July 2010

5th July 2010
The Hedgehog – free preview tickets

Madman Entertainment is releasing The Hedgehog in cinemas July 8 and is already receiving great critical acclaim, including:

"Such heart-warming films are rare" - VERSION FEMINA
"Intelligent, ironic and touching" - FIGAROSCOPE
"A really endearing film. Josiane Balasko is a great actress." - Elle

The Hedgehog is a moving story about love, life and the beauty of unexpected friendships, and is based on the book L'elegance du herisson. Starring: Togo Igawa

The AJS has been provided with 10 passes (for 2 persons each) for the preview on Monday July 5, 6:30pm, Palace Centro Cinemas

The first 10 AJS members to respond will be given these free tickets.

Email: execsec@austjpnsoc.asn.au

10th July 2010
AJS Culture and Language Workshop

Section I:
10:00 AM – 12:00 midday
Japanese proverbs - kotowaza

Section II:
12:30 pm- 2:30PM
Public speaking

Room 1.9, Level One
Brisbane Central Library

RSVP: execsec@austjpnsoc.asn.au

18th July 2010
Australian National Sumo Championships

Special Guest : 64th Yokozuna Akebono

Tallebudgera Recreation Centre
1525 Gold Coast Hwy,
North Palm Beach,

Competitions by weight division for junior and senior men and women.

Admission: Adults $5 Children $2

Further information:

Phone : 0400969399
e-mail : sumoaus@bigpond.net.au

24th July 2010
Drum Tao

Following their highly-successful and critically acclaimed sell out World Tours and No.1 box-office smash hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Japan's most celebrated and elite company of martial drummers, DRUM-TAO, will tour Australia bringing with them their breathtaking blend of ancient and modern percussion artistry in their new aw-inspiring and innovative production

The incomparable quality and pure unadulterated power and spectacle of their work perfectly blends the ancient traditions of the Taiko Drumming and martial arts mastery with the innovative and flawlessly choreographed production values of contemporary Japanese excellence.

further information

An exciting line-up of quality world cinema to inspire, educate and entertain young minds. The 11 day festival serves up the best features, documentaries and shorts from around the globe at the Australian Cinematheque GoMA, and all screenings are free.

New additions to the festival programme include 'Sparks After Dark' - special evening screenings for young adults - and the 'Family Film Fiesta' presented by Brisbane City Council - a whole weekend of films and movie-themed activities for families. King George Square and Queen Street mall will be transformed into a hub a film fun during the Family Film Fiesta.

further information

10th & 11th July 10
Ninjutsu & Jujutsu Seminar and Training

Ever wondered what a real ninja is like? Well martial arts students, enthusiasts and novices will have a unique opportunity to find out at a public exhibition of skill and training seminar, Genbukan Ninpo Taikai 2010, to be held in Brisbane next month.

Details at www.ninpo.com.au

Royal on the Park
Alice & Albert Sts, Brisbane

31 July 10
Japanese Charity Bazaar

The Japanese Club of Brisbane will hold its annual Charity Bazaar, including a games corner for children, stalls selling Japanese food and sweets, and raffles with good prizes.

This is a great community event - all are welcome!

Venue: Indooroopilly State High School
Time: 12:30 PM - around 2:30PM.

8th September, 2010
Living Dreams- Wine and Cheese Fundraiser

You are invited to a fundraising “Wine & Cheese” Evening to support Living Dreams, a non-profit organisation which was established with the dream of making a real difference by enriching and empowering the lives of orphans living across Japan’s 552 “Children’s Homes”.

Today, Living Dreams works closely with 23 orphanages in Tokyo, identifying and meeting the specific needs for each home. The mission of Living Dreams is to create consistent opportunities for children in these Children’s Homes to help them find inspiration, build confidence and receive critical guidance and support through suchactivities as Learning, Sports, Arts and Technology.

Location
Date: Wednesday 8th September, 2010
Time: Doors will open at 5:45pm for a 6pm start

Venue: Bleeding Heart Art Gallery, 166 Ann Street, Brisbane

Tickets: Tickets are $30 and can be purchased with proceeds to be donated to Living Dreams. Upon receipt of payment, tickets will be e-mailed to attendees prior to the event.
Please RSVP by Friday 27th August to Mrs. Mick Hashimoto at mick2803@hotmail.com

The fundraiser is proudly supported by joint sponsors, the Australia Japan Society Qld. Inc. and the Japanese Speakers Business Group.

