It was in 1987, or 20 years ago, that I first visited Australia for the feasibility study on the project of connecting two great cities on the magnificent ground, Melbourne and Sydney, by Shinkansen (bullet trains). It turned out to be the starting point of my relationship with Australia.
Since 1992, when Japan-Australia Cultural Exchange Association (JACEA) was established, we have played an active part in various cultural exchanges between two countries. Before long, in 1999, JACEA was approved as a specified non-profit organization (NPO).
In 2006, which happened to be the 20th anniversary of my encounter with Australia, a series of varied events were held by both governments, celebrating “2006: Australia-Japan Year of Exchange”. At its opening reception on January 26, 2006, I was among the invitees representing various fields: Japan‘ｓ Foreign Minister and other eminent figures who have contributed to promoting exchange between both nations in their respective fields.
With rich experience in “grass-roots movement”, Japan-Australia Cultural Exchange Association intends to continue fund raising for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane as one of welfare exchange activities and the Green Century Campaign for preventing global warming. We are also willing to draw up and carry out diverse projects in the aspect of cultural exchange ..
With growing expectation for a closer relationship between Australia and Japan, we are ready to consolidate our continued exchange activities and make every effort to contribute to realizing effective collaboration between both countries. Your support and cooperation will be highly appreciated.