SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS

“Consulate Conversations” Consulate Consulate--General of Japan, Brisbane ISSUE 10, FEBRUARY—MARCH 2012 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Sister City 1-2 Relationships Japan 3-5 Related Opportunities Activities of the ConsulGeneral

6

QUT Japan

7

Political Affairs

8-9

AustraliaJapan Relations & Sport

1011

Current & Upcoming Events

1113

Tests & Contests

14

Resources

15

Japan Quiz

15

Seasonal Festivities

16

Japanese Language Corner

16

SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIPS MACKAY & MATSUURA CITIES CELEBRATE AUSTRALIA DAY Citizens in Mackay and their sister city Matsuura in Japan joined together recently to celebrate Australia Day via Skype. The Ma c k a y Matsuura Sister Cities Program has been running for over 20 years. At the beginning of the Skype get-together, Mayor Col Meng in Mackay joined Mayor Ikuhiro Tomohiro and Assembly Head Mr. Yuichi Kihara in Matsuura to exchange greetings. Moderator

Ms. Fiona Manning then hosted the Skype video gettogether from Matsuura, with Australian flags decorating both venues. Those in Matsuura participated in a game of cricket and munched on lamingtons, while locals in Mackay also enjoyed a feast of lamingtons and meat pies. Those participating in Mackay included Mayor Col Meng, Councillor Dave Perkins, and 10 times traveller to Matsuura, former Councillor Bill Molloy. Representatives from Sister Cities Mackay, members of previous Mackay Visitors Groups to Matsuura, and students studying Japa-

Australia Day festivities in Mackay as citizens celebrated with friends in their sister city in Matsuura via Skype (Photos courtesy of Mr. John Pickup)

nese at St. Patrick’s College also added their voices to the bo iste rous s ingin g o f ―Advance Australia Fair‖, after which smaller groups each took turns to speak with their mates in Japan, often renewing longstanding friendships. Those interested in learning more about Japan and Sister Cities Mackay should contact Ms. Kathryn Smith at Mackay Regional Council, or Sister Cities Mackay President Ms. Margaret Browne at the front office of St. Patrick’s College for further information.

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CRANES FOR PEACE AND HOPE PROJECT

“This

is our

cry; This is our prayer; Peace on Earth.”

Sunshine Coast Sister Cities Chair for Japan Projects and local artist Ms. Christine Elcoate recently collaborated with Rosebed St. Gallery in Eudlo, Eudlo State School, and Matthew Flinders Anglican College in Buderim. Ms. Elcoate and Ms. Lorraine See have been working with the local students and School Chaplain, Ms. Lynette Neil, to use paper cranes to bring hope and encouragement to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Both Eudlo State School and Matthew Flinders Anglican College made cranes to raise money for those affected by last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami. Matthew Flinders Crane Club, comprising of enthusiastic children from Years 2, 5 and 7, made over 3000 cranes to be sold at the school for a gold coin donation. Some students even made as many as 600 and 1000 cranes alone! A Year 2 student also designed a crane mobile which has been constructed to hang in the school's chapel, and a large crane's nest was also constructed and placed in an outside bay of the chapel. Students are enhancing the nest with feathers and messages of peace, hope and encour-

“CONSULATE CONVERSATIONS”

agement to children in earthquake affected areas. This project is based on an ancient Japanese legend which states that a wish will be granted to the one who makes 1000 paper cranes. One of the most widely known examples of this is the story of Sadako. Sadako was a young girl who lived in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on the city in World War 2. Unfortunately, she later developed leukaemia from the radiation and spent her time in hospital creating origami (folded paper) cranes with the hope of making 1000 and being made well again. Sadako made 644 cranes in her hospital bed, but sadly, she lost her life before she could finish making all 1000 paper cranes. Her friends and family helped finish her dream by folding the rest of the cranes, which were buried with Sadako. They also built a statue of Sadako holding a giant golden origami crane in Hiroshima Peace Park. It is now known as the Children's Peace Monument,

and is located close to the area where the atomic bomb was dropped. Children from all over the world still send folded paper cranes to be placed beneath Sadako's statue. In so doing, they make the same wish, which is engraved on the base of the statue: "This is our cry; This is our prayer; Peace on Earth." Thank you to Ms. Elcoate, Eudlo State School, Matthew Flinders Anglican College and everyone involved in the Cranes for Peace and Hope Project, for their dedication, generosity and hard work. Thank you also to the Rosebed St. Gallery in Eudlo which raised a substantial amount of money through an EBay Art Auction to close their Resilience Exhibition last year. The money raised has been presented to Sunshine Coast Sister Cities and will go towards art minded projects for the Fukushima area.

