Happy New Year message from Ambassador Yamagami

A message from His Excellency Yamagami Shingo, Ambassador of Japan to Australia:

 

Dear ALL

 

My belated greetings of a happy new year!

 

I hope you will enjoy the latest newsletters as well as my interviews with Australian newspapers.

 

Wishing this year will bring good health, stable peace and further prosperity to you,

Shingo  

 

News From Under the Southern Cross

News From Under the Southern Cross (Edition 97):  Occasional Address at the University of Newcastle Graduation Ceremony

 

News From Under the Southern Cross (Edition 98): A Visit from the Yokohama DeNA Baystars

 

News From Under the Southern Cross (Edition 99): The Indian Pacific Railway

 

 

Interviews

‘Beware the sting in China’s tale’, The Australian, Monday 9 January 2023

‘No ordinary diplomat’: The outspoken ambassador infuriating China, The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 13 January 2023

 

Forthcoming Events

AJBC will hold an event early or mid-April 2023 at the residence of the Japanese Consul-General in Perth featuring senior diplomats, politicians and business people presenting on emerging trends in the Australia-Japan trading alliance and cultural relationship between the countries. More information will be provided in due course.

AJBC Executive Committee members were privileged and honoured to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his recent Perth visit.

When Prime Minister Kishida visited Perth in late October, the Australia Japan Business Council of WA (AJBC) was delighted that two of its executives were invited to privately meet with him.

 

Ms Mayumi Laughton-Smith, AJBC Deputy Chair, was one of only 13 guests to meet with the Prime Minister at a dinner function hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Yamagami Shingo.  Mr Andrew Tan, AJBC Executive Member and President & CEO for Oceania –  Chiyoda, was one of a few select corporate invitees to attend the business leaders’ luncheon.

 

The importance of AJBC, a dedicated business council to represent the mutual interests of Japanese and Western Australian businesses, cannot be overstated.

A full house for the AJBC-WA ’s networking event “Broome’s Pearling Past and Future” hosted by Linneys Pearls.

The Australia Japan Business Council (WA) Inc. teamed up with Linneys’ Pearls to acknowledge the longstanding beneficial relationship that the Japanese community has forged with Broome and the broader Kimberley region.

 

In the delightful New York style loft showroom that is Linneys’ King Street premises, AJBC Chair Richard Sandover presented guest speaker the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Primary Industry and Regional Development. The Minister addressed the importance of the WA-Japanese partnership particularly its longevity. From the earliest pearl divers arriving in Broome in the late nineteenth century through to today, the Japanese have left an indelible imprint on the community and social fabric of Broome.  Minister MacTiernan highlighted the beauty and ‘zen’ ambience of Broome’s Japanese cemetery and noted it has become a feature of any visit to Broome.

 

The Minister noted that Japanese naval vessels provided security for the Australian transport carriers that left from Albany on the long journey to Turkey and Europe in the early days of WW1. She also pointed out that Japanese imports of Western Australian iron ore did not commence with the Pilbara in the 1960s but rather export of iron ore from Koolan Island for a short period in the 1930s, with a certain BHP holding the first export licence.

 

On a note of pride and reflection, the Minister informed guests that she now had two Australian Japanese grandchildren, courtesy of her son marrying a Japanese girl. In her additional capacity as Minister for Hydrogen Industry, the Minister’s political responsibilities will continue to ensure that Japan is front and centre in her actions.

 

The AJBC thanked Justin Linney, CEO of Linneys Pearls for hosting the event.  Justin offered an insight into the origins of the Linney family company, and its present role in developing and promoting Australian South Sea Pearls.  Linneys provided a $500 door prize which was won by Curtin law student and AJBC intern, Nia Cura.

 

AJBC thanks were also offered to the Japanese Deputy Consul-General Mr. Naoki Semmyo, Rare Foods Australia and Glenarty Road Winery for the provision of extraordinary hors d’ouvres (including sea farmed abalone) and Howard Park wines from the Burch Family wine company and of course to the many members and followers of the AJBC who attended and enjoyed themselves on the night.

AJBCWA October Networking Event: Broome’s Pearling Past and Future

Join the Australia Japan Business Council (WA) at our October Networking Event ‘Broome’s Pearling Past and Future’, proudly supported by Linneys.

Featuring special guests Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development, Justin Linney, Creative Director of Linneys and the Japanese Consulate General of Japan in Perth and showcasing abalone from Rare Foods Australia and ocean cellared wine from Glenarty Road.

Date: Thursday 27 October 2022, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: 61 King St, Perth, Western Australia, AU, 6000
Event link:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/october-networking-event-broomes-pearling-past-and-future-tickets-427746079037 

Places are limited with RSVPs closing at 5pm on Tuesday, 20th October. Register now on the above link to secure your place.

