Event Archive

Saturday 13th March Family Barefoot Bowling Never done it before? It's a lot of fun ...and even a great time to practice your Japanese ! Our barefoot bowling has become one of our regular annual events. As in past years AJS members can expect a fun time of "active competition" at a great social event, together with members of the Japanese Society of Sydney and RexJa. Come and join the fun of trying your talents at lawn bowls! People of any age or fitness can participate and no previous experience is necessary. Tuition will be provided and you may join a team to pit your skills against the opposition! Following the bowling a light BBQ will be provided. Time: 4:00pm Place: North Sydney Bowling Club, Rydge St, North Sydney Cost: $35 members + family | $45 non-member Adults and Children $25 includes tuition and light BBQ. Location and Access: By car: Parking is available at the North Sydney Bowling Club. By public transport: Train to North Sydney station then walk 20 minutes or catch the 200 Bus to Ridge St; OR Bus from the city to North Sydney by 203, 207, 228, 229, 230, 261 or 273 (for details www.131500.info) >> more infomation... September 2010 Sumo Watching Party To all Sumo fans among our members, AJS-NSW has decided to postpone our annual Sumo Watching Party, usually held in July, to the Aki-Basho in September. This is due to uncertainties related to current scandals in the sport...BUT it is definitely in our schedule for the September Tokyo Basho. We will soon be announcing some more fabulous events for August and spring too. Wednesday 11 August Japan's Food Manga 'Oishinbo' Million-seller manga writer Tetsu Kariya talks about his work Japan's manga are famous around the world and one of the most well-known in Japan is the Oishinbo series, created by Tetsu Kariya. Oishinbo (the title combines the Japanese word for delicious,oishii, and the word for someone who loves to eat, kuishinbo) is focused on Japanese food and has been published since 1983 in Japanese and since 2009 in English translation. It was also made into a TV series. The storyline concerns the adventures of culinary journalist Shiro Yamaoka and his partner (and later wife) Yuko Kurita. Mr. Kariya will introduce his philosophy of manga and Japanese food. There will be time for questions, followed by networking over drinks. Don't miss this unique opportunity to meet one of the most acclaimed manga writers, who moved to Sydney to live more than twenty years ago! Time : 6-8pm (venue opens 5:30pm) Networking drinks and snacks to follow presentation. Venue TressCox Lawyers Level 20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 Cost $30 AJS members $35 non-members Places are limited, so make sure you send us your booking form ( download below) early to reserve your place! Also please note we cannot accept payment on the day, so please pay by cheque or credit card in advance. >> more infomation... 23 June 2010 Japan Market Entry Success Stories Learn from two leading entrepreneurs: Alfred Moufarrige, founder and CEO of ServCorp Pty Ltd Gordon Davies, Vice-President Asia-Pacific, LANSA Pty Ltd Our two speakers will present two different stories of success in the demanding Japanese market. Alf Moufarrige is the CEO of ServCorp, the second largest operator in the serviced and virtual office market worldwide. ServCorp established its first facility in Japan in 1993 and now has 18 centres, with a further six being considered. The company is the leading Australian corporate employer in Japan. ServCorp is now expanding rapidly through the US and the Middle East, as well as Japan. Gordon Davies is the VP, Asia-Pacific for LANSA, an Australian software development platform company. Founded in 1987, LANSA entered Japan via a distributor relationship, but subsequently LANSA Japan was spun out of that company before becoming a 100% subsidiary of LANSA at the end of last year. LANSA technology is actively used by 1200 leading Japanese corporations. The discussion will include start-up challenges and the speakers will give their perspectives on key factors for success. There will be time for Q&A, followed by networking over drinks. Time: 6-8pm (venue opens 5:30pm) Metworking drinks and snacks to follow presentation. Place: Level20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Tresscox Lawyers) Cost: AJS Members $30; Non-members $35 >> more infomation... 