President's messageOur annual Student Awards Night held on May 18th was a celebration of the talented students of Japanese language and studies in the Sydney region, and a tribute to their teachers. This year an awardee from Newcastle University joined the young people from the other six universities (UNSW, UTS, Sydney University, Macquarie, Western Sydney and the University of Wollongong). Along with a cash prize, students receive a year’s complimentary membership to AJS-NSW. It is always heart-warming to hear (some in Japanese!) how the students plan to use their knowledge in their careers; it assures us that the future of the Australia-Japan relationship is bright.
 The Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr. Masahiko Kiya, presented the awards, and in his remarks, noted that in the following week the Australian Prime Minister would visit Japan to attend the Quad meeting. In fact it was our new PM Anthony Albanese who, immediately after being sworn in, flew to Japan to meet the Japanese PM Kishida, US President Biden and Indian PM Modi, demonstrating the new government’s renewed focus on Asia and the Pacific.
Photos from the Awards Night are available on our Linkedin and Facebook pages.
We have a number of great events coming up: Shaberanaito, our Japanese-speaking evening with JETAA, on June 17th; and on 23rd June, a talk by former diplomat John Langtry on Australia and Japan as Security Partners. John headed the North Asian and North-East Asian branch of DFAT, was posted several times to Tokyo, and was the first Australian Ambassador to Mongolia, so he has a unique perspective. Register here. Did you think Japanese humour is just wordplay? A talk by Roger Pulvers on July 17th (Sunday at 3pm) will expand your thinking. Roger is an acclaimed author, translator, playwright and former academic. Held in conjunction with Gleebooks, a bookshop in Glebe, AJS members and friends can join a social event with Roger after the talk. A reminder that our membership year starts on July 1, and members will receive an email reminder to renew their membership then.
Look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
Anita Byrnes, President
Upcoming events
Japan Film Festival Fringe (JFF Fringe), June 24-26 @ Palace Verona and Palace Central. Four outstanding documentaries, including one that spotlights the architectural firm SANAA and its principals Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, who are the architects of the Sydney Modern project. https://japanesefilmfestival.net/fringe-program/
ANU Crawford School’s Japan Update, September 7 2022
Experts from Australia, Japan and the region provide insights into Japan’s social, political and economic challenges and opportunities beyond COVID-19. Confirmed speakers include Mr Masaaki Shirakawa, 30th Governor of the Bank of Japan. Watch the website here.
Japanaroo September 3 -11
Planning is underway for ten days that brings all the Japan community in Sydney together, with a range of events, culminating in the Matsuri@Chatswood.
National Federation of Australia Japan Societies Conference, Adelaide. September 16-18
The biennial National Conference, postponed from 2020. Friday has a Space business theme, while Saturday is a people and exchange day, and Sunday includes a winery visit. Full program including receptions and Conference Dinner available soon here; Early-bird tickets are available to end June.
Please keep us in touch with any business or community news that might be of interest to other members through our email.
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June 2022 Newsletter