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ISSUE 10, FEBRUARY—MARCH 2012

JAPAN-RELATED OPPORTUNITIES MONBUKAGAKUSHO SCHOLARSHIPS Applications are now open for the Teacher Training and Japanese Studies Categories of the Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarships. These scholarships are generously funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The Teacher Training Category is open to teachers who are wishing to conduct research on school education at Japanese universities. Applicants must currently be teaching at primary school, high school or college level and have more than five years of teaching

JENESYS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS STUDYING JAPANESE Applications are now being accepted for the JENESYS (Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) Training Programme for University Students Studying Japanese. This programme is available to students majoring in Japanese

experience as of the 1st of April, 2012. The term of the scholarship is only for the period required to complete the applicant’s course and must occur between October 2012 and March 2014. In addition, applicants must have been born after the 2nd of April, 1977 and must also be Australian citizens.

guage or Japanese culture. Applicants must also have been born between the 2nd of April, 1982 and the 1st of April, 1994 and must be Australian citizens.

The Japanese Studies Category is open to students who wish to receive education at Japanese universities in order to enhance their Japanese ability and understanding of Japan and Japanese culture, tenable for one year from October 2012. Applicants must be an undergraduate at a nonJapanese university majoring in fields related to Japanese lan-

To view further information including full eligibility criteria and application forms please visit the Embassy of Japan, Canberra’s website below:

at universities in East-Asian countries (including Australia) and provides an opportunity for participants to broaden their knowledge of Japanese language, culture and society through their participation on the Japanese language programme. The programme is administered by The Japan Foundation in Sydney. The summer course is tentatively scheduled to run from the 6th of June to the 18th of July, 2012 at The Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute in Kansai and the grant for the programme includes a return

Applications close on Tuesday the 13th of March. Examinations will take place on Monday the 19th of March.

http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/e -web/ education_monbukagakusho.html

air ticket (economy class), single room at the language institute, meals during the programme period, travel insurance and curriculum expenses. Applications close on the 23rd of March, 2012. Further information about the programme can be found at The Japan Foundation, Sydney’s website below: http://www.jpf.org.au/grants/ language.html#jenesysuni

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JAPAN BIG WELCOME CAMPAIGN The Japan Tourism Agency is currently running a campaign offering discounts and specials for those travelling to Japan. The ―JAPAN Big Welcome Campaign‖ will be held until

THE JET PROGRAMME

“Small acts of kindness continue to touch my heart, like the teacher who brings me vegetables from his garden”

Lindsay Green is a 2011 participant on The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. She was selected as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) on the Programme and represents the state of Queensland in Kobe City. The following article, written by Lindsay, explains what she has experienced since arriving in Japan in August. After six months here in Japan, the city of Kobe certainly feels like home. There are so many reasons to love this city, with its laidback vibe, outstanding people and of course, its excellent dining and nightlife options! I have been placed at a senior high school, which I absolutely adore. The school gives me a large degree of freedom in deciding how the classroom and assessment of students will run and as a trained teacher, I really appreciate this. Both the staff and students are wonderful — friendly, funny and interesting! Small acts of kindness continue to touch my heart, like the teacher who brings me Japanese vegetables from his garden.


the 31st of March, 2012 and features discounts and special deals in shopping, food and beverage, accommodation and travel within Japan. For further information on the campaign please visit the website below: http://www.visitjapan.jp/ eng/top.html

information on activities you can enjoy in Japan such as shopping, sightseeing and entertainment; recommended department stores and hotels; and general information on Japan’s history and culture, seasonal attractions, transportation and accommodation.

