Embassy Events 2015
Ambassador's opening remarks at ASPI's panel discussion on the South China Sea
On the 1st of December, the Australia Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) hosted the panel discussion, The International Community and the Strategic Balance in the South China Sea, where Ambassador Kusaka made an opening speech (click here for full speech). The Ambassador expressed that making claims should be faithful in light of international law, not resorting to force or coercion, and resolving all disputes through peaceful means. He also reiterated that on the principle of “proactive contribution to peace,” Japan will work together with regional partners to ensure the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia Pacific.
In the panel discussion, four Australian experts made statements which were followed by robust a Q & A session. The Embassy of Japan, as a sponsor of the event considers the event a success in deepening understanding among participants on this current issue.
2015 Emperor’s Birthday Reception
On Wednesday 25 November, Ambassador Kusaka and Mrs Kusaka held a reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Ambassador’s Residence. The theme for this year’s reception was ‘Discover the Spirit of Japan’ and guests were able to experience many features that Japan has to offer Japan here in Canberra. Approximately 430 guests attended the celebrations including Dr Andrew Southcott MP, representatives from the federal government and federal agencies, embassies, universities, and Japanese companies, as well as members of the Japanese community.
In his address, Ambassador Kusaka thanked the Japanese companies present for having their latest innovative products on display for guests to see. He also stated that 2015 is a significant year for our two countries as the Japan-Australia EPA came into force. The Ambassador then emphasised that our strong bilateral relationship is key to the stability and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region, and that he pledged work hard to further strengthen bilateral ties in fields of economy, defence, security and culture.
In addition to the Japanese products on display and a Taiko drumming performance, Embassy staff gave a demonstration of Shorinji Kempo, a traditional Japanese martial art. Guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine and drinks served in the beautiful Japanese garden of the Ambassador’s Residence.
Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2015 to Professor Veronica L. Taylor
On Thursday 12 November, Ambassador Sumio Kusaka presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Professor Veronica L. Taylor at his official residence. Professor Taylor has contributed to developing Japanese studies in Australia and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Australia for many years. It is in recognition of such efforts that the decision was made to award this Commendation to Professor Veronica L. Taylor.
At the ceremony, Professor Taylor said that she was honoured to have received this Commendation, and expressed her appreciation to her family and friends. Professor Taylor also expressed that she would continue to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia, including the education of future generations.
Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2015 to Mr Barry Jarman
On Tuesday 10 November, Ambassador Sumio Kusaka presented the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr Barry Jarman at his official residence. For many years, Mr Jarman has engaged in promoting friendship between Japan and Australia through activities organised by the Australia-Japan Society (ACT) Inc. It is in recognition of such efforts that the decision was made to award this Commendation to Mr Barry Jarman.
Among family and friends, Mr Jarman expressed that he would continue to keep playing a part in promoting the friendship between our two countries at a grass-roots level.
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
The 22nd Canberra Nara Candle Festival was held on Saturday October 24th at the Canberra Nara Peace Park.
Traditional Japanese musical instruments, Wadaiko (drums), Shamisen and Shakuhachi (flute) were being played as approximately 2,000 candles were lit in the Nara Peace Park in conjunction with Canberra’s sister city, Nara. A variety of Japanese cultural performances and events also took place around the park. Ambassador Sumio Kusaka and Mr Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the ACT lit the lantern located in the Peace Park following their respective official greetings on the main stage.
At the Embassy of Japan marquee, we introduced aspects of Japanese culture, such as origami, calligraphy and water balloon fishing. We promoted Japan as a tourist destination by distributing travel brochures. A highlight of the day’s activities was “mochi-tsuki” or ‘rice pounding’ demonstrations where members of the public were able to sample the soft rice cakes that were made. Visitors also enjoyed a special calligraphy performance by professional calligraphy artist, Ren.
Approximately 18,000 people attended the Festival and enjoyed Japanese Culture.
Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2015 to Mrs Yukali Armstrong
On Monday 22 September, Ambassador Sumio Kusaka presented the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for 2015 as well as a gift to Mrs Yukali Armstrong at the Ambassador’s official residence.
The Foreign Minister’s Commendation is awarded to individuals and groups to acknowledge outstanding achievements in international fields and contributions made to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The Commendation also aims to raise awareness and support for activities of the recipients among the Japanese public. Ms Armstrong is one of 94 overseas recipients of this Commendation for this year.
Ms Armstrong helped establish the Japan Club in Canberra and was elected its first President when the club was first formed in October 1997. She held this position for 13 years. In November 2010 she was appointed the Club’s advisor and continues in this capacity to contribute to the Club’s activities.
The Canberra Japan Club is the only club in Canberra for persons of Japanese descent and was established with the aim of furthering goodwill, friendship and assistance among Japanese nationals and Canberrans of Japanese descent. The Club has not only achieved this aim, but also has introduced Japanese culture to Canberra and fostered Japan and Australia’s friendship through such activities as the Autumn Festival and the Canberra Nara Candle Festival.
So in this way Ms Armstrong has over the years and through her association with the Canberra Japan Club introduced Japanese culture to the local community and has made a wonderful contribution to mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. As such the decision was made to award Ms Armstrong with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation.
Asialink Reception
On Friday 15 September, Ambassador Kusaka invited participants of the AsiaLink Leaders Program for lunch at his residence. In front of 70 guests, the Ambassador gave a speech stressing that Japan and Australia have enjoyed a mutually complementary economic partnership for many decades as well as being allies with the U.S.
Based on these, Ambassador Kusaka also explained the areas and issues for further cooperation between Japan and Australia. Participants agreed with Ambassador Kusaka’s comments, saying further contribution at grass roots level should be made to promote bilateral relations given the strength of Japan and Australia’s relationship.