7th April 2010 Utamaro Japanese prints: AJS Cultural Event Join AJS friends at a lecture at the Art Gallery of NSW 6:00 - 7:00 pm with drinks or tour following We have secured a priority group booking for a talk related to the Utamaro Japanese prints exhibition showing February through May at the Art Gallery of NSW. Following the one-hour talk, we will have drinks in the Modern Australian gallery, or you may care to join a public tour of the Utamaro exhibition led by one of the Gallery’s art experts. Early sign up is essential for this event. Our group booking at Gallery member rates is only confirmed until February 12 and to attend as a group we must have your confirmation before then. >> more infomation... 28th April 2010 Shaberanaito- Japanese speaking-practice dinner Our last Japanese speaking only Shaberanaito was a great success. So much so that we had to cut off acceptances early, as all the places were filled. At our Japanese speaking Shaberanaito, join us for dinner and Japanese conversation together with Japanese native speakers. Don't worry if you are just a beginner of Japanese language, this practice session will definitely assist you. So why not join us? From 6pm though - it's "Japanese speaking only!" Time: 6:00 PM Place: International Nippon Australia & New Zealand Club 229 Macquarie St Sydney Tel: 9232 2688 Cost:AJSNSW Members (and guests of corporate members) $25 JETAA and JSS members - ALL $25 Non-Members $30. Cost includes great Japanese food. Drinks are on your own account >> more infomation... Wednesday 24 February 2010 Working for a Japanese Company AJS Business Series 2010 Our speakers panel presents two perspectives: Mr. Hiro Kaji, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia Pty Ltd Craig Vincent, Manager in the Food Division, Itochu Australia Ltd Our speakers will provide an up-to-date look at what it means to work for a Japanese company in the current Australian business climate. As the relationship between Australia and Japan has deepened over the past thirty years, more Australians hope to make use of their knowledge of Japan in their careers. Mr. Kaji will present his perspective on what is important to his Japanese company in terms of developing its Australian business and the implications for recruiting. Craig Vincent will outline his career development and give us his perspective as an employee of a major trading house. 5:30 for 6pm - 8 p.m. Networking drinks and snacks following presentation Venue: TressCox Lawyers Level 20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 Cost: $30 AJS members $35 non-members >> more infomation... Wednesday 9 September 2009 Australia and Japan - Partnering in Asia AJS Business Series 2009 The AJS-NSW is a co-sponsor of a business seminar exploring the opportunities for Australian companies to partner with Japanese firms in Asia. Professor Peter Drysdale of ANU will present findings based on a report commissioned by Austrade identifying such opportunities and new collaborative business models. A distinguished panel including Elizabeth Masamune, Senior Trade Commissioner, Austrade Tokyo; Sir Rod Eddington, President AJBCC; Ambassador of Japan Mr. Takaaki Kojima; Mr. Atsushi Oi, Chairman and MD of Mitsui & Co. (Australia); David Hudson of Leighton Holdings, among others, will contribute information and perspectives. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m Networking before and after the seminar NSW Trade and Investment Centre Level 47 MLC Centre, Martin Place, Sydney NSW >> more infomation... 23rd July 09 Sumo Night Almost everyone who loves Japan loves sumo, and our July sumo night by TV live in Sydney has been a great crowd-pleaser over recent years. This most traditional of Japanese sports has gone truly international, with Mongolians now dominating. In the year since we last enjoyed the sumo together, the promising Europeans have all fallen short, but now a new star has appeared to threaten the two established kingpins. There's nothing like the atmosphere that builds up over the last couple of days of a tournament - a build-up you can only enjoy by watching all the events, uninterrupted. That's what we're going to do, on the 12th day of the Nagoya basho. The drinks, the eats and the wining prizes will fuel the friendly fun. Our new venue at the Menzies promises to deliver the best experience ever. Dont miss it! PRIZES: Enjoy and support your favorite wrestlers and win prizes!!! Please note we cannot accept payment on the night, so make sure you send us your booking form early to reserve your place! Place: Sporters Bar, The Menzies Hotel (Lower Ground Floor) 14 Carrington Street Sydney (Very Close to Wynyard Bus and Train Station) Cost: AJSNSW Members (and guests of corporate members) and RexJA $30 Non-Members $35. Cost includes great two drinks and cocktail food >> more infomation... 