The site also features useful

In the classroom, I’ve enjoyed teaching the students about Australian culture. I’ll never forget their expressions after tasting vegemite sandwiches and their requests for ―Australian chocolate, please!‖ In return for the students teaching me some ―Kansai-ben‖ (Kansai dialect)‖, I introduced them to some Aussie slang and am now regularly greeted with ―G’day!‖, ―On ya!‖ and ―Good as gold.‖ In addition to teaching, I also enjoy connecting with staff and students outside the classroom. Coaching students for speech contests and assisting with the English Club have allowed me to meet some delightful individuals, who I may not have had contact with otherwise. I also enjoy visiting other clubs, such as dragon and lion dancing, baseball and volleyball. I am continually

Lindsay spending time with some of her students in Kobe

amazed by the talent and discipline of the students. Other events, like the school’s cultural festival and field trip to Kyoto, have also given me wonderful opportunities to talk to a wide variety of students. I’ve just returned from a fabulous winter vacation to Tokyo and Hakuba. Among other things, I experienced my first open-air onsen (hot spring) and tried my hand at snowboarding. Hakuba was truly a ―Winter Wonderland‖ and as I hail from sunny Queensland, this was a memorable experience for me. The past six months really have been amazing; life-changing actually. I’m not going home anytime soon! For more information on The JET Programme please visit the official website below: http:// www.jetprogramme.org/

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THE JENESYS PROGRAMME On the 5th of December, 2011, 250 JENESYS (Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) scholarship recipients, from high schools around Australia, departed for a two-week programme in Japan. The programme was divided in to two streams, the ―Explore Nippon and Nihongo‖ stream for those students currently studying Japanese language, and the ―Country Mix‖ stream for those not undertaking language study. Twenty nine participants from Queensland joined these two streams of the programme. The programme offered students opportunities to view historical and cultural attractions such as Kasuga Grand Shrine and Todaiji Temple in Nara, The Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, as well as the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial Museum. ―Explore Nippon and Nihongo‖

stream participants had the opportunity to stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), eat many traditional foods and try bathing in an onsen (hot spring). Whilst the ―Country Mix‖ stream participants formed groups with students from 12 other ASEAN nations which enabled them to not only learn more about Japan, but also interact and make friends with others from our neighbouring South-East Asian countries. During the second week of the programme, participants enjoyed the chance to participate in a homestay with a Japanese family and experience Japanese school life. Participants were placed all over Japan, from the warmer southern island of Kyushu to the very northern parts of Hokkaido, giving students very different experiences depending on their placements. Some students were able to experience bubbling hot springs, others visited factories of large Japanese manufactures, while others

visited Mt. Fuji or the Japanese Alps and some even helped with next year’s rice crop farming! Before the end of the programme, participants returned to Tokyo to experience life in the metropolis, and the JENESYS Festival was held which included participants from all the invited countries, host families, friends and special guests. Thanks to this generous scholarship offered by the government of Japan, the participants learned not only about cultural and historic aspects of Japan, but also had the chance to interact and learn more about Japanese people and also people from other participating countries. Many participants are already planning trips back to Japan and the experience has certainly changed each and every one of them and strengthened ties between Australia, Japan and the rest of Asia.

PAGE 6

ACTIVITES OF THE CONSUL-GENERAL “It is certainly very important to maintain elements of one‟s cultural heritage even whilst overseas,

COMING OF AGE DAY A Coming of Age Day Ceremony (Seijinshiki) was held at the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education (ICTE) on the 9th of January. The ceremony, which was held on the same day as ceremonies for counterparts in Japan, celebrates the milestone of reaching adulthood at 20 years of age. Throughout Japan on this day (a public holiday) ceremonies are held to recognise this important event for Japanese youth.

and today

To allow Japanese students studying English at the campus to celebrate this special day, ICTE hosted the event for the students, which offered them an opportunity to wear traditional yukata and receive commemorative certificates. The Consul-General was invited to attend the event and to address the students. He commented: “I think it is truly wonderful that the students from Japan and the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education, are able to participate in this important

offers a chance for the students to join the ceremony as their friends in Japan will also be doing…”

四字熟語コーナー JAPANESE FOURCHARACTER COMPOUNDS

前途有望


Pronounced: "Zento yūbō" Definition: ―To have a rosy future; To be very promising; To be up and coming‖

occasion whilst they are studying in Australia. It is certainly very important to maintain elements of one’s cultural heritage even whilst overseas, and today offers a chance for the students to join the ceremony as their friends in Japan will also be doing so… Indeed, the role of the Japanese youth in the development of the country is now, more than ever, paramount to its future and success.” A number of the students’ homestay families also attended the ceremony and celebrated this important occasion.

