President's message
Since the last newsletter, AJS-NSW has continued to hold some very successful events. Notably, at the end of August, we were co-hosts with the AJBCC, of Spring in Sydney, a wonderful Business Networking Dinner attended by some 170 people. We were honoured by the presence of Minister Prue Car, Deputy Premier of NSW; Ambassador of Japan HE Kazuhiro Suzuki; and Councilor Robert Kok, then Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney. Two long-time members and strong supporters of AJS-NSW, Debra Hazelton and Wendy Holdenson, received their Foreign Minister's Commendation Awards, to great acclaim. All the positive feedback we received about the event supports our intention to make it an annual event. Photos taken on the evening are available here.
More recently, members and friends enjoyed a talk by author Ryan Butta about Harry Freame, a half-Japanese Australian born Hidetsugu Kitagawa, who distinguished himself at Gallipoli and later was a leader in regional soldier-settler communities. Recruited into Australian intelligence just prior to WWII, he died as a result of injuries sustained in an attack in Tokyo. Harry's story had been mostly forgotten and his grave in Macquarie Park cemetery was unmarked, until Ryan Butta successfully lobbied for recognition. His book, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, fills in the details of an eventful life against the background of the changing attitudes to non-white Australians.
Finally, our Society's AGM is scheduled for December 2 (Monday) at the Japan Foundation, Sydney. Members will receive meeting notices shortly. It is a busy time of year but we look forward to seeing members then. Planning is underway for more special events in 2025, but as always we welcome ideas for events that bring our community together.
Anita Byrnes, President
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Supported Events & Community Info
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CONSIDERING STUDY AT A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY?
A number of Japanese universities will be available at an online Japanese College Fair, including for advice and individual consultations, as below. Note that the times are US (PST). Details are here.
ART EXHIBITION INSPIRED BY TEBAJIMA (tOKUSHIMA) HISTORY
 Member and artist Sue Pedley invites members and friends to the opening of Encounters, on Saturday, 9th November, 2pm, at Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, at Abbotsleigh School, Wahroonga. She will be showing Tracing Wind, a series of works on paper created during a recent residency in Japan, where Sue explored the history of an extraordinary event that took place in 1830. Ten escaped convicts from Tasmania took control of a colonial brig Cyprus and sailed to Japanese waters at Teba Jima island, Awa Domain (Tokushima), where they were repulsed by local samurai. This was recorded by a samurai who illustrated his manuscript with watercolour and indigo dye. The exhibition will be open for a month. See details at link here.
NOH PERFORMANCE IN SYDNEY
November 16 7 - 8:30PM, Scots Church
 A unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty and grace of NOH, a traditional art form that has captivated audiences for generations, in the heart of Sydney. Tickets are available here.
JAPANESE AUSSIE COMEDIAN TAKASHI WAKATSUGI
Wakasugi-san is offering a discount for his show on December 6. At the website here, use the Discount code : waka555 (for $5 off)
SEEKING RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS FOR STUDY ON SOCIAL ANXIETY
A PhD candidate at the Australian National University, Shanshan Liu, is seeking participants for her research study that explores factors influencing social anxiety among Asian migrants and immigrants in Australia. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by Asians in Australia and ultimately improve mental health resources for the community. See flyer for details and registration.
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Like to join AJS-NSW?
Would you like to support our mission of friendship between Australia and Japan? You can now sign up for membership online.
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Some links for related communities:
National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies https://austjapanfed.org.au/
Consulate General of Japan, Sydney Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CGJSYD
AJBCC https://www.ajbcc.com.au
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November 2024 Newsletter