Event Reports 2017

2021/11/30

Event Reports 2017

Emperor’s Birthday Reception 2017

On the 4th of December, our valued friends and colleagues gathered at the Consul-General’s Official Residence to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. The evening was well attended with over 260 guests, greeted warmly with an address from His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, and the Honourable Dr Anthony Lynham MP, Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, representing the Premier.

The Residence was decorated with Ikebana (flower arrangements) and bonsai displays to please the eyes of our guests. To experience culinary delights of Japan, a sake tasting bar was set up to be accompanied with delectable finger foods such as fresh sushi using Massigura rice from Aomori prefecture. Robots NAO and Paro also joined in welcoming guests, providing a chance for all to interact with the latest in Japanese robotics.

2017 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals

The Government of Japan announced on 3 November the 2017 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals for their outstanding contributions to their respective areas.

The Consulate General of Japan therefore wishes it to be known that the following recipients shall be conferred with decorations in recognition of their endeavours.

The details of the recipients are as follows:

Mr. Ross Humphreys
• Former President of National Federation of Australia Japan Societies
• Former President of Australia Japan Society, Queensland

Mr. Ross Humphreys has been awarded “The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon” for his contribution to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

Respect for the Aged Day 2017

On the 25th of September 2017, the Consul-General Ms. Yanai and Consul Mr. Matsumoto were invited to the CÜRA Wellness Centre on the Gold Coast to celebrate Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day.

All enjoyed an array of cultural performances including the senior choir and martial arts demonstrations while taking up the valuable opportunity to meet our elders in the community over lunch.

Thank you and congratulations to all those involved in this memorable event.

Japan Week 2017

This year's Japan Week began on Friday, 18th of August in the Queen Street Mall. Friday was our Cultural Performances Day and featured Japanese dance, koto, shakuhachi and taiko performances.

Sunday, 20th August saw the end of the Japan Week 2017 calendar out in style at the Japan Culture Day at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. There were many things on offer including tea ceremonies, calligraphy, mochi making, sushi making classes, bonsai, ikebana and more!

Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for next year's Japan Week event.

You can check out this year's flyer here.

Japan Week 2017 - Queen Street Mall

Japan Week 2017 - Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

2017 JET Programme Send-Off Reception

The Consul-General, Ms Keiko Yanai, hosted a Send-Off Reception for the 2017 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants at the end of last week. The Consul-General, along with the Director of CLAIR Sydney and the President of JETAA, offered kind words of encouragement to this year’s JETs.

So far this year, Queensland has sent off 27 Assistant Language Teachers (ALT) and 1 Coordinator for International Relations (CIR), the majority of whom arrived in Japan on Sunday 23rd July. JET participants will first gather in Tokyo for a two day orientation before heading to their individual posts all across Japan.

2017 New Year's Reception

A New Year Celebration Reception was held at the Consul-General’s Residence on January 13th. About 70 people attended the reception and included representatives from Japanese associations in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with Japanese tourism, cultural and educational associates.

A shakuhachi and piano accompaniment performance of haru no umi (The Spring Sea) was showcased at the Reception, much to the delight of the guests.