METI Media Release: Big Energy and Climate Fortnight in Japan

METI have just announced a big fortnight for events related to energy, climate and GX (from 26 September to 7 October).
 
Addressing climate change is an urgent issue that the whole world must tackle together. In particular, it is important to achieve global carbon neutrality as soon as possible in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
 
On the other hand, the economic and geographical circumstances in which each country finds itself vary, and in order to advance efforts towards effective emission reduction, it is essential to accelerate ‘transitions’ that utilise a wide range of technologies and energy sources, taking into account diverse realities, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. In addition, it is important to engage developing countries in decarbonisation while promoting the creation and social implementation of innovative innovations that are not an extension of conventional technologies.
 
Ministers and leading global experts and leaders in various fields will be invited to the Tokyo GX Week, which will aim to realise a GX (Green Transformation) that links emission reductions to economic growth and development, while shifting from an economy, society and industrial structure that has been dependent on fossil fuels since the industrial revolution to an economy, society and industrial structure that is clean energy-centred.
 
Event summary:
 
(1) 2nd Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting (26 September)
(2) 4th International Conference on Carbon Recycling (26 September)
(3) 5th Hydrogen Ministerial Conference (26 September)
(4) 2nd International Conference on Fuel Ammonia (28 September)
(5) 11th LNG Production and Consumption Conference (29 September)
(6) 2nd Asia CCUS Network Forum (30 September)
(7) 4th TCFD Summit (5 October)
(8) 9th ICEF (5-6 October)
(9) 4th RD20 (Leaders’ Session) (6 October)
(10) 1st International GX Meeting (GGX) (7 October)
 
 
(1) The 2nd Asia Green Growth Partnership Ministerial Meeting
 
Date and time
Monday, 26 September
 
Place
Hotel New Otani (Hybrid)
 
Overview
In order to simultaneously realise economic growth and carbon neutrality in emerging economies such as Asia, diverse and realistic energy transitions are necessary, taking into account the circumstances of each country and utilising all energy sources and technologies. We plan to further discuss these ideas among participating countries based on the discussions at the AGGPM Public-Private Forum in April, and communicate them to the international community with an eye on meetings such as the G20 and COP27.
 
Hasegawa – Director, International Division, Director-General’s Secretariat, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Hayata – Coordinator for Strategic Coordination of International Resources and Energy
Contact person: Onui, Inori, Nojiri, Sugawara
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4491-4494)
03-3501-0598 (direct line)
03-3595-3056 (fax)
 
(2) The 4th International Conference on Carbon Recycling
 
Date and time
Monday, 26 September
 
Place
Online (streaming), etc.
 
Co-organised by
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO)
 
Overview
This conference will provide information on the progress of Japan’s initiatives in carbon recycling, which is a key technology for achieving carbon neutrality in the world, and will also bring together the wisdom of industry, academia and government from around the world to hold intensive discussions on the challenges of social implementation. The conference will also be timed to coincide with the launch of the Carbon Recycling Demonstration and Research Centre on Osaki-Kamijima in Hiroshima Prefecture, and will bring together the wisdom of industry, academia and government from around the world for intensive discussions on the challenges of social implementation. The aim is to further strengthen international cooperation.
 
Haneda – Director, Carbon Recycling Office, Director-General’s Secretariat, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Contact: Takeshi, Ginzawa, Kaneda
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4681)
03-3501-1727 (direct line)
03-3580-8564 (fax)
 
(3) The 5th Hydrogen Ministerial Conference
 
Date and time
Monday, 26 September
 
Place
Hotel New Otani (Hybrid)
 
Co-organised by
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO)
 
Overview
The Hydrogen Ministerial Conference was first held in Japan in 2018 for the first time in the world as a forum for promoting the use of hydrogen on a global scale and further collaboration among relevant countries in step with each other, and this year will be the fifth time it has been held. This year, in light of changes in the energy situation, the forum plans to deepen discussions on measures for energy security, promotion of involvement in hydrogen initiatives at the national and regional levels, and ways to support the promotion of hydrogen utilisation.
 
Hino – Director, New Energy Systems Division, Energy Conservation and New Energy Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Contact – Murao, Yoshida, Okano, Miki, Tatenda
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4451-4453)
03-3501-7807 (direct line)
03-3580-5308 (fax)
 
(4) The 2nd International Conference on Fuel Ammonia
 
Date and time
Wednesday, 28 September
 
Place
Online (to be streamed)
 
Co-organised by
Clean Fuels Ammonia Association (CFAA)
 
Overview
In order to build a stable, low-cost and flexible supply chain and market for fuel ammonia, which is effective in combating global warming, an international conference of countries, companies and organisations involved in fuel ammonia will be held to establish an international cooperation platform for those involved across national boundaries. During the conference, discussions will be deepened on the direction of efforts to increase international recognition of fuel ammonia and to expand supply and demand, involving potential supplier countries such as Saudi Arabia.
 
