It was an unforgettable evening of connection and culinary delights at the WA-Japan Sundowner Series: Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing Masterclass! 🥃🍫.

Guests indulged in the deliciously smooth whiskey of Whipper Snapper Distillery and the delectably sweet chocolates of Nakamura Chocolates, all whilst celebrating the blossoming WA-Japan relationship 🗾.

AJBC, in collaboration with Nakamura Chocolates and Whipper Snapper, drew guests from across the WA-Japan business community to showcase the very best of what WA’s F&B sector has to offer.

In case you missed it, here’s a snapshot of last night’s Whiskey & Chocolate Pairing Masterclass!

👩‍🏫 **Masterclass:**
Whipper Snapper Co-Founder Jimmy McKeown and Nakamura Chocolates Managing Director Yuki Nakamura delivered a masterclass to remember, with a suite of chocolate and whiskey flights, and an exclusive Japanese-inspired Yuzu cocktail 🍋.

🥂 **Networking:**
The discussions didn’t end with the masterclass with guests enjoying the opportunity to connect with Jimmy, Yuki and the Consul-General of Japan in Perth, Mr Naito Yasushi.

🙏 **Thanks:**
Thank you to our amazing guests, including AJBCWA board members, partners, and supporters. Your support made the night a special experience for everyone! Special thanks to Jimmy and Yuki for collaborating with us on the Masterclass 🎉.

Thank you to everyone who made last night another big success for AJBCWA. Together, we continue to create exciting opportunities to strengthen the business and cultural connection between WA and Japan. 🌏🤝🗾

It was an incredible night of collaboration and insights at our WA-Japan Conversation Series Networking Event! 🌏🤝

Last night, AJBCWA in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) drew guests from across the energy and mining spectrum to promote the WA-Japan relationship in the context of critical minerals.

Here’s a snapshot of what you missed at the WA-Japan Conversation Series Networking Event:

🎙️ **Speeches:**
It was a pleasure to hear from the Hon.
Madeleine King, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, and Mr. Naito Yasushi, Consul-General of Japan in Perth, who both shared invaluable perspectives on how to enhance critical minerals cooperation between WA and Japan.

🖊 **Q&A:**
The Q&A with Minister King sparked some insightful discussions on critical minerals cooperation and more, providing a deeper understanding of the bilateral landscape.

🙏 **Recognition:**
Thank you to all our distinguished guests, including AJBCWA board members, partners, and friends. Your presence and contribution made the evening one to remember.

Special thanks to Graeme Gamble for supporting the Event and to HSF for being such fantastic hosts.

🥂 **Networking:**
The conversations didn’t end with the speeches! Guests enjoyed networking opportunities galore while savoring the refreshments on offer courtesy of HSF.

📅 **Save the Date:**
Mark your calendars for our next Sundowner Series Networking Event in June. Stay tuned for more details!

Thank you to everyone who made the night a success. Together, we’re strengthening ties between WA and Japan and paving the way for an exciting future. 🇦🇺 🤝 🇯🇵

AJBC 2023 AGM was held on 30 November at Goody Two’s, Perth’s hip new Japanese whiskey bar.

Following the AGM, 50 members and guests joined in the Christmas celebration at the sundowner hosted by AJBC.

Thank you too all that attended, and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!

It was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait to see Ross Garnaut AC grace the stage for the Australia-Japan Business Council (AJBCWA) Conversation Series Event at Clayton Utz.

Thank you to Clayton Utz Corporate Practice Group Leader Mark Paganin for kindly hosting us, and to Consul-General Naito Yasushi for supporting the Event.

Speaking of WA’s place in a zero-carbon Japanese and global economy, Garnaut provided a historical synopsis of the WA-Japan’s energy story, starting with LNG and continuing through to carbon capture and storage (CCS), with a glimpse into the future with nuclear.

Garnaut delighted the crowd with a warts and all Q&A – facilitated by our Chair Richard Sandover – masterfully tackling the challenges and opportunities facing the WA-Japan energy mix as we strive to achieve our net-zero commitments.

If you missed out on the November Conversation Series Event, don’t worry, as we kick-off our AJBC Sundowner Series on the 30th November at a location to be confirmed. Please keep your eyes peeled for more on our December Sundowner Series Event.

It was a night to remember at the Consulate-General of Japan’s Residence on Monday as the Australia-Japan Business Council (AJBCWA) celebrated what has been a highly successful debut year.

The AJBCWA and the Consulate-General of Japan played host to special guests including JETRO – Japan External Trade Organization Managing Director, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Mr Takahara Masaki and Ms Jessica Shaw, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier.

Mr Takahara’s presentation delivered some home truths about Australia’s labour market, political stability, and sovereign risk, heralding a challenging time ahead for the Australian Government as it navigates the fallout of the safeguard mechanisms.

However, Mr Takahara’s sobering presentation did little to dampen the spirits of the celebration with guests taking the opportunity to celebrate the many successes in the WA-Japan space since AJBC’s arrival.

The board wishes to thank Consul-General Naito Yasushi and staff, our members and supporters, and finally the Chiyoda Corporation for celebrating this momentous occasion with us.

Now is the perfect time to become a member of the AJBC as we embark on what shapes as a critical stage for the WA-Japan relationship with the impending arrival of Japan’s new Ambassador. Please visit https://lnkd.in/g3WeyG_c for more details on how to become a member.

Opening remarks can be accessed via the link below:

Speech by AJBC Chair at Anniversary AJBC Event at the Consul-General’s Residence