PAGE 7


QUT JAPAN QUT Japan was established following the devastating Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, with the aim of raising money for victims of the disaster. The goal of QUT Japan is to continue to support the recovery and future of Japan and to host fundraising events and activities in order to share Japanese culture with the people of Brisbane. With the support of QUT International Student Services (ISS) and the Student Guild, as their first official event QUT Japan created a sushi stall at both the QUT Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses in late March

last year, selling sushi and beverages and asking people to kindly make a donation to help those affected by the disaster in Japan. Thanks to the support of QUT and all those who generously participated in the event, QUT Japan was able to raise a substantial amount of money for victims. Since then the group has hosted a variety of events and activities, such as dinners at Japanese restaurants, the QUT Japan Café, Karaoke Fever, a weekly sushi stall, and Japantown in QUT, where they introduced Japanese traditional music, games, food, arts and

crafts to local high school students studying Japanese. In recognition of their efforts, QUT Japan recently received a Group Volunteer Award, a Most Active Special Interest Based Award, and a Website Award from the university. For further information on QUT Japan and how you can become involved please e-mail the group at [email protected] or visit their website below: http:// qutjapan.blogspot.com.au/p/ about-qut-japan.html

The Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane‟s School Visit Program and Cultural Loans Program are currently closed and will reopen in approximately April 2012. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding during this time.

PAGE 8

POLITICAL AFFAIRS “During their

talk Prime Minister Gillard expressed hope for Japan‟s early recovery from

MEETING BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER NODA & PRIME MINISTER GILLARD On the 19th of November, 2011, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in Bali, the Republic of Indonesia, on the sidelines of ASEAN-related summit meetings. During their talk Prime Minister Gillard expressed hope for Japan's early recovery from the devastation brought about by the Great East Japan Earthquake, adding that she still

the devastation brought about by the Great East Japan

Prime Minister Noda & Prime Minister Gillard (Photo courtesy of the Cabinet Public Relations Office)

Earthquake...


has a vivid memory of what she saw on her visit to the disaster-hit town of Minamisanriku in Miyagi Prefecture last April. In response, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude for assistance and encouragement received from the Australian government and people, including the dispatch of the C17 military transport aircraft. Prime Minister Noda also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families of Australian military personnel who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan. He paid tribute to Australia's contribution to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and pledged his government's continued assistance towards the reconstruction of the country. He also expressed hope for closer cooperation between Japan and Australia in the area of security. The two Prime Ministers then concurred that the next meeting of the Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations should be held at an early date.

Regarding economic matters, Prime Minister Noda stated that Japan is in the position of promoting highlevel economic partnership. He also expressed his intention to promote the negotiations of the JapanAustralia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with a view to achieving high-level trade and investment liberalisation. Prime Minister Noda also reiterated that Japan had decided to enter in to consultations toward participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations with the countries concerned and asked for Prime Minister Gillard's cooperation in the consultation. Prime Minister Gillard welcomed Japan's decision and expressed her hope for the TPP Agreement to be comprehensive and of high quality. In addition, the two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on the roles played by the G20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the world economy.

PAGE 9


POLICY SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER NODA The Diet of Japan commenced its current session on the 24th of January and will continue for 150 days. At the opening of the session Prime Minister Noda made his policy speech and announced his strong determination to tackle reconstruction issues stemming from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the revitalisation of the Japanese economy. Much attention is currently being paid to the comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems,

NEGOTIATIONS ON THE JAPANAUSTRALIA ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT The 14th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was held from the 14th to the 17th of February in Tokyo.

PRIME MINISTER GILLARD’S VISIT TO JAPAN A letter titled ―Australian Prime Minister Gillard‖ was recently featured in the ―Yomiuri Shimbun‖, which has the largest readership in Japan. The letter illustrates the achievements of both Prime Minister Gillard and the Australian government and reveals how much the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan was appreciated by the Japanese public. The letter has been provision-

including an increase in consumption tax. Prime Minister Noda also announced that his government would move forward in JapanAustralia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and advance consultations with participating countries related to the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

and Australia. It is also the 50th year since the inauguration of the Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference. We trust that it will be another positive year for relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Noda (Photo courtesy of the Cabinet Public Relations Office)

In regards to the AustraliaJapan relationship, this year will be one full of milestones. It is the 55th year since the signing of the Australia-Japan Agreement on Commerce, which laid the foundation for the promotion of economic and trade relations between Japan

In this round of negotiations, Mr. Shinichi Nishimiya, Deputy Director for Foreign Affairs, and officials from relevant ministries and agencies of Japan, and Mr. Bruce Gosper, Deputy Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and officials from relevant departments of Australia participated.

ucts), investment, energy and mineral resources, and food supply. The 15th round of negotiations will be held in Canberra around April 2012.