24th June 09 Japanese Investment Down-Under - Recent events and where to from here? AJS Business Series 2009 Through the eyes of veteran Japanese journalist, Tomohiro Takasa In the recent past, a number of events have altered the landscape of Japanese investment in Australia. The abrupt decline of the Aussie dollar against the yen, Kirin's purchase of National Foods and more recently Lion Nathan, the acquisition of a stake in the Australian life insurance industry by a Japanese insurer, and the increasing interest of Chinese companies in the Australian mining sector, are set against the global financial crisis and its heavy impact on Japan. Veteran Japanese journalist Tomohiro Takasa will give us some background and explain the current perspective of Japanese business towards Australia. Takasa-san's presentation (in English) will include time for Q&A, followed by networking over drinks and canapes. 5:30 for 6pm - 8 p.m. networking drinks and snacks following presentation Venue: TressCox Lawyers Level 20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 Cost $30 AJS members | $35 non-members >> more infomation... 4th June 09 Shaberunaito ! Japanese speaking-practice dinner Last year, did you miss our "Japanese speaking only" Shaberanaito? If you have been to our English speaking Shaberanaito, then you know the format. Our Japanese speaking Shaberanaito is a little different. We will all join for dinner and Japanese conversation together with Japanese native speakers. Don't worry if you are just a beginner of Japanese language, this practice session will definitely assist you. So why not join us? From 6pm its "Japanese speaking only!" Place: International Nippon Australia & New Zealand Club 229 Macquarie St Sydney Tel: 9232 2688 Cost: AJSNSW Members (and guests of corporate members) $25 JETAA and JSS members - ALL $25 Non-Members $30. Cost includes great Japanese food. Drinks are on your own account >> more infomation... >> more infomation... 14th May 09 AJS Business Series 2009 no. 2 Manga and Anime: Global Phenomena? An illustrated presentation by Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Mr. Nobuhito Hobo. Location: TressCox Lawyers, Level 20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 Cost: $30 members, $35 non-members All events are evening events, starting from 6pm, with ample opportunity for networking over drinks and snacks. For information about these events, or to sign up, please email infonsw@austjapanfed.org.au or phone 02 9214 7410 >> more infomation... 11th March 2009 AJS Business Series 2009 The Japanese Tourism Market in Australia: what is happening and why? The number of Japanese visitors to Australia in 2008 was the lowest since the pilots' strike of 1989. In just two years, the market has fallen 30 percent, despite a strengthening yen. Meanwhile, forecasts for 2009 present an even bleaker picture. What has happened to Australia's once largest and most lucrative inbound market? What opportunities exist for the future? Can the movie Australia have any impact to revive Japanese interest in the sunburnt land? Dr Roger March of the University of NSW, who has studied and acted as consultant on the market for the past 15 years, will present a timely and provocative analysis of where it all went wrong, and possible scenarios for the future. 5:30 - 8 p.m.Talk from 6pm Networking drinks and snacks following Venue Tresscox Lawyers Level 20, 135 King St, Sydney NSW 2000 Cost $30 AJS members $35 non-members Please note we cannot accept payment on the night, so make sure you send us your booking form early to reserve your place! >> more infomation... February 25th 2009 Heritage of Modern Japanese Architecture- Tange's DNA JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE LECTURE Heritage of modern Japanese architecture: Tange's DNA 5:30 - 6:30pm Paul Noritaka Tange, architect and President of Tange Associates, will deliver a lecture about the legacy of his father, Kenzo Tange, one of Japan's most honoured architects. Kenzo Tange was a teacher, writer, architect and urban planner, revered not only for his own work but also for his influence on many architects today. The lecture will discuss the works of Kenzo Tange and his influence on modern Japanese architecture. Presented in association with the Embassy of Japan. (followed by a short reception) Free - no booking required Centenary Auditorium : Art Gallery of New South Wales Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney Further Enquiries: Ann MacArthur Senior Coordinator of Asian Program (02) 92251702 Art Gallery of New South Wales. >> more infomation... Friday 31 Oct 2008 The Australia Japan Friendship Dinner Come and join us