President's message
2026, or Reiwa 8 in the Japanese calendar, has so far been a busy year for our Society and the Australia-Japan community. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Australia-Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, commonly known as the NARA Treaty, we can expect even more events that will celebrate the ongoing strength and development of the relationship.
Our Society began the year with a Shinnenkai or New Year event, held at the Orient Hotel on a beautiful Sydney summer evening. Thanks to all members who joined us for a casual and enjoyable evening of conversation with new and old friends.
 Our next event was a Japanese speaking evening with visiting students from Teikyo Heisei University, held at Izakaya Masuya. Despite arriving in Sydney that very morning, the students engaged enthusiastically in conversation with AJS members and friends, sharing thoughts and seeking advice about Sydney. We plan more Shaberanaito evenings during the year.
March saw the AFC Women's Asian Cup fill our screens with the superlative skills of the Nadeshiko Japan team. With the early Japan matches played in Perth, AJS hosted a watching party at Ichiro's Sports Bar in Crows Nest on March 10. In our role as an Asian Cup Cultural Ambassador, we were able to offer lucky members tickets to attend the later Japan matches in person, including the packed-out final between the Matildas and Japan. While fhe result may not have been what Australian fans wished for, the final was a fitting wrap to two weeks of wonderful soccer. Congratulations Nadeshiko Japan!
Our Zoom Culture series continued on March 25 with a talk by Dr. Stephen Utick on Saving Tsubaki for Australia – the conservation activities of Camellia Ark Australia. Australian camellia aficionados were responsible for bringing to Australia many now rare cultivars, some of which can be seen at Tsubaki Yama at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mt. Tomah. A recording of the talk is available here.
Finally our Student Awards night will be held on May 12. This lively event is an annual highlight, with the Awards presented by the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, followed by networking over drinks with the students, their lecturers, and families and friends. We look forward to seeing you then, or at another event soon.
Anita Byrnes, President
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April 2026 Newsletter
