Embassy Past Events
Gold medal Awarded to Japanese High School Chefs!
Representatives from Ohka High School in Mie prefecture visited the Embassy of Japan on 28 September. The High School chefs, Mr Takuro Murabayashi and Ms Keika Shimada, were accompanied by Principal Norihisa Asuma and Mr Shingo Murabayashi.
The chefs represented Japan at the International Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge 2012 which was held from 24 September in Canberra and hosted by the Australian Culinary Federation of Queensland. Nine teams from six countries participated, with the Japanese pair taking away the Gold Medal (the second prize) in the face of strong competition.
‘It was a quite challenge to be given lamb as the main ingredient because we are not familiar with it!’ they told Ambassador Sato. Ohka High School runs a restaurant called ‘Mago no mise’, which means ‘the Restaurant of Grandchildren’. It is the only restaurant in Japan which is staffed by the high school chefs.
Principal Asuma said it was wonderful that the students had an opportunity to participate in the competition and represent Japan. He added that they came away proud of their country and its culinary contribution.
Reception for Asialink
Ambassador Sato invited about 40 young Australians who participated in the Asialink Leaders Program to dinner at his residence on Tuesday, 18 September. Participants gathered in Canberra from all over Australia and have a strong interest in Asian countries. They listened intently to Ambassador’s speech about the historical background of Australia-Japan relations and the current economic and political situation as well as people-to-people exchange between our two countries. Guests and Embassy staff exchanged views over dinner.
Reception for Scouts Australia
On August 24th, Ambassador Sato hosted a reception for the International Team of Scouts Australia who had gathered in Canberra for the Annual Conference.
Scouts Australia will invite four Japanese scouts and a leader from the Tohoku region which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 to participate in the Australian Jamboree in Queensland in January 2013, as well as offering to host another youth member for Scouts International Student Exchange Program.
The 23rd World Jamboree in 2015 will be held in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and a total of about 200 to 250 Australian scouts and leaders are expected to attend. Mr. Neville Tomkins, the International Commissioner of Scouts Australia, said that we would like to build stronger ties between the scouts in Japan and Australia.
Courtesy call on Senator the Hon. Bob Carr, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs by Ambassador Sato
Ambassador Sato paid a courtesy call on Senator the Hon. Bob Carr, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs on 23rd August. They candidly exchanged views on the impressions Senator Carr had on his visits to Japan, bilateral relations between our two countries and various other issues.
Two Youths from Ishinomaki City Were Invited to Canberra
On August 23rd, Miki Sasaki and Naoki Takeyama visited the Embassy of Japan. Miki and Naoki were the first invitees of the ‘Tohoku Youth Program’ which was established by the Australia Japan Society (ACT) in corporation with Japan Airlines to invite youths who lost their parents in last year’s Tsunami.
The pair was in Canberra for a week from August 18th, and had a very busy schedule visiting many schools during their stay. They received very warm welcome at each school and enjoyed participating in many activities including cooking, traditional Aboriginal painting and a classical concert.
Miki and Naoki told Ambassador Sato and Minister Amano that there were still a lot to be done in Ishinomaki in terms of reconstruction but people were working very hard to bring the city back. They also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to visit Canberra.
Ambassador Sato said to the pair that ‘You must have gone through a very hard time after Tsunami, but we would like you to take back the precious memories and remember the generosity of the Australian people who looked after you in Canberra and tell your friends and family about your experience. I encourage you to keep in touch with the people you have met in Canberra.’
Introduction of Japanese Culture at Skate in the City
As part of Skate in the City’s Cultural Sunday program, the Embassy of Japan shared a marquee with Australia-Japan Society by the open ice rink in Garema Place, Civic, on Sunday July 29th.
Throughout the day the marquee was inundated with children and families who enjoyed experiencing calligraphy, origami, spinning tops, and kendama as well as gathering travel information on Japan.
