2026 Emperor’s Birthday Reception held in Perth
2026/3/9
The Emperor’s Birthday Reception was held at the Consul-General’s Official Residence on February 25. The reception was attended by around 250 guests, including Mr Daniel Pastorelli MLA, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; Minister for State Development; Trade and Investment; Economic Diversification; Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet (representing the Premier of WA), members and representatives of the WA Parliament, the consular corps, Japan-Australia business sector, think tanks and universities, and cultural and Japan related friendship groups.
The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by local Japanese drumming group Taiko-On (recipients of the 2025 Foreign Minister’s Commendation), which was followed by the National Anthems of both Japan and Australia, performed by local Perth-based Japanese opera singer, Mr Kohsei Gilkes.
In Consul-General Karimata’s opening remarks, he touched on key exchange events from the past year, including Premier Cook’s visits to Japan, the Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference, and the world cup qualifier between Australia and Japan, all of which highlight the further strengthening of friendship and exchange in the relationship between Western Australia and Japan. He also spoke of his hope that this year’s 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, will bring deeper friendship and exchange to our two countries.
In Consul-General Karimata’s opening remarks, he touched on key exchange events from the past year, including Premier Cook’s visits to Japan, the Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference, and the world cup qualifier between Australia and Japan, all of which highlight the further strengthening of friendship and exchange in the relationship between Western Australia and Japan. He also spoke of his hope that this year’s 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, will bring deeper friendship and exchange to our two countries.
Mr Daniel Pastorelli MLA also offered some remarks, touching on the sister state relationship between WA and Hyogo Prefecture. He spoke of the strength and importance of the connection between WA and Japan, and his desire for the friendship to grow stronger into the future.
Many people from the Japanese business community and other Japan-related groups provided their support and cooperation at the reception. There were booths and displays from various groups such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries who had a model of their new Mogami-class frigate on display, Toyota, who brought their battery EV ‘bZ4X’ for guests to take a look at as well promoting their future fuels, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Perth Fukushima no kai, Hyogo Prefecture, Okinawa kenjinkai and Perth Japan Festival Inc. There were also promotional materials on display and available from Nagano Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Kagoshima City, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and the Women’s AFC Asian Cup. Drinks were also kindly provided by Coopers Brewery Ltd, ITO-en Australia, Sanwa Shurui, and Nippon Food Supplies Company Pty Ltd. (Perth branch).
A video touching on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, the All Nippon Airways direct flights between Perth and Tokyo, promotion of Australian tourism and investment into Japan, and the GREEN x EXPO 2027 in Yokohama was also played during the evening. We also had the assistance of local Sake Samurai, Andre Bishop who offered guests his expertise on sake as a promotion of Japanese culture. The Official Residence Chef Osawa prepared and coordinated a fantastic spread of Japanese food. There were wonderful Ikebana displays were by Ikebana Sogetsu WA, and beautiful bonsai displays by the Bonsai Society of WA, and we also had a ‘Gyotaku’ Lantern on display from local artist Salty Bones.
The reception was a fantastic opportunity for the many guests from Western Australia, to experience the various charms of Japan, and to reaffirm the strong bond between Japan and Western Australia, with the added significance of 2026 being the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which we are certain will contribute to the further development of the relationship between our countries through 2026.
The reception was a fantastic opportunity for the many guests from Western Australia, to experience the various charms of Japan, and to reaffirm the strong bond between Japan and Western Australia, with the added significance of 2026 being the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which we are certain will contribute to the further development of the relationship between our countries through 2026.