Event Reports

Wallabies vs Blossoms

On 15 August, Consul-General Ishikawa was in Townsville, Queensland, for the Test match between Australia and Japan. Sadly, the Brave Blossoms couldn’t quite clinch that historic first win over the Wallabies this time, but we were hugely impressed by the players’ grit and determination. After the final whistle, Consul-General Ishikawa shared words of encouragement as the team look ahead to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, and enjoyed a warm meet-and-greet with the squad. The electric buzz from the fans and the kindness of the players and staff made us fall even more in love with rugby!

Reception to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, and to Commemorate the Launch of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Japan Group

• On 2 June, the Consulate-General of Japan and the Queensland Parliament hosted a reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, the 130th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s first diplomatic mission in Australia in Townsville, and to commemorate the launch of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Japan Group.
   
  The reception brought together approximately 60 members of the Queensland Parliament, including the Hon. David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland, the Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier of Queensland, the Hon Ros Bates MP, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, and the Hon Fiona Simpson MP, Minister for Multiculturalism. The event was also attended by representatives of Japanese companies, business organisations, and Japan-Australia friendship groups.
   
  Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs SHIMADA Tomoaki delivered a video message, expressing his gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly over many years to strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Queensland, and conveying his hope that the establishment of the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Japan Group would serve as a further impetus for the continued development of relations between Japan and Queensland.
   
  In his remarks, Consul-General ISHIKAWA Katsutoshi reflected on the long and enduring relationship between Japan and Queensland, while highlighting the significant potential and opportunities for further cooperation between Japan and Australia. He expressed his commitment to deepening exchanges across a wide range of fields through collaboration with counterparts such as the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Japan Group. Warm remarks were also delivered by the Deputy Premier and the Group’s Co-chairs, who reaffirmed the importance of the Japan-Queensland partnership.
   
  At this reception, guests viewed a video highlighting the partnership between Japan and Queensland, produced with the full cooperation of Mr TAKADA Takeshi, one of the Queensland Global Connectors, and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). The reception featured promotional displays by Saitama Prefecture, Queensland’s sister-state, along with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Brisbane, the Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Gold Coast, Mitsubishi Development and the Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QJCCI). In addition, Cellar Mates provided sake tasting, the Consulate-General offered Japanese whisky and shochu tasting, and Toyota Australia exhibited its electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, introducing various aspects of Japanese culture and industry. The displays generated great interest and encouraged lively exchanges among members of parliament and other attendees.
   
  This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan (the NARA Treaty), the 130th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s first diplomatic mission in Australia in Townsville, and the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane. In this commemorative year, we expect the Queensland Parliamentary Friends of Japan Group to play a vital role in advancing further cooperation between Japan and Queensland to new heights, and the Consulate-General looks forward to actively working with the Group to strengthen our bilateral ties in the years ahead.
   
  Video Message by Mr. SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs
   

   

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