President's message
Last Friday our Australia-Japan community was rocked by the news of the shooting and death of former Prime Minister of Japan, ABE Shinzo. As many have noted, former PM Abe was a great friend of Australia, being instrumental in realizing a number of the recent developments in the Australia-Japan relationship, including the Free Trade Agreement, the Quad dialogue, and an enhanced defence and security alliance. He will be remembered for his “Abenomics” and “Womenomics” initiatives for a new Japan. AJS-NSW extends sincere condolences to his family and to the people of Japan.
A reminder that a talk on Japanese humour by Roger Pulvers is coming up this Sunday July 17th (at 3pm). Roger is an acclaimed author, translator, playwright and former academic. Sign up at the Gleebooks website; AJS members and friends can join a social event with Roger after the talk.
The last month has seen a number of very successful events: our ever popular Shaberanaito (Japanese-speaking evening) held jointly with JETAA, and a well-attended talk by former diplomat John Langtry on Australia and Japan as Security Partners. See pictures on our Linkedin and Facebook pages.
An exciting program for the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies Conference in Adelaide on September 16th-18th has been announced, and registrations are now open. We hope NSW members and friends might join for the full program that includes the Friday Business Day with keynote by astronaut Dr. Mohri Mamoru, the Saturday Culture and People Day, as well as a reception and Gala Dinner, and a winery tour.
Members will have received a request to renew their membership, for the year beginning July 1st. Thanks to all those who have already renewed and a reminder to others. If you are not a member but would like to join, now is a great time; see the form here.
With best wishes
Anita Byrnes, President 
Supported events
Japanaroo 2022, September 3 -11
Expressions of interest (EOI) to host events as part of Japanaroo 2022 are open until this Friday, July 15. Visit https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/Japanaroo.html for further information about EOIs. The key visual for Japanaroo was been created by Sydney-based artist, Ken Done. See also the Consulate of Japan in Sydney’s Facebook page.
Japan Foundation Exhibition:
Storymakers in Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition from July 29th
Five contemporary Japanese artists evoke imagery from traditional fairy tales across cultures through their art. More details here.
JPF are holding an Opening Reception (July 29th) and a Curators’ Talk (July 30th) as well.
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.
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Community news
Green bird cleanup community arrives in Australia
Stephanie Takeuchi, a Japanese learner and teacher, is teaming up with Green Bird, a Japanese organisation with an aim to spread the cleanliness of Japan around the world! Their mission is group cleanup activities and awareness raising about the pandemic of plastic in the environment. If you would like more information, see the Facebook group here.
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Got something you would like to share with the AJS-NSW community? Let us know by email.
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July 2022 Newsletter