President's messageIn March we held two successful events. Chris Gallagher, from corporate member Ausspeak Academy, gave us an insightful presentation about his career as an English for Academic Purposes specialist and his life as a tenured lecturer at ICU in Mitaka, Tokyo, plus his new role as an entrepreneur and online ESL tutor.
 And on March 31st, undeterred by the weather, we welcomed new members at our first in-person event for a while, with drinks at an on-trend venue, the State Library rooftop bar. It was great to meet the many new members who could attend, and catch up with valued existing members.
Looking ahead, our Student Awards event is planned for mid-May. This evening is an annual highlight of our Society. This year we have extended the Award to include Newcastle University in addition to the six other universities in the Greater Sydney region. The universities nominate their outstanding Japanese studies student and we celebrate them together with their lecturers and friends and families. Details to be announced soon.
Even further ahead, September 16th-18th will see the biennial Conference of the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies (NFAJS) in Adelaide. The Adelaide Conference Committee is making final preparations to announce the program, which will focus on South Australia’s special focus areas of space and food. Keep a watch out for registration details here.
Please find other news of interest below, across areas of business, culture and food, plus a special offer to members and friends.
With best wishes for a safe Easter, and the upcoming Golden Week holiday.
Anita Byrnes
Energy and ESG partnerships to drive Japan-Australia M&A
The recently released M&A report by Herbert Smith Freehills predicts that the proliferation of new energy partnerships between Japan and Australia in 2021 will be followed by even more decarbonization initiatives in 2022, driven by the energy complementarity of Australia and Japan, and ongoing support from governments at national and state level. 2021 saw 33 M&A deals (27 acquisitions and six divestments). Infrastructure was another key field for investment.
Read the full report here
What’s on
Art and Activism in the Nuclear Age Exhibition period: 7 April - 14 May 2022
Location: Tin Sheds Gallery, Sydney University
 Curated by Dr. Yasuko Claremont, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Japanese at Sydney University, this exhibition uses art to refocus attention to the continuing threat of nuclear war and the impact of nuclear testing. Works on display are from Japan, Australia and the Pacific and include a full-size replica of the Hiroshima Panel ‘Fire’ (1950) by Iri and Toshi Maruki, rarely seen outside of Japan.
Food writer talk “Meshi”, Thursday 28 April 7PM
Roaring Stories Bookshop Balmain has organized an event with Katherine Tamiko Arguile, a Japanese-British-Australian arts journalist now based in Adelaide, about her new book Meshi: A personal history of Japanese food. Katherine will be talking with well-known ABC Sydney radio presenter Simon Marnie at The Royal Oak Balmain.
Tickets ($10) and further information at Eventbrite.
A Short History of Transport in Japan published
 Emeritus Professor (UNSW) John Black has published A Short History of Transport in Japan from Ancient Times to the Present. This is the first study by a Western scholar to place the long-term development of Japanese infrastructure alongside an analysis of its evolving political economy. Available from Open Book Publishers.
Art News
The Art Gallery of NSW has commissioned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, as one of nine artists to create a new work for display in the Sydney Modern extension to the Art Gallery. Further information here.
Taiko Class discount offer
Australian Taiko Academy is offering members and friends a 10% discount on taiko classes in upcoming term 2. Learn Taiko from members of the TaikOz company.
Please keep us in touch with any business or community news that might be of interest to other members through our email.
|
April 2022 Newsletter