Saeki – Planning Officer, Oil and Natural Gas Division, Resources and Fuels Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Contact: Suzuki, Okamoto
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4641-4647)
03-3501-1817 (direct line)
03-3580-8563 (fax)
 
(5) The 11th LNG Production and Consumption Conference
 
Date and time
Thursday, 29 September
 
Place
Online (to be streamed)
 
Co-organised by
Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC)
 
Overview.
The LNG Production and Consumption Conference is the world’s largest LNG-related international conference where producing and consuming countries gather to discuss the development of the global LNG market, and will be held for the 11th time this year. This year’s conference will deepen discussions on the future market prospects of LNG, which is attracting increasing attention from the perspective of stable energy supply as well as climate change, and the measures required from the public and private sectors amid the drastic changes in the international energy situation.
 
Hayata – Director, Oil and Natural Gas Division, Resources and Fuels Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Contact: Hirai, Kuwano, Endo
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4641-4647)
03-3501-1817 (direct line)
03-3580-8563 (fax)
 
(6) 2nd Asia CCUS Network Forum
 
Date and time
Friday, 30 September
 
Place
Tokyo Prince Hotel (Hybrid)
 
Co-organised by
Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
 
Overview
The Asia CCUS Network was launched in June last year as an international industry-academia-government platform aiming to share knowledge and develop a business environment for the utilisation of CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) across Asia. In this second forum, the participants will review the progress made over the past year and deepen discussions on the creation of common rules and project formation for the realisation of a CCUS network across Asia through panel discussions among the participating countries.
 
Watanabe – Planning Officer, Policy Division, Resources and Fuels Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
Contact: Yoshida, Endo
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 4631-4636)
03-3501-2773 (direct line)
03-3580-1598 (fax)
 
(7) 4th TCFD Summit
 
Date and time
Wednesday, 5 October
 
Place
Roppongi Midtown Hall (Hybrid)
 
Co-organisers.
TCFD Consortium, The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
 
Conference website link
 
Overview
With the increasing importance of finance in the fight against climate change, the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), established at the request of the G20 as a framework for climate change-related information disclosure, aims to make the disclosure of climate-related financial information mandatory for companies and others. The TCFD was established at the request of the G20 as a framework for climate change-related financial disclosures.
At this TCFD Summit, together with leaders from industry and finance, we will discuss how to improve the quality of disclosure based on common international rules, how to ensure that transition and innovation initiatives, which are important tools for achieving carbon neutrality, are assessed by investors in a qualified manner, and how disclosure should be made to encourage the supply of funds.
 
Kajikawa – Director, Environmental Economy Office, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau
Contact: Inoue, Hashimoto, Okuzaki
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 3453)
03-3501-1770 (direct line)
03-3501-7697 (fax)
 
(8) 9th ICEF
 
Date and time
Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October
 
Place.
Chinzan-so (hybrid)
 
Co-organised by
New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO)
 
Conference website link – Innovation for Cool Earth Forum
 
Overview
Focusing on actions to accelerate innovation creation, the conference aims to deepen discussions among stakeholders from various countries and regions, technology experts and others, based on the shared understanding that diversification is a source of innovation. Japan will also disseminate the results of innovation actions originating from Japan, covering not only both energy demand and supply, but also carbon dioxide removal technologies and important minerals.
 
Koyama – Director, International Office, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau
Contact: Koreeda, Shimizu
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 3357)
03-3501-6011 (direct line)
03-3580-8025 (fax)
 
(9) 4th RD20 (Leaders’ Session)
Date and time
Thursday, 6 October
 
Place
Tokyo Prince Hotel (Hybrid)
 
Conference website link
 
Overview
In order to link to the creation of innovations for the realisation of a carbon neutral society, the leaders of G20 research institutes in the field of clean energy technology will be brought together to discuss the strengthening of alliances between research institutes of different countries and the development of international joint research and development. In the Leaders’ Session, the leaders of research institutes will hold high-level discussions on global collaboration towards a low-carbon society, and aim to build a structure as an Initiative that will carry out year-round activities for the further materialisation of activities.
 
Koyama – Director, International Office, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau
Contact: Koreeda, Miyadera
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 3357)
03-3501-6011 (direct line)
03-3580-8025 (fax)
 
(10) First International GX Meeting (GGX)
Date and time
Friday, 7 October
 
Place
Iino Hall (Hybrid)
 
Overview
To achieve Green Transformation (GX) across the globe, the meeting will deepen discussions on key issues such as green market design, green product rating scales and standards, and trade rules, also in conjunction with initiatives by other countries. This meeting is a new one to be held at this time.
 
Takahama – Director, Global Environment Policy Office, Industrial Technology and Environment Bureau
Contact: Ooka, Oura
 
Tel: 03-3501-1511 (ext. 3524)
03-3501-7830 (direct line)
03-3580-7697 (fax)