On the ice rink, to the tune of J-pop songs, Cosplayers added a dimension of colour to the many skaters on the rink who were out to make the most of the final day of Skate in the City.
2012 JET Programme Farewell Reception
Ambassador Sato hosted a reception to farewell the 2012 Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme participants on the 24th July at his residence. Approximately 60 people attended the reception; guests included officials from various government departments, university staff, and members of the JET Alumni Association Canberra, the Australia-Japan Society ACT and the Canberra Japan Club.
The JET Programme began in 1987 and is aimed at improving foreign language edcucation in Japanese schools and at promoting grass-roots international exchange between Japan and other countries. Since 1987 Japan has welcomed about 3,500 participants from Australia. After completing their time on JET, many former participants use their experiences to further strengthen relations between Japan and their home countries.
The Embassy of Japan congratulates all participants and hopes they will make a valuable contribution not only to the JET Programme but also to Australia and Japan’s relationship.
Visit by the Kubota Spears Coaching Staff
A group of Kubota Spears coaching staff including Coaching Director Mr Shunji Ishikura and former Wallaby great, Head Coach Mr Toutai Kefu came to Canberra to observe and learn coaching and training techniques from the ACT Brumbies as part of the two clubs ongoing cooperative relationship. Ambassador Sato invited the coaching staff to lunch at his residence while they were in Canberra on 27th June. The Kubota Spears are a great example of the robust exchange through sports between our two countries. We hope that with this relationship that not only will rugby in Japan grow but also build towards being a dominant force in world rugby when Japan hosts 2019 Rugby World Cup. We wish the Kubota Spears a successful season.
Japan Self Defense Forces (SDF) Day Reception
Ambassador Sato hosted the annual Japan Self Defense Forces (SDF) Day Reception at his residence on 26th June. Defence and security officials from various countries attended including Mr. Duncan Lewis AO, Secretary of Defence, General David Hurley AC, Chief of the Defence Force and Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs AO, Chief of Navy.
This year marks the 62nd year since the establishment of the National Police Reserve which preceded the Ground Self Defense Force, the 60th year since the establishment of the National Safety Force which preceded the Maritime Self Defense Force and the 58th year since the formation of the current Ground, Maritime and Self Defense Forces.
As security cooperation between Japan and Australia and our mutual ally, the United States, is paramount to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region and Indian Ocean Region, the Embassy strives to promote and broaden these vital relationships.
SBS TV filming of Destination Flavour
On May 7th and 8th, the filming of a SBS TV program, Destination Flavour, took place at the Ambassador's residence. The ten week series will showcase Australia’s rich and diverse cuisine introducing food producers, restaurants, and chefs across regional Australia. In one of the episodes, Ambassador Sato’s chef, Mr Kohei Shioi, will be featured as he demonstrates Japanese cooking using fresh seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms and chestnuts, which are produced from a nearby farm.
During the evening, Ambassador Sato hosted a dinner and explained to the program’s host, Miss Lily Serna, about Japanese food culture and kaiseki style cuisine. Their discussion over the dinner and a spectacular presentation of appetisers in autumn colour were also recorded on camera.
The program will be shown on 30th August this year. The details will be made available shortly.
Ambassador Sato’s official visit to Western Australia
Ambassador Sato made an official visit to Western Australia from 23rd to 27th April and met with various government officials of WA. He also went to the Japanese Cemetery in Cossack, near Karratha in northern WA and paid his respects to the Japanese pearlers who were buried there about 120 years ago.
During his visit he met with Ashwin Cresswell. Last year Ashwin wrote a letter to Toshihito Aisawa, who had lost his family in the tsunami, to invite him to stay at his house, to play with his toys and to go to school together. Last year while in Japan after the disaster, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and then Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan talked about his letter. Ashwin is a great friend of Japan.
