2016 Self Defense Force Day Reception
2016/8/26
On the 10th of August, the Embassy of Japan hosted the ‘Self Defense Force Day Reception’. This annual reception commemorates the formation of the Japanese Self Defense Force, and with most invitees drawn from defence and national security fields, aims to further improve the Australia-Japan bilateral relationship.
This year’s reception saw 215 guests drawn from a wide range of fields including federal parliamentarians, former defence ministers, government representatives from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence, various foreign defence attachés, academics, artisans and members of defence industries. The Embassy also used this year’s event to host for the first time an exhibition by Japan’s defence industries.
Following on from a speech by Ambassador Kusaka at the reception, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray J Griggs gave the Guest of Honour speech, which was then followed by renditions of the Australian and Japanese national anthems.
The exhibition by Japan’s defence industries clearly articulated the policies in place for Japan’s own defence technologies and the high level of technical skill therein. It was aimed at both deepening the awareness of Australian government affiliated officials of such technology and drawing attention to future prospects for Australia-Japan defence equipment and technology co-operation.
The exhibition took place as one aspect of assistance to Japanese industry and was centred around those defence products and technologies available for transfer. The exhibition featured mock-up displays, the distribution of pamphlets, and introductory videos. The exhibition appealed to representatives of Australia’s own high-tech defence industries, and was well regarded by Japanese and Australian defence industry representatives who considered it a good opportunity to engage in networking with their respective counterparts.
Based on this success of this reception, the Embassy will endeavour to further strengthen the multi-faceted and excellent defence co-operation relationship between Australia and Japan in order to both promote and provide further assistance to future Australia-Japan defence equipment and technology co-operation, in addition to exercises and transport activities.
This year’s reception saw 215 guests drawn from a wide range of fields including federal parliamentarians, former defence ministers, government representatives from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence, various foreign defence attachés, academics, artisans and members of defence industries. The Embassy also used this year’s event to host for the first time an exhibition by Japan’s defence industries.
Following on from a speech by Ambassador Kusaka at the reception, Vice Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Ray J Griggs gave the Guest of Honour speech, which was then followed by renditions of the Australian and Japanese national anthems.
The exhibition by Japan’s defence industries clearly articulated the policies in place for Japan’s own defence technologies and the high level of technical skill therein. It was aimed at both deepening the awareness of Australian government affiliated officials of such technology and drawing attention to future prospects for Australia-Japan defence equipment and technology co-operation.
The exhibition took place as one aspect of assistance to Japanese industry and was centred around those defence products and technologies available for transfer. The exhibition featured mock-up displays, the distribution of pamphlets, and introductory videos. The exhibition appealed to representatives of Australia’s own high-tech defence industries, and was well regarded by Japanese and Australian defence industry representatives who considered it a good opportunity to engage in networking with their respective counterparts.
Based on this success of this reception, the Embassy will endeavour to further strengthen the multi-faceted and excellent defence co-operation relationship between Australia and Japan in order to both promote and provide further assistance to future Australia-Japan defence equipment and technology co-operation, in addition to exercises and transport activities.
 Ambassador Kusaka in conversation with Gai Brodtmann MP |
 Ambassador and Madam Kusaka in conversation with Dr Brendon Nelson |
 Ambassador’s Speech |
 Guest of Honour Speech and Toast by VCDF Vice Admiral Griggs
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 Renditions of National Anthems |
 Ambassador and Madam Kusaka with Vice Admiral and Mrs Griggs |
 The exhibition by Japanese defence industries |
 The exhibition by Japanese defence industries |