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Ambassador Kusaka's official events and activities

Ambassador Kusaka's Visit to Pilbara Iron Ore Mine and Operation Site

From Wednesday 14th to Thursday 15th of October Ambassador Kusaka visited  Western Australia and met with the Hon Colin Barnett, Premier of WA. Premier Barnett noted Western Australia's profound historical relationship with Japan, including the economic development of Western Australia that was largely backed by Japan's rapid economic growth.

The Ambassador also visited Pilbara Iron Ore Mine and Rio Tinto's remotely controlled operation centre to view its mines, railway system and port facilities. Ambassador Kusaka received a briefing on Rio Tinto's facilities and how the competitiveness of the company relies on the efficient operation of the large scaled system of remotely controlling the entire process of mining from the one, single operation centre; from excavation to transportation and even preparing it for exporting at the port. Japan has much to offer in terms of improving efficiency and we hope that cooperation with Japanese companies will be further strengthened across many different fields. 

Ambassador Kusaka attends the ceremony commemorating the launch of the Himawari-8 satellite

On Wednesday 30 September, Ambassador Sumio Kusaka attended the ceremony commemorating the launch of the Himawari-8 satellite held at the Canberra office of the Bureau of Meteorology. The observational functions of Himawari-8 have been strengthened, and its operation began on 7 July. Japan will share observational data with Australia, and the public became able to access the viewer through the Bureau of Meteorology’s website from 30 September.
 (http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/satellite/)
Ambassador Kusaka gave a congratulatory address at the ceremony. The Hon. Jamie Briggs MP, Minister for Cities and the Built Environment and Dr Rob Vertessy, Director and CEO of the Bureau of Meteorology who also attend expressed their gratitude to the kindness of Japan.        

Presentation of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan’s Citation to the Cowra Breakout 70th Anniversary Committee

Every year on August 5, a wreath laying ceremony is held to honour those who lost their lives in the Cowra breakout incident where Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from a POW camp on the same day in 1944 during WWII. Last year marked 70 years since the incident, and a committee was established to commemorate the anniversary by holding a large number of events.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Fumio Kishida offered a Citation to the committee as their activities symbolise Japan and Australia’s reconciliation. Ambassador Kusaka visited Cowra on August 5, this year and presented the citation to the Mayor of Cowra, Mr Bill West. In response, Mayor West expressed that it was a great honour to receive this appreciation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Embassy of Japan will continue to collaborate with Cowra in passing this story on to the future enerations.

Wreath Laying Ceremony in Cowra

On August 5, Ambassador Kusaka and his wife attended the wreath laying ceremony in Cowra to pay their respects to the 235 lives, including 4 Australians lost in the Cowra breakout tragedy. Ambassador Kusaka joined Mayor Bill West in laying a wreath which took place in the Japanese and Australian war cemeteries.

The cherry blossom seeds that were planted in the Japanese War Cemetery during the Crown Prince’s visit in 1972 have now matured. Every September, the Sakura Matsuri is held in Cowra during the cherry blossom season, and visitors have the opportunity to experience various elements of traditional Japanese culture. The Sakura Matsuri is a symbol of the deep friendship between Cowra and Japan.   

Ambassador Kusaka's address at the National Press Club of Australia

On July 28, Ambassador Kusaka gave his address to the National Press Club of Australia, entitled ‘Japan and Australia: A Natural Partnership’. The Ambassador first spoke of Japan’s foreign policy and current economic situation, then followed with a discussion on Japan-Australia relations highlighting specific areas for further bilateral cooperation.

After the 30-minute address, the Ambassador then answered several questions from members of the Australian media. A significant number of questions were related to Australia‟s future submarines. In reply, he stated that the Government of Japan fully understands the terms in the Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP) and that maximisation of Australian industry involvement is one of the important requirements. At present, we are actively engaged in discussions with Australian companies as well as information gathering towards developing options for a package that will maximise Australian industry involvement without unduly compromising submarine capability, cost or schedule.

Following a visit in May, it is being planned for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries to visit Adelaide in late August and to deliver presentations to the industry and engage in dialogue with Australian companies.

Ambassador Kusaka became the very first Japanese Ambassador to Australia to ever give an address to the National Press Club.   We hope to continue having these opportunities to discuss Japanese policies with the Australian people. The full text of the Ambassador’s address can be found here.    

Ambassador Kusaka's official events and activities upon arrival

Courtesy Calls by Ambassador Kusaka

  

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