Useful discussions were held in areas such as trade in goods and services (including both primary and industrial prod-

ally translated as follows:

ports.

Australian Prime Gillard’s Visit

I am sure many of them soon correctly understood the real situation in Japan after seeing the Prime Minister visiting affected areas without protective clothing. I believe that her actions were more effective than any declarations of safety.

Minister

From Ms. Satoko Aihara, 56, Self-employed, Kamichi Town, Toyama Prefecture “Ms. Gillard visited Minamisanriku Town, which was hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake, on the 23rd of April, 2011. It was the first visit to the devastated areas by a foreign head of government. At that time, many expatriates were trying to flee based on the information from foreign media re-

I was deeply touched by her courage and thoughtfulness, and that made me feel a great affection for Australia. As a Japanese person, I will cherish this in my memory.”

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AUSTRALIA-JAPAN RELATIONS & SPORT OUTSTANDING JAPANESE JUNIOR GOLF PLAYERS

“Gold Coast residents and brothers Dai (12 years) and Jin (14 years) Okugawa have been making a mark in the golfing world with their fantastic achievements on

Gold Coast residents and brothers Dai (12 years) and Jin (14 years) Okugawa have been making a mark in the golfing world with their fantastic achievements on the Australian junior golf circuit. Both Dai and Jin were selected to take part in the 2011 Greg Norman Junior Masters, the grand final golf tournament for Australia. Both boys performed extremely well, and their impressive results prove that they are definitely amongst the best junior golfers in the country. Dai finished 1st in the 12 Years and Under Age Group and 6th in the 13 Years and Under Age Group in the tournament. Jin placed 5th in the 14 Years and Under Age Group and 17th in the 15 Years and Under Age

Group. In addition, Dai has also placed 2nd in numerous tournaments at the Helensvale Golf Club, in school sport on the South Coast, and in the Under 13 Division of the Gold Coast District Golf Junior Age Championship. Jin also won many medals last year, coming out on top as the gross winner of the 2011 South Pacific Junior Classic, and also winning many other tournaments such as the Gary Player Junior Classic and the Southport Junior Classic in the 13 Years and Under Age Group, as well as Helensvale Golf Club tournaments on numerous occasions. Congratulations to Dai and Jin on their excellent achievements! They are certainly set to become names to look out for in the golfing world!

Dai Okugawa following his team’s win in the School Sport Australia Boys Golf Championship 12 Years and Under; and Jin Okugawa after his win in the 2011 South Pacific Junior Classic

the Australian junior golf circuit.”


JAPAN RUGBY FOOTBALL Former coach of the Wallabies and the ACT Brumbies, Mr. Eddie Jones, has been appointed head coach of the Japanese national rugby team, ―The Brave Blossoms‖.

No doubt, under Mr. Jones’ leadership and guidance, the Brave Blossoms will become even stronger by 2019 when Japan hosts its first Rugby World Cup.

PAGE 11


BRISBANE ROAR VS FC TOKYO

match!

Japanese soccer team FC Tokyo is coming to Queensland for a mouth-watering clash against the Brisbane Roar as part of the Asian Champions League 2012! This is an historic event as it is the Roar’s first time in the Champions League.

Time: Gates open at 6:30pm; Kick-off is at 7:30pm

All supporters of soccer are invited, especially the Japanese community. Get in quick to secure your tickets for what is sure to be a very heated

http:// www.suncorpstadium.com.a u/Event_Info/Events/Asian% 20Champions%20League% 202012.aspx

Date: Tuesday 6th March

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

http:// premier.ticketek.com.au/ shows/show.aspx? sh=ROARACMB12

Tickets: Start from $20 for adults and $10 for children Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through ticketek.com.au or by calling 132 849. For further information please visit the Suncorp Stadium or Ticketek websites:

CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS KUSAMA EXHIBITION Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is marking its 5th anniversary with a number of programs, including a dynamic exhibition by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama entitled ―Look Now, See Forever‖. The exhibition includes sculptures, paintings and installations from the artist who is famous for her unique worldview. The exhibition contains Kusama’s vibrant and playful works, including the ―Obliteration Room‖, a popular

interactive installation first commissioned by the Queensland Art Gallery for APT in 2002. Dates: 19th November, 2011 – 11th March, 2012 Venue: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane Admission: Free For further information please visit the Queensland Art Gallery’s website below: http://qag.qld.gov.au/ exhibitions/current/ yayoi_kusama_look_now,_se e_forever

