2026 Reception Celebrating His Majesty the Emperor’s Birthday and the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia
2026/3/24
On 4 March, a reception celebrating His Majesty the Emperor’s birthday was held at the Ambassador’s official residence. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (commonly known as the NARA Treaty). A commemorative message for the 50th anniversary was received from MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and her spouse, His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC attended the reception as Guests of Honour. This was the first time in the 85-year history of this Embassy that a Governor-General attended the Emperor’s Birthday Reception.
In addition to the attendance of ministerial-level guests, including the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence; Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism; the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General; and the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources, , the reception was also attended by federal parliamentarians from both the government and opposition party, including Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr Andrew Willcox MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability. Senior officials of the Australian Government and state governments, including Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ambassadors and high commissioners of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the business community, think tanks, academia, and Japan–Australia friendship-related organisations were also in attendance. Approximately 640 guests attended, and the reception was a great success.
In Foreign Minister Motegi’s 50th anniversary commemorative message, read by Ambassador Suzuki,the Minister noted that over the past 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, Japan and Australia have flourished across a wide range of fields, including politics, the economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. In light of the increasingly severe international environment, he expressed his determination to further strengthen Japan–Australia relations in order to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the international community.
Following this, in his remarks, Ambassador Suzuki referred to the strength of Japan–Australia relations and touched upon the attractiveness of various regions across Australia, including Canberra. He further emphasised his appreciation for the generosity and kindness of the Australian people that support the country’s free, open, and egalitarian society. (The text of Ambassador Suzuki’s speech, including the commemorative message from Foreign Minister Motegi, is available here.)
This was followed by remarks from the Governor-General and the Deputy Prime Minister, who referred to the development of Japan–Australia relations and expressed their expectations for further progress.
In holding this year’s reception, we received even greater support than usual from Japanese-affiliated companies and local partner organisations across a wide range of fields. In addition to introducing initiatives in the transport sector and promoting tourism, a 1/100 scale model of the Mogami-class frigate, which is being considered for transfer to Australia, was displayed. Furthermore, through the provision of Japanese cuisine, including ingredients from Japan, handmade soba, matcha, confectionery, dairy products, as well as various beverages such as sake, shochu, and beer, we were able to widely showcase the diverse attractions of Japan.
In addition, exhibits included the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which is scheduled for launch by March 2026 and is planned to return to the Woomera Desert in Australia in 2031; next-generation fuels such as hydrogen energy; advanced information and communications technologies represented by all-photonics networks; and industrialised housing that enables high-quality construction within a short period of time. Guests were also able to experience Japan’s advanced technologies through interactions with AI avatars engaging in conversations on Japan–Australia relations.
Moreover, the attendance of players from Australia’s National Rugby League, sponsored by Japanese companies, left a strong impression on guests by highlighting the breadth and depth of Japan–Australia relations.
In addition to the attendance of ministerial-level guests, including the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence; Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism; the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General; and the Hon Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources, , the reception was also attended by federal parliamentarians from both the government and opposition party, including Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr Andrew Willcox MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability. Senior officials of the Australian Government and state governments, including Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ambassadors and high commissioners of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the business community, think tanks, academia, and Japan–Australia friendship-related organisations were also in attendance. Approximately 640 guests attended, and the reception was a great success.
In Foreign Minister Motegi’s 50th anniversary commemorative message, read by Ambassador Suzuki,the Minister noted that over the past 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, Japan and Australia have flourished across a wide range of fields, including politics, the economy, security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. In light of the increasingly severe international environment, he expressed his determination to further strengthen Japan–Australia relations in order to contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the international community.
Following this, in his remarks, Ambassador Suzuki referred to the strength of Japan–Australia relations and touched upon the attractiveness of various regions across Australia, including Canberra. He further emphasised his appreciation for the generosity and kindness of the Australian people that support the country’s free, open, and egalitarian society. (The text of Ambassador Suzuki’s speech, including the commemorative message from Foreign Minister Motegi, is available here.)
This was followed by remarks from the Governor-General and the Deputy Prime Minister, who referred to the development of Japan–Australia relations and expressed their expectations for further progress.
In holding this year’s reception, we received even greater support than usual from Japanese-affiliated companies and local partner organisations across a wide range of fields. In addition to introducing initiatives in the transport sector and promoting tourism, a 1/100 scale model of the Mogami-class frigate, which is being considered for transfer to Australia, was displayed. Furthermore, through the provision of Japanese cuisine, including ingredients from Japan, handmade soba, matcha, confectionery, dairy products, as well as various beverages such as sake, shochu, and beer, we were able to widely showcase the diverse attractions of Japan.
In addition, exhibits included the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, which is scheduled for launch by March 2026 and is planned to return to the Woomera Desert in Australia in 2031; next-generation fuels such as hydrogen energy; advanced information and communications technologies represented by all-photonics networks; and industrialised housing that enables high-quality construction within a short period of time. Guests were also able to experience Japan’s advanced technologies through interactions with AI avatars engaging in conversations on Japan–Australia relations.
Moreover, the attendance of players from Australia’s National Rugby League, sponsored by Japanese companies, left a strong impression on guests by highlighting the breadth and depth of Japan–Australia relations.