Rugby union dinner at the Ambassador’s Residence
In honour of Mr. Eddie Jones’ official commencement as the Head Coach of the Japanese National Rugby Union Football Team, Ambassador Sato hosed a dinner on 11th of April. Before his appointment Mr. Jones was the Head Coach of the Wallabies and before that, the ACT Brumbies. Other guests of the dinner included current ACT Brumbies Head Coach Mr. Jake White, as well as Mr. Stephen Larkham, Mr. George Gregan, Mr. Scott Fardy and Mr. Fotu Auelua who all have played rugby union football in Japan. Ambassador Sato hopes that Mr. Jones’s appointment as the Head Coach of the Japanese national team, Australia and Japan’s relationship will be further strengthened through rugby union football.
Introducing Japanese Culture at Festival of Forests
The Festival of Forests was held at the National Arboretum of Canberra on April 1. The embassy was invited to introduce Japanese culture including calligraphy demonstrations, origami and mocha rice pounding. After the 2003 Canberra Bushfires 250 hectares of land was used to establish the National Arboretum of Canberra. Tree species from Australia and around the world, including Yoshino cherries, have been planted as a symbol of regeneration. More than 12,000 people visited the festival and enjoyed various song and dance performances as well as cultural activities from other embassies and community groups.
Japanese National Hockey Team visits Canberra
In their preparation to qualify for the London Olympic Games, the Japanese National Hockey Team visited Australia to play a 3 match series against the Kookaburras in Canberra. Before the first match of the series on the 29th March, Ambassador Sato met with the players to offer his encouragement and support. We hope the Japanese National Hockey Team qualifies for the London Olympic Games. Go Japan!
Reception to welcome the Japanese National Women’s Softball Team
The Japanese National Women’s Softball Team was in Canberra between 16th March and 24th March to participate in a seven match series against Australia. This series served as the final selection for the team to compete at this year’s World Championships in Whitehorse, Canada in July which the Japanese team won. Ambassador Sato hosted a reception for the Japanese squad and coaching staff as well as some members from the Australian team. Ambassador Sato praised both teams’ efforts and hopes that should Tokyo win the 2020 Olympics bid, softball will return as an official Olympic sport. Guests from both teams took time to forget about competitive rivalries and enjoyed the evening immensely.
Award Ceremony in Honour of the Hon Bob Hawke
In an award ceremony on 19th March, Ambassador Sato presented former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.
The Grand Cordon which was officially conferred upon Mr Hawke by the Emperor of Japan in November 2011 is the highest class of the Order of the Rising Sun, a Japanese national decoration that has parallels with the Order of Australia.
Mr Hawke was awarded the Grand Cordon in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Australia-Japan relationship. As Prime Minister, Mr Hawke was responsible for the expansion in the nature of the bilateral relationship to include investment, tourism, science and technology, culture, and grassroots exchanges. The former Prime Minister also promoted bilateral cooperation between Japan and Australia in ventures such as the establishment of APEC and Questacon. After retiring from politics, Mr Hawke founded the Bob Hawke Scholarship, which enables Japanese middle school students to complete a one-month exchange to Australia.
The ceremony was attended by a number of Mr Hawke’s former colleagues and friends, as well as by representatives from Japan and other notables in the bilateral relationship. Mr Hawke treated guests to his trademark sense of humour in his eloquent speech of thanks.
Commemorative ceremony for the anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake
On 13th March, Ambassador Sato hosted a reception to observe the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Victims and those who were affected by the disaster were remembered and Japan’s determination to recover and rebuild was reaffirmed.
Approximately 320 guests attended, including Australian Federal and ACT government and defence officials, ACT Fire and Rescue personnel who were members of the search and rescue team sent to Minamisanriku, representatives from other diplomatic missions and various community groups, schools and individuals who contributed to fundraising and relief efforts.
A message on behalf of Prime Minister Julia Gillard was read by Mr Craig Emerson, Minister for Trade and then Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs as well as speeches by Ms Julie Bishop, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Ms Lynette Wood, Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who returned to Ishinomaki last year where she was previously a JET Programme participant. Warm words were expressed by many of those who attended.