ABOVE: Yayoi Kusama / Flowers That Bloom at Midnight 2009 / © Yayoi Kusama, Yayoi Kusama Studio Inc. Courtesy of Gagosian Gallery / Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo

LEFT: Yayoi Kusama / IMAGE #08 Yayoi Kusama / © Yayoi Kusama, Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts, Tokyo

PAGE 12

“Some of the creations waiting to be discovered at GOMA are pathways and

WE MISS YOU MAGIC LAND! EXHIBITION Perth-based artist duo Pip & Pop (Nicole Andrijevic and Tanya Schultz) have created an immersive and vibrant environment for children and families to explore in this major Children’s Art Centre installation as part of the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)’s 5th anniversary celebra-

tions. Drawing on children’s stories, creation myths, Buddhist cosmologies, video games and folktales, Pip & Pop create large-scale fantasy worlds coloured with a bright, often fluorescent palette, using cakedecorating tools, intricate layers of sugar, glitter, modelling clay and mirrors. Some of the creations waiting to be discovered at GOMA are pathways and

peepholes leading

peepholes leading to different worlds; a cosmic universe condensed in to a darkened room with twinkly stars; and a volcanic lake with crystals, mist and liquid pools. Dates: 26th November, 2011 – 4th March, 2012 Venue: Children’s Art Centre, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane Admission: Free For further details please visit the Queensland Art Gallery’s website below: http://qag.qld.gov.au/ exhibitions/current/ we_miss_you_magic_lan d

to different worlds; a cosmic universe

Pip & Pop / we miss you magic land! 2011 / Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia / Photograph by Mark Sherwood

condensed in to a darkened room with twinkly stars...”

LANGUAGE & CULTURAL WORKSHOPS Japanese language and cultural workshops will be facilitated by the Australia Japan Society, Queensland Inc. once a month for the remainder of the year. The workshops will be held at the Brisbane Square Library. It is not necessary to register for the workshops and anyone with an interest in Japanese language and culture, or with a desire to maintain their Japanese language skills is welcome to attend.


For the majority of workshops admission is free, however some demonstrations may require a small fee to cover the cost of materials used.

Saturday 31st March:

Details for upcoming workshops are as follows:

Session 2 (12:30pm – 2:30pm)

Saturday 3rd March:

Japanese tea ceremony (Sadō)

Session 1 (10:00am – 12:00noon) Public speaking: Self introductions as an MC and given topics Session 2 (12:30pm – 2:30pm) Basic expressions: Kore wa ～ desu

Session 1 (10:00am – 12:00noon) Japanese flower arranging (Ikebana)

Please note: At times a slight change of the above schedule may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. For more information please contact the Australia Japanese Society, Queensland Inc. at: [email protected]

PAGE 13


ANIMANIA FESTIVAL Animania is a festival for all ages celebrating anime, manga, games and Japanese pop culture. The festival began in NSW in 2002 and has been held in Brisbane since 2005.

and games, an art area, cosplay, gamer room, karaoke and origami, as well as a number of stallholders selling related merchandise.

For further information, including ticketing details, please visit:

Time: 2:00pm — 4:00pm

Bookings: [email protected]

http://animania.net.au/2012/

The first festival for this year in Brisbane will take place on Saturday the 10th of March at the Mecure Hotel in Brisbane from 10:00am. This year’s festival will include various activities

JAPAN & FRIENDS DAY 2012 — NATSUMATSURI The Japanese Society of Gold Coast Inc., in conjunction with the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane, Gold Coast City Council, and the Queensland Government, will host a Japanese Cultural Performances event and a Japan & Friends Day 2012 — Natsumatsuri over two days in March, showcasing various elements of Japanese culture. Japanese Cultural Performances Date: Saturday 17th March

GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL & SUPANOVA The 2012 Gold Coast Film Festival will be held from the 19th to the 29th of April at Birch Carroll and Coyle Cinemas in Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Southport. Special guests of the film festival include Masakazu Morita, the voice of lead character Ichigo Kurosaki in the Japanese anime series ―Bleach‖ and ―Bleach‖ director Noriyuki Abe. ―Bleach‖ is one of the most globally popular Japanese mangas in history, spanning television shows and films

Venue: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Special Stage Japanese drum performance by KIZUNA; Yosakoi dance; Argentine tango; Mikoshi (Japanese portable festival shrine) One Year Anniversary Tohoku Earthquake Charity Dinner Date: Saturday 17th March Time: 6:00pm — 9:00pm Venue: Watermark Hotel, Gold Coast Admission: Adults = $45 ; Children under 12 years = $20