JSBG Coffee Club Group

Due to requests from members, the Japanese Speakers Business Group (JSBG) now has a new weekly JSBG Coffee Club Group

The idea is provide a weekly venue and time when members can meet in an unstructured and informal setting and speak Japanese.

The venue for the regular meetings will be the :

Coffee Club
Waterfront Place,
1 Eagle Street

from 1730 to 1900 ( or later) each Tuesday.

No need to RSVP - a core group of JSBG members will be on hand at each meeting - just turn up, grab a drink or meal, and join in.!

17th September to 24th September 10
Japan Week

The Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane, has announced that Japan Week in 2010 will occur from 17 – 24th September.

More detailed information will be provided in coming AJS newsletters.

Early October 10
Brisbane Trade Mission to Kobe

Councilor Graham Quirk, Deputy Mayor of Brisbane, has announced that Brisbane is planning to send a Trade Mission to Kobe in early October. Whilst the relationship has historically been focused on cultural and education ties, Brisbane City Council wants to further develop trade ties and create business and employment opportunities in Brisbane.

Details of the planned mission have not been finalised but interested persons should contact:

International Relations Unit
Lord Mayor's Administration Office
Brisbane City Council
3403 4531
internationalrelations@brisbane.qld.gov.au

Visit by Kobe delegation to Brisbane

Celebration of 25th Anniversary of the Brisbane – Kobe Sister City relationship

In late June, Brisbane hosted the Kobe Lord Mayor, Mr Tatsuo Yada, and a delegation of Kobe City Councilors and business owners. The delegates visited the Port of Brisbane and were interested in green technology and sustainability, bio tech developments, and education services.

Photo – Civic Celebration in the Queen Street Mall, with Mayor Tatsuo Yada and Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk.

The Japan Foundation’s Opening of the “Japanese in Anime & Manga” Website

The Japan Foundation is happy to announce the Grand Opening of its “Japanese in Anime & Manga” Website:

http://anime-manga.jp/

The site offers a fun way to learn Japanese expressions in anime and manga. Students are able to choose their own level of study and explore single phrases, grammar and pronunciation using 8 characters typically found in anime and manga. In addition there is also a word quiz and kanji game available.

With the popularity of manga and anime skyrocketing, the site is sure to be popular with Australians of all ages!

Doing Business with Japan: The Perspective of Australian Companies

This report, launched 25th June, commissioned by the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) and compiled by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne provides new insight into one of Australia’s key economic relationships.
The survey found that Australian companies are overwhelmingly optimistic about their future business prospects with Japan, and the economic relationship is vital and varied.

view | download report [ pdf ]

New Trade and Investment Queensland office, Tokyo

The Trade and Investment Queensland Tokyo office is now operating from its new premises in Shiroyama Trust Tower, Roppongi, Tokyo in the heart of the new business district.

The Hon Andrew Fraser MP, Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development officially opened the new combined Trade and Investment Office on 23 June 2010.

The original office has been operating out of the same building for more than 30 years. The Japan team looks forward to continuing its valued services and advice to the business community from its modern new home. The space also includes a conference room that can be used to host seminars and profile Queensland companies and industries with Japanese companies.

For more information on the relocation and services available on the ground in Tokyo, please contact the North Asia Team on +61 7 3224 6215 or email Takao.Yamana@trade.qld.gov.au

Please update your contact details to:

15F Shiroyama Trust Tower
4-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-6015
Japan
Tel +81 3 6841 0595
Fax +81 3 6841 0597

New Members

Kerin Family

For events around Australia :  Federation of Australia-Japan Societies website

Do you have something you'd like to share with AJS members?

Perhaps a travel story, article, Japan-related book or movie review, recipe or photograph. We always welcome any suggestions from members. Please send your contributions to Go-Nichi to the following email address: newsletter@austjpnsoc.asn.au

The AJS e-newsletter is sent to members at the end of the first week in every month.