for a a great night organised by AJSNSW Director Masanori Ohtani. Meet with His Excellency Mr Takaaki Kojima, Ambassador of Japan and other dignatories and enjoy a splendid performance of Japanese traditional dance Nihon buyo by Mizuki Kako & her team from Japan. What is nihon buyo? Nihon buyo is Japanese dance. However, unlike forms of Japanese art more closely associated with daily life (Shinto ritual kagura, local art transmitted across generations, bon folk dances, minyo folk songs, for example), Nihon buyo is an independent performing art intended for the stage. This should prove to be a great night at one of Sydney's most prestigious clubs. So why not invite your family and friends to join too? Two course meal and drinks included. Venue: Union, University and Schools Club 25 Bent Street (Cnr. Phillip/Bent St.) AJSNSW Members (and family members) $85 Non-Members $90 Cost includes two course meal, wine beer and soft drinks >> more infomation... Thu 24th July 2008 Sumo night ! Those of us who have seen Sumo live in Japan, know just what an incredible spectacle it can be. Lots of vibrant colour, stylized ceremony, noise and heightened anticipation. Well, you might not be able to fly to Nagoya to the Aichi Gymnasium on Thursday 24th July in time for the final days of the basho (tournament) but the AJSNSW can give you the next best thing! Come along to join with other AJSNSW members at Harts Pub in the city and see a live satellite feed of the Sumo. Full details and booking forms will be sent out shortly by our E-invite email. Why not also bring your friends? But register early, as this event is always popu-lar and places fill up fast. >> more infomation... 11th June 08 A Special Invitation to those who have bilingual experience Your Chance to Provide Input into the Development of Training in Bilingual Work Heather Glass is a long time professional who has been working in the Japanese interpreting and translation field out of Perth. Some members may recall last year she spoke at an AJS organised event on issues in relation to the use of interpreters. Heather has been retained by Government's Government Skills Australia to conduct a series of focus groups with the input being used in the development of a training package for people working in a bilingual environment. Government Skills Australia www.governmentskills.com.au is one of eleven national Industry Skills Councils contracted by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) to manage the Training Packages for its industries. On Wednesday of next week 11th June, Heather will be running a small focus group to workshop opinions from people who have bilingual skills. It will be held from 5:30 -7.30 at Harris St Ultimo. [Full details of the venue are attached]. Refreshments are provided. This will only be a small group, so participation will be on a first come first served basis. Please confirm your ability to participate directly to tamara.shinners@governmentskills.com.au. tel 08 8410 2842. and also cc to bookingsnsw@austjapanfed.org.au Cost: Complimentary but entrance by reservation only. (Numbers are limited so reservations are accepted in date order) >> more infomation... 6th June 2008 Presentation of the 2nd Inoue Yasushi Award Inoue Yasushi was one of the most famous and respected Japanese novelists in Post-War Japanese Literature. The Award, which will be presented, was established by the Inoue Yasushi Memorial Culture Foundation and set up at the University of Sydney in 2006 to encourage Australian researchers, scholars and Ph.D students who are studying Japanese culture and literature. The attached invitation is issued by AJS Director Ohtani-san. "I am hoping many people will attend this event and that it will be able to assist a both more Australian interest and understanding in modern Japanese culture and literature." Place: The Japan Foundation, Sydney Shop 23, Level 1 Chifley Plaza 2 Chifley Square Cost: Complimentary but entrance by reservation only - download details below. Drinks and canapes provided. >> more infomation... 22nd May 08 Breaking New Ground - An evening with young success stories Thursday 22nd May 5:30-7:00pm All around us every day, young people are reworking and deepening Australia-Japan connections in myriad new ways. Sometimes the Australia-Japan Society gets involved. Sometimes we lend a hand. Come and meet some exceptional young people we have helped. Hear their stories, see what they are doing. Guests of Honour: Members of Team Australia - Hugo Muecke | Leanne and Naomi Shedlezki Place: TressCox Lawyers, 20F 135 King St, Sydney Cost: Free - Admission is free, but you must pre-register by providing your name and organisational affiliation no later than 16 May. Tel 9214 7410 or email infonsw@austjapanfed.org.au Your registration will be acknowledged. Acknowledgement: The Australia-Japan Society of NSW thanks TressCox Lawyers for hosting the function, and the Australia-Japan Foundation and the Federation of Australia-Japan Societies for their financial support. >> more infomation... 