(anime), games and merchandise which are loved in many countries throughout the world. Mr. Morita and Mr. Abe will hold a 90 minute anime master class at this year’s festival on the 20th of April, which will include a discussion of why ―Bleach‖ has received such international adoration, the process of voice acting and directing voice actors, as well as key advice to Australians wishing to work in the industry. It will be a rare chance to interact with key figures of this international phenomenon. Following the master class there will be screenings of the third film from the ―Bleach‖ fea-

Japan & Friends Day 2012 — Natsumatsuri Date: Sunday 18th March Time: 10:00am — 4:00pm Venue: Albert Waterways Community Centre, Mermaid Waters Admission: Free Japanese drum performance by KIZUNA; Japanese traditional dance; sumō; Yosakoi dance; Argentine tango; Indonesian dance; Filipino dance; Chinese music; food and beverage stalls; craft stalls

ture film series ―Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black‖ and the Australian premiere of the fourth film ―Bleach the Movie: Hell Verse‖. Mr. Abe and Mr. Morita will also participate in a 30 minute Q & A session. In addition, both guests will also be appearing exclusively on the Gold Coast leg of Supanova on the 21st and 22nd of April to greet and sign autographs as part of the Supa Star line up. For further details on the Gold Coast Film Festival and Supanova please visit the websites below: www.gcfilmfestival.com www.supanova.com.au

PAGE 14

“The contest is open to children all around the world ages 15 and under and the theme of this year‟s contest is „festivals‟.”

TESTS & CONTESTS WORLD CHILDREN’S HAIKU CONTEST Originating from Japan, haiku is the shortest form of poetry in the world. In a short descriptive verse, it captures a moment in the poet's life, or simply expresses the beauty of nature.

dren all around the world ages 15 and under and the theme of this year's contest is "festivals". All winning haiku will be collected and published next year as an anthology titled "Haiku by World Children". The closing date for entries is the 31st of March, 2012.

The JAL Foundation biannually administers the World Children's Haiku Contest, and is pleased to announce that applications are now open for this year’s contest.

The contest is sponsored by Japan Airlines and is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan, and the Japan Committee for UNICEF.

The contest is open to chil-

For further information on

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION FESTIVAL HIROSHIMA 2012

coexistence of humankind through the art of animation, a form of communication that transcends national and linguistic boundaries.

Hiroshima City will host the 14th International Animation Festival HIROSHIMA 2012 from the 23rd to the 27th of August this year. This festival of "love and peace" will bring together the spirit of Hiroshima, which is the desire for lasting world peace. The festival is administered by the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation (ASIFA), which was established with the goal of contributing to the peaceful


Works must be sent as either films (16mm or 35mm) or videotapes (BETACAM SP-NTC or Digital BETACAM-NTSC) by the 1st of April, 2012. Festival prizes and cash awards will be presented to winning entries. For further information on entry conditions and procedures, please e-mail [email protected] or visit the official festival website:

competition rules and conditions for applicants please send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit the JAL Foundation website below: http://www.jalfoundation.or.jp/new/ haiku/contest/12th.html

http://hiroanim.org/

PAGE 15


RESOURCES JAPANESE CULTURAL CENTRE Japanese cultural activities have been offered by Ms. Akiko Yamada and Mr. Carl Rathus at the Japanese Cultural Centre (JCC) since 1987. The centre is a reference point for persons seeking lessons or demonstrations in aspects of Japanese culture and there is a particular emphasis on cultural programs for schools. The Japanese Cultural Centre

conducts a special program for school groups of approximately 30 students at the Japanese Gardens in the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, and also at schools upon special request. The centre offers students a rare chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand. Items offered for student participation include the Japanese tea ceremony; shakuhachi (bamboo flute) music; martial arts; Japanese calligraphy; an opportunity to wear kimono;

folk dancing; kite making; and haiku (Japanese poetry). Generally at least one month notice is required to arrange an event, and performance items are dependent on the availability of demonstrators. For more information on the Japanese Cultural Centre or to make a booking please contact the centre via e-mail at [email protected]

JAPAN QUIZ : QUESTIONS 1.

Does Hello Kitty have any brothers or sisters?

2.

Kansai International Airport was the first in the world to do what?

3.

How do you drink miso soup?

4.

