Presentation Ceremony for 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia to Mr. Ben Wholagan
2026/10/28
A reception was held at the Official Residence of the Consul-General on October 20, for the presentation ceremony of the 2026 Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Mr. Ben Wholagan (President, Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia).
Mr. Wholagan has held key positions within the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia over many years, contributing to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Australia. As President of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia, he played a key role in the establishment of the Japan Education and Cultural Centre in Western Australia, where he oversees its operations and is actively engaged in planning and running events showcasing Japanese culture. Mr. Wholagan continues to play an important role today, as a bridge between our two countries, leveraging his extensive connections and deep insights in various fields. This commendation has been awarded by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in recognition of these achievements.
Mr. Wholagan has held key positions within the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia over many years, contributing to the promotion of mutual understanding and friendly relations between Japan and Australia. As President of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia, he played a key role in the establishment of the Japan Education and Cultural Centre in Western Australia, where he oversees its operations and is actively engaged in planning and running events showcasing Japanese culture. Mr. Wholagan continues to play an important role today, as a bridge between our two countries, leveraging his extensive connections and deep insights in various fields. This commendation has been awarded by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in recognition of these achievements.
In his congratulatory remarks, Consul-General Karimata commended Mr. Wholagan for his contributions to fostering mutual understanding and friendship between both nations, and expressed his hope that Mr. Wholagan would continue to play an active role as a bridge between Japan and Australia into the future.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Wholagan expressed his gratitude for the recognition, extending his thanks to the members of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia, as well as to his family and all the people who have supported him in his efforts. He also affirmed his commitment to continuing to build on contribute to the friendly relations between Japan and Australia.
This award ceremony has provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the activities of Mr. Wholagan and the Australia-Japan Society of Western Asutalia, further boosting momentum for exchange between Japan and Australia.
【Reference】
Foreign Minister’s Commendation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (Western Australia)
https://www.perth.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00865.html
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Wholagan expressed his gratitude for the recognition, extending his thanks to the members of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia, as well as to his family and all the people who have supported him in his efforts. He also affirmed his commitment to continuing to build on contribute to the friendly relations between Japan and Australia.
This award ceremony has provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the activities of Mr. Wholagan and the Australia-Japan Society of Western Asutalia, further boosting momentum for exchange between Japan and Australia.
【Reference】
Foreign Minister’s Commendation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (Western Australia)
https://www.perth.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00865.html