Tea Ceremony Demonstration
On September 14th, with the full support of the Urasenke Tankoukai Sydney Association, Ambassador Kusaka hosted a tea ceremony demonstration in the gardens of the official residence. The Urasenke instructor gave an explanation of tea ceremony and the making of tea, and the prepared tea was served to each guest one by one.
The Members of Parliament of Australia, other Australian Federal Government affiliated guests, and other guests in attendance enjoyed the authentic tea ceremony under clear skies, in the Japanese garden with cherry blossoms flowers in bloom.
2015 Self Defense Day Reception
On August 12, the 2015 Self Defense Day Reception was held at the Ambassador’s residence. Despite the unfortunate weather of sleet and snow, the reception went ahead with 178 guests attending the lively event.
Referring to Prime Minister Abbott’s speech at the 100th anniversary commemoration of the first Australian navy convoy last year, Ambassador Kusaka noted Japan was ‘first an ally, then a foe’ of Australia, but we are ‘now the very best of friends’. Recent bilateral security and defense cooperation has further deepened based on our long-lasting relationship of mutual trust and cooperation.
On behalf of the invited guests, Vice Admiral Michael van Balen spoke of the significance of security and defense cooperation between Australia and Japan as well as the importance of common values shared by our two countries, such as personal linkages, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Courtesy call by participants of the Tohoku Youth Program
Four participants of the Tohoku Youth Program visited Canberra for almost two weeks. The Program was established by the Australia Japan Society (ACT) in corporation with Japan Airlines to invite youths who lost one or both parents in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Four of these young Japanese students enjoyed activities with Australian schools and host families during their stay. On Monday 3rd of August, they paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Kusaka and told him what happened to them 4 years ago in the disaster as well as what they wanted to do in Australian and about their future dreams. It was unfortunate that one of those 4 Japanese students could not come to the Embassy because of sickness. The Embassy hopes that this visit has contributed to their success in the future.
Ambassador Kusaka handed over a trophy to the winner of a charity golf match, which was hosted by the Australia-Japan Society Canberra who implemented this program. The Embassy will continue to support such events as much as possible.
2015 JET Farewell Reception
On Wednesday 22 July, Ambassador Kusaka invited this year’s participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme departing from Canberra to his residence, and held a farewell reception attended by teaching staff from Universities and members of the JET Alumni Association Canberra. The JET Programme is now in its 29th year. In his speech the Ambassador expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported the JET Programme for so many years, and also shared his thoughts that the JET participants’ experiences in Japan will make great contribution to the relationship between Australia and Japan in the future. This year’s new participants left Australia on Saturday 25 July, and started their JET experiences by attending a post-arrival orientation held in Tokyo.
Reception for Scouts Australia
On the 11th of July 2015, Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Katae held a reception for the members of Scouts Australia. The Embassy of Japan introduced them to a variety of Japanese culture. They all enjoyed a DVD which introduced Japanese culture, a traditional music performance of the Koto and the Shakuhachi and Japanese cuisine. As more than 300 young Scouts Australia members will visit Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan to attend the 23rd World Scouts Jamboree from the end of July this year, the Embassy hopes that the relationship between our countries will be further strengthened through the scouts’ activities.
Conferral Ceremony of Sir Roderick Ian Eddington AO
On the 4th of June, Ambassador Kusaka and his wife held a Conferral Ceremony at the residence of the Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne to confer the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun upon Sir Roderick Ian Eddington AO.
Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference is the biggest and most influential Japan-Australia private business sectors conference and Sir Roderick has been a part of the Australia-Japan Business Cooperation Committee (the Australian side of the committee) for 17 years, as well as serving as President for eight years from 2006. In addition, Sir Roderick served as co-chair of the Australia-Japan Conference hosted by the governments of both countries, and led discussions on a variety of fields such as diplomacy and security, trade and economics, and cultural and human exchange, as well as committing to deepening Australia-Japan relations.
Welcome Lunch for Japanese Swim Team
On Sunday 17th May, Ambassador Kusaka hosted a lunch at his residence for the Japanese National Swim Team visiting Canberra for the 2015 Canberra Grand Prix.
The team consists of Head Coach, Norimasa Hirai, and several Olympic medalists, including Kosuke Hagino, Ryosuke Irie, Ryo Tateishi, Takuro Fujii, Natsumi Hoshi as well as promising young swimmers. The lunch was also attended by Simon Hollingsworth, CEO of the Australian Sports Commisson, who kindly hosted the Japanese national team, as well as the committee members of the Australia Japan Society ACT and Canberra Japan Club. Exchange between Japan and Australia have been strengthened through sports and sporting events like this.
Ambassador Kusaka praised their performance at 2015 Canberra Grand Prix, and wished them the best of luck in the future. On behalf of the national team, Olympic silver medalist Ryosuke Irie also shared his determination to continue working hard to achieve their goals at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Wreath laying ceremony
On 13 May, Ambassador Kusaka attended a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at the Australian War Memorial. Bagpipes and the bugle were played during this ceremony as well as The Last Post Ceremony, creating a respectful and dignified atmosphere.
His Excellency-General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Prime Minister Tony Abbott as well as senior members of the federal government were also in attendance and looked on as Ambassador Kusaka laid a wreath as The Last Post Ceremony on this particular day was in memorial of the lives of Australian soldiers lost in Afghanistan in 2013.
Following the wreath laying ceremony, Ambassador Kusaka exchanged greetings with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial thanked the Ambassador for participating in the wreath laying ceremony as his first official business following the presentation of credentials earlier that day.