How many shinkansen

(bullet train) lines are there in Japan? 5.

Which of the following is true about the soroban (Japanese abacus)? A. It’s a tool to help do sums easily, using beads on sticks; B. The abacus devel-

oped in Japan is now used in some other countries too; C. Generally, most Japanese students used to learn how to use the abacus in primary school. ** See page 17 for answers **

PAGE 16

SEASONAL FESTIVITIES IN JAPAN ASO FIRE FESTIVAL

“A giant

Chinese character signifying „fire‟ and measuring 350 metres is created on the mountain slope, using

A fire festival is held over a period of one month, from early to late March, in all towns in the environs of Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. The main event of the Aso Fire Festival is the Dai Himonjiyaki which is held in Ojo-dake on the second Saturday of March. A gigantic Chinese character signifying ―fire‖ and measuring 350 metres is created on the mountain slope, using the ancient agricultural method of no-yaki (setting fire to the plains in order to maintain the pasture grass in good condition). The excitement of this spectacle continues late in to the night. Another event worth seeing is the Hifuri Shinji at Ichinomiya Aso Shrine, which is

held in mid-March. This is a ceremony to pray for a rich harvest and to celebrate the marriage of the gods. When the object of worship of the female deity arrives, people light their pine torches and start to wave them around in the air. The many rings of fire are spectacular. The timing of the festival differs slightly each year according to the Oriental Zodiac, so be sure to check the exact date of the festival before you travel.

cue, which is prepared using original recipes in each town. You will also find Japan’s only Tofu Museum at Hana-Asobi near Aso Station. Then, by the time the Aso Fire Festival ends, the cherry blossom season is just about to begin.

The Yama-no-kami Matsuri (Mountain God Festival) is also held at the end of March in the neighbouring village of Nishihara. Here you can also see the rare spectacle of no-yaki at night. Another of the delights not to be missed during your stay in Aso is the cuisine, such as Aso beef barbe-

the ancient agricultural method of noyaki.”

CONSULAR SERVICES GOLD COAST CONSULAR SERVICE The next Gold Coast Consular Service is scheduled for: Date: Thursday 12th April Time: 10:00am — 12:30pm Venue: 25 Mawarra Building, 3108 Gold Coast Highway, Surfers Paradise


Services offered on the day include: passport applications; issuing of various certificates; registration and change of contact details for overseas voting; police certificate applications; and general registration of contact details in case of an emergency. Please note that in some cases it is necessary to post an application form to our office prior to the date

of the Gold Coast Consular Service. Please be sure to contact our office in advance to confirm the necessary documents for your particular application. For further information please visit our website below: http:// www.brisbane.au.embjapan.go.jp/japanese/ service_goldcoast.htm

CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN, BRISBANE 17th Floor, 12 Creek Street

Copyright © 2012

Brisbane QLD 4000

Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane

Phone: (07) 3221-5188 Fax: (07) 3229-0878 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.brisbane.au.embjapan.go.jp/index.htm

DATES WE ARE CLOSED Please note that the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane will be closed on the 6th and 9th of April for Good Friday and Easter Monday.

OFFICE OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday

Thank you for your understanding.

9:00am — 12:30pm 2:00pm — 4:00pm

You have received this e-mail because your e-mail address is registered with the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane's e-newsletter mailing list. To unsubscribe from this mailing list please e-mail: [email protected] We respect your privacy. We will not disclose your personal details to any third party. The Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane is not affiliated with the above events unless otherwise stated, and is not responsible for these events or the content of linked websites. For further details on any of the above events, please contact the event organisers directly. No contents of this e-newsletter should be published or reproduced without first contacting the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane for permission.

JAPAN QUIZ : ANSWERS 1.

Yes, she has a twin sister named Mimmy. Both Kitty and Mimmy were born in November 1974. They look almost identical, but Kitty wears her ribbon on her left ear and Mimmy wears hers on her right ear.

2.

3.

Be built on water. It was constructed on reclaimed land off the coast of Osaka in September 1994. Straight from the bowl, which you hold in your left hand.

4.

Eight shinkansen lines connect Japan’s major cities.

5.

All three are correct. In fact, recently the soroban has been enjoying renewed popularity in Japan.

If you know of any upcoming Japan-related events and would like to publicise them in our “Consulate Conversations” e-newsletter, please e-mail the details through to us at: [email protected] The final choice of articles will be at the discretion of the Consulate-General of Japan, Brisbane.