaki (Director, Sanoyas Rides Australia)

The Consul-General’s Visit to Caulfield Primary School

Consul-General Haneda paid a visit to Caulfield Primary School on Wednesday, 18 June. Caulfield Primary School employs a bilingual English and Japanese education style. School children spend up to 45% of their lessons being instructed in Japanese, including subjects such as Maths and Art.

The Principal, Mr Peter Gray, and the two School Captains showed some of the classes in action and introduced some students. The tour included the Japanese-style garden on the school grounds which was established and maintained by school parents. Arigatou gozaimashita!

Consul-General Haneda with Mr Peter Gray and the School Captains, Christina and Jesse.

Ikebana Demonstration by Sogetsu - The 50th Anniversary of the Victorian Branch

On Wednesday, 21 May, the Victorian Branch of the Sogetsu School celebrated its 50th anniversary at Deakin Edge Federation Square with over 200 guests. Mr Tetsunori Kawana, the Master Instructor from the Sogetsu Foundation Tokyo, gave a demonstration of Ikebana. Consul-General Keiko Haneda delivered a speech to congratulate them on the tremendous achievement.

2014 Snow Travel Expo - JNTO Snow & Adventure Seminar

On Sunday, 18 May, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) had an information booth at the annual Snow Travel Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Our cultural staff assisted 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, 19 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. Consul-General Keiko Haneda attended the event and delivered the opening speech.

The 2014 Japan Festival in Box Hill

On Sunday, 18 May, the 2014 Japan Festival, organised by the Japan Club of Victoria, was held at the Box Hill Town Hall and Box Hill TAFE. Consul-General Haneda delivered an opening speech at the event. (Please click here to read the Consul-General Haneda's speech delivered at the function.)


Our consular staff at an information booth inside the festival venue provided services including applications for residence and electoral registration for Japanese overseas residents. Visitors enjoyed various food from Japanese food stalls, a kimono competition and a taiko drum performance on stage.

Whitehorse-Matsudo Sister City 43rd Anniversary Celebration

On Monday, 12 May, Consul-General Keiko Haneda attended a ceremony cerebrating for the 43rd year of the sister city relationship between the City of Whitehorse and the City of Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture. After a tree planting ceremony with Consul-General Haneda and other guests, Mayor Councillor Sharon Ellis held a telephone conversation with Mayor of Matsudo and responded to questions from students of Matsudo elementary school. Consul-General Haneda offered congratulations and gratitude for the success of 43 years of the excellent sister city relations at the ceremony.

The opening of the first Australian store of UNIQLO in Melbourne

UNIQLO, a giant Japanese fashion retailer, recently opened its first Australian store in Melbourne. Consul-General Ms Keiko Haneda attended the opening ceremony on Wednesday 16 April 2014. UNIQLO CEO Mr Tadashi Yanai and Victorian Premier Dr Denis Napthine also attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Official Opening Ceremony of Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, the biggest observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere, is opened in the Docklands area in Melbourne. Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima attended and made remarks at the Official Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 12 March 2014. The Hon Peter Ryan, Deputy Premier of Victoria, attended on behalf of the Victorian Government. The giant 120 meter wheel was built using the latest Japanese technology and is expected to attract many people as a tourist spot in Melbourne.

Consul-General Sobashima appreciates ATSE’s exchange program with Japan

Consul-General Hidenobu Sobashima visited the office of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) on Friday 28 February to observe the debrief session of Australia Japan Emerging Research Leaders Exchange Program (ERLEP) 2014.

ERLEP aims to establish individual and institutional science and technology research linkages between Australia and Japan, targeting at mid-career researchers of both countries, who are regarded as emerging leaders in the S & T community. This program commenced in 2010 with funding from the Australian Government and the Japan Society for the Promotion for Science (JSPS) and the ATSE and the Engineering Academy of Japan (EAJ) administer the program. To date, five exchange visits have involved 40 Australian and Japanese researchers to undertake 2 weeks of individual institutional visits, and collectively engaged with over 1200 researchers in their field of expertise. Each researcher visits between 4-10 institutes within their exchange program. ERLEP’s results are reflected in collaborative projects, joint publications, staff and student exchange and infrastructure sharing, among other outcomes.

The program conducted from 17 to 28 February involved eight Japanese mid-career researchers, ATSE Fellows and other Australian host scientists, and staff from JSPS, and its debrief session chaired by Prof Michael Manton was also attended by Dr Hideaki Koizumi, Chair of the Committee on International Affairs and Director of the EAJ and the Consul-General who observed the presentations by the Japanese scientists and their concluding discussion with the Australian scientists and appreciated the outcomes.

Kurashiki Sake Tasting Event

On Monday, 3 March, a sake tasting event was held to showcase some of the finest sake from Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture. The event was held at the Wine Bar in the RACV City Club in Melbourne. The event attracted a crowd of over 90 people, including restaurant owners, chefs, retailers and interested members of the public.

The guest speaker at the event was Sake Samurai, Andre Bishop. Mr Bishop is a recognised as a leading authority on sake and is currently the only Australian to hold a level 2 Sake Professional Certificate from the International Sake Education Council.

The Unique Culinary Culture of the Kochi Yuzu

A special event focusing on the culinary culture of Kochi prefecture was held at the RACV City Club in Melbourne on Thursday, 27 February. Most notably featured at the event was the Yuzu, the citrus fruit native to East Asia and popular in Japan for its distinctive flavour. Shamisen and Koto players also performed for the audience.

The event was attended by a large crowd of around 140 people. Consul-General Sobashima made a speech at the event.

Seminar presented by Mr Yoshida at La Trobe University

Mr Kensuke Yoshida, Minister for the Japanese Embassy, presented a seminar at La Trobe University in Melbourne on Thursday, 19 February. Mr Yoshida's seminar focused on Japan's role in a changing Asia.

Mr Yoshida was invited as a part of a series of seminars presented by La Trobe Asia. After his seminar, Mr Yoshida took several questions from the audience.

Prof Nick Bisley and Mr Yoshida exchanged gifts after the seminar

Visit by Mr Yoshida to Mount Waverley Secondary College

On Tuesday, February 18, Mr Kensuke Yoshida, Minister for the Japanese Embassy, visited Mount Waverley Secondary College in Melbourne's east. Mr Yoshida met with the Campus Principal, Gail Major, and staff from the school's Japanese language department.

Mr Yoshida addressed the Year 11 Japanese class and took questions about his career and Japanese culture.

Dr Les Mullins, Ms Gail Major and Mr Yoshida

The 2014 Japanese Summer Festival

On Sunday, February 2, the 2014 Japanese Summer Festival was held at Federation Square in Melbourne. The Summer Festival has been held annually since 2010 and continues to be very popular. This year’s Festival attracted another big crowd of people who came in the extremely hot weather to celebrate Japanese culture.

Consul-General Sobashima delivered the opening address at the event, hailing the event as a good example of the positive contribution that is made by the local Japanese community and Japanese companies to Melbourne’s liveability. Speeches were also made by Mr Mitsuyuki Takada, President of the Japanese Society of Melbourne, and Cr Kevin Louey of the Melbourne City Council.

The festival crowd enjoyed the varied selection of entertainment, including performances of Taiko Drumming, Shamisen, Koto and Japanese Flute. There were also martial arts demonstrations, a best dressed competition, the dancing of the Bon Odori, and stalls serving a wide range of delicious Japanese food and drink. As usual, one of the major events at the Festival was the drawing of the raffle, which featured many excellent prizes donated by the festival sponsors.

*Please click here to read the Consul-General’s speech delivered at the festival.