25th Feb 2008 JETRO Seminar to focus on East Asian Regionalism JETRO Seminar "The Roadmap Towards Economic Integration in East Asia- The future roles for Australia and Japan". The Japan External Trade Organization Sydney and the Australia-Japan Research Centre at the Crawford School of Economics and Government of the Australian National University are pleased to invite you to a half-day seminar on the roadmap for East Asian Regionalism on the 25th of February (Monday) at the Sydney Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. (Supported by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Sydney) At the seminar a representative from the ASEAN Secretariat, economists from Japan and Australia and businesspeople will discuss the economic merits and business opportunities that the economic integration of East Asia, with its population of 3.1 billion and combined gross domestic product (GDP) of 10 trillion dollar, offers. Place: Sydney Convention and Exhibition Center, Bayside Room 204 【Seminar】13:30～17:05 【Reception】17:10～19:00 Cost: Free - but you must register using download form below >> more infomation... 22 Feb 08 World Heritage Wooden Structure Tourism Forum and Cocktail Reception Japan National Tourist Organisation function As a part of the Visit Japan Campaign, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism of Japan, Japan Municipalities Council of Wooden Structure World Heritages Municipalities of Nara, Himeji, Ikaruga and Nanwa Wide Area Union) cordially invites you to World Heritage Wooden Structure Tourism Forum in Sydney (followed by Cocktail Reception). KEYNOTE SPEECH Japan's World Heritage Wooden Structures. The background, structure, and technology Prof. Yukio Nishimura (The University of Tokyo), former Vice Chairman of International Council on Monuments and Sites PRESENTATION "The Appeal of Japan's World Heritage Wooden Structures" - Representatives of the municipalities of Nara, Himeji, Ikaruga and Yoshino SPECIAL LECTURE "Shape and Heart of the Yamabushi" Purifying the heart in the rigors of nature Rev. Kyozen Nakai (Chief priest of Kizo-in, sub temple of Goji-in Temple of Mt. Omine, Yoshino) Place: Grand Ball Room, Shangri-la Hotel, The Rocks Registration: The AJS has secured a limited number of complimentary invitations to the forum and cocktail reception for its members. To secure your invitation, please send your name, email and phone contact details to infonsw@austjapanfed.org.au Registration will be done on a "first come-first served basis" to Members only. Hurry and place your booking by the 4th February. Your registration will be confirmed by return email. (Only successful registrants will be notified) 21 Nov 07 Annual General Meeting A number of our members will attend a function at the Japan Foundation on the day originally proposed for our AGM. As such we have decided to hold the AGM on Wednesday 21st, same time and place. We regret any inconvenience caused. Place: Blake Dawson Waldron Level 36 Grosvenor Place 225 George St, Sydney Cost: Free (light refreshments) but to assist with catering arrangements please drop us an email to advise that you will attend infonsw@austjapanfed.org.au >> more infomation... 10 - 26 Oct 07 Travelling Exhibition - Japanese Pottery: the Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns Part of a worldwide tour, Japanese Pottery: the Rising Generation from Traditional Kilns introduces to us outstanding works by a new generation of Japanese artists. The 35 selected for this exhibition are seen as Japan’s most promising artists, tipped to be the nation’s future leaders in ceramic arts. Selected works will also be on display at Books Kinokuniya's gallery space for the duration of the exhibition, located on level 2 of The Galeries Victoria, Sydney. Japan Foundation Gallery Level 1 Chifley Plaza, 2 Chifley Square, Sydney Mon - Fri, 11am - 4pm (02) 8239 0055 >> more infomation... 