Speech by Ambassador Shigekazu Sato
Speech by Lynette Wood Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch, DFAT
Students at Melrose High School have made a donation to schools in Rikuzentakata City
23 Students at Melrose High School, in Canberra, made a donation of 3841.05 dollars, which they collected through a series of considerable fundraising activites, to help Rikuzentakata city to reconstruct and refurbish its schools. They had been studying Japanese for several years and planned to go to Japan to promote their language acquisition and their understanding of Japanese culture at first hand. However, unfortunately, as a result of the disaster last March, the excursion was cancelled. Because some of students had graduated from high school, they were not able to go to Japan all together. The students decided by themselves that their money would be better spent in assisting schools affected by the disaster.
When Ambassador Sato made a visit to the disaster area, he presented a letter as well as a cheque on behalf of the students to a representative of the Board of Education of Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture on 1st March.
Sculpture by a Japanese artist unveiled
In a project initiated by the ACT government, Oushi Zokei, dream lens for the future by Mr. Keizo Ushio, was unveiled in the high profile location on the median strip at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit on the 27th of February, 2012. Mr. Tetsuro Amano, Charge de Affaires ad interim(at that time), Embassy of Japan, participated in the launch along with Mr. Ushio and Mrs. Narelle Hargreaves, Chair of the Nara Sister City Committee as well as representatives from the ACT government. It is hoped that this artwork will serve as a reminder of the close relationship not only between Canberra and Nara but Australia and Japan as well.
Providing encourangement for Japanese wheelchair athletes
At a reception hosted by Wheelchair Sports NSW and the ACT Government on 20th January, 2012, Ambassador Sato and embassy staff provided support for the 9 Japanese wheelchair athletes competing in the 2012 Summer Down Under Series International Track and Road Racing. Races were held in Canberra from 21st to 26th January. Ambassador Sato gave his best wishes to the Japanese athletes for their upcoming races.
The first pitch at a game of the Canberra Cavalry
After hearing about Ambassador Sato’s high school career as a pitcher, the Cavalry invited him to throw the first pitch of the match against the Perth Heat on 12th January at the Narrabundah Ballpark. The atmosphere at the ground made the 1500 people in attendance seem like 40,000. Ambassador Sato, while admitting to being nervous because of the boisterous crowd was still able to throw a strike
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) may not be so familiar yet as it was established only 2 years ago. In the 2011/2012 season some Japanese players from the Seibu Lions, the Softbank Hawks, the Hanshin Tigers and the Rakuten Golden Eagles participated in the ABL. The Canberra Cavalry had five players join from the Hanshin Tigers. The team also has some staff members who have been sent by the Major League Baseball in the USA to support the management and operation of the team.
Last December, the Embassy invited Japanese players and some staff of the Canberra Cavalry to a dinner at the Ambassador’s residence.
The Embassy hopes that the people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Australia in the area of sports such as the Ambassador’s first pitch, participation of Japanese players in the ABL and fan interaction with players will be further promoted.
Image courtesy of Ben Southall of SMP Images
Image courtesy of Ben Southall of SMP Images
Donations and Condolence Book signing
The Embassy of Japan would like to convey how greatly appreciative it is of the numerous people who have come to the embassy to both sign the condolence book and make donations to the Embassy of Japan.
On 18th March, 2011, the Australia-Japan Society of the ACT (AJS) Presidnet Stuar Forsyth presented a donation of $5000 to His Excellency Shigekazu Sato, Ambassador of Japan. The donation will go to the Red Cross (Japan) Pacific Disaster Relief Fund. Mr Forsyth said, "on behalf of our membership, I wish to convey deep sorrow for the suffering that so many are experiencing from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami". He also expressed his gratitude for the Japanese Government's support for Australian citizens in tsunami affected areas.