19th July 07 Sumo Night Come and join our July sumo night at the Rocks! Always a great crowd-pleaser… This most traditional of Japanese sports has gone truly international. The Hawaiians are gone and the Mongolians now dominate, but a bunch of Europeans are coming up fast. Hakuho, a young Mongolian, was recently promoted to yokozuna (grand champion). He will be the centre of attention in this round. Join us to watch as events unfold – the drinks, eats and competitions will fuel the friendly fun. Don’t miss out! 5:30 to 8:00 Harts Pub, Ground Floor, Shangri-La Hotel, Cnr Gloucester & Essex Streets, the Rocks Cost: $30 members | $35 non-members 10th May 2007 Presentation by Taichi Sakaiya Author, Economist Former Minister of the Economic Planning Agency Special assignment Professor at Waseda University Sakaiya-san has had a distinguished career both in Government and as an author. His writing covers a wide range of areas including economic crisis, Japanese society, the baby-boomer generation, and also novels based on history. He has been internationally recognised for analysing the future. This presentation is sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan and supported by the Australia-Japan Society and Blake Dawson Waldron. 12:00-2:30pm Place: Blake Dawson Waldron Level 36, Grosvenor Place 225 George Street, Sydney >> more infomation... 16th April 07 AJS Issues Dialogue Series: Speaking Japanese - a Two Edged Sword? Heather Glass, Managing Director Japan Australia Word Services (JAWS) Pty Ltd Heather Glass runs a Perth based Japanese interpreting and translation company and is President and Fellow of the Western Australian Insitute of Translators and Interpreters (WAITI) Inc. Completing degrees in both Australia and Japan, she has interpreted for Prime Ministers, in Supreme Courts and her company services the Asia Pacific region. She manages interpreting teams and supervises the production of high quality multilingual material. Heather is well placed to explain what your company should expect when it uses a translator or an interpreter. Often companies are unaware of what they need - what are the issues and the pitfalls involved in utilising interpreters and translators? At the same time, Heather is going to explain, for people wishing to use their Japanese in a commercial setting, what issues they will face. Advice for those that wish to follow the elite path of being a professional interpreter or translator will also be covered. Time: 12.30 - 1.45 pm Place: Deacons Level 8 Gold Fields House 1 Alfred Street Circular Quay Sydney Cost: Light luncheon and refreshments - $30.00 members $20.00 students and seniors $35.00 non-members 15th April 07 Tezuka Osamu manga exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales Did you know?US market for anime is estimated to be over US$3 billlion. The manga boom began in Japan in 1959. Want to learn more about manga? [Source: Japan Spotlight Japan Economic Foundation] Join us for a guided tour of the Tezuka Osamu manga exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales followed by devonshire tea. Tezuka Osamu is heralded as an icon of the Japanese manga movement; acknowledged in Japan as an artistic master and revered as the figurehead of the manga and anime industries. Time: 2.30 - 4.00 pm Place: Meet at the Information Desk, Art Gallery of New South Wales Cost: $30.00 members $20.00 students and seniors $35.00 non-members 31st March 2007 Have you tried your hand at Japanese Tea Ceremony? Tea Lesson - - Lecture, Demonstration & Practice - TIME: 14:00 – 16:00 THE JAPAN FOUNDATION, SYDNEY SHOP 23, LEVEL 1, CHIFLEY PLAZA 2 CHIFLEY SQUARE, SYDNEY MAIN ORGANISER: The Cultural Committee of the Japanese Society of Sydney Inc. SUPPORTED BY: The Japan Foundation, Sydney The Australia-Japan Society of NSW INSTRUCTORS: Chado Urasenke Tankokai Sydney Association CAPACITY: Maximum 30 ADMISSION: Member $20 / Non-Member $30 (Priority is given to members of the Japanese Society of Sydney, The Japan Foundation, Sydney and the Australia-Japan Society of N.S.W. Non-members may be admitted if seats are available.) Monday June 7 2010 Annual Inoue Yasushi Award Modern Japanese literature and film night Award Presentation and Japanese Film Screening Presentation of the 4th Inoue Yasushi Award by Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Dr. Kohara Talk and reading by poet Yoshiko Kuroda, daughter of Inoue Yasushi Screening of Sen-no Rikyu-Honkakubo Ibun, an original film based on an Inoue story, in Japanese with English subtitles The event is co-sponsored by AJS-NSW along with the Japan Foundation and the Japanese Society of Sydney and supported by Kinokuniya Bookstores. 6:00 for 6:15pm The Japan Foundation, Multipurpose Room Shop 23, Level 1 Chifley Plaza 2 Chifley Square, Sydney Cost: Complimentary but entrance by reservation only. (Numbers are limited so reservations are accepted in date order) Drinks and sushi provided. >> more infomation...