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)
2026/6/16
On 16 June, the recipients of the Foreign Minister’s Special Commendations for 2026 marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia were announced.
Announcement by the Embassy of Japan in Australia
The following 2 recipients were chosen from Western Australia:
Mr. Ben Wholagan
President of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia Inc
Mr. Wholagan has served in key roles on the Australia-Japan Society of WA over the years, making outstanding contributions in the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. As the President of the Australia-Japan Society of WA, Mr. Wholagan is responsible for the management of the Japan Education and Cultural Centre of WA, striving hard to plan and run Japan promotional events at the centre. Leveraging his extensive network and deep insights across various fields, he continues to play a vital role as a bridge between Japan and Australia.
Ms. Akiko Stockton
President of the Fukushima Society in Perth
Ms. Akiko Stockton has made outstanding contributions over many years, in the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. Ms Stockton established the Fukushima Society in Perth and, as President, has dedicated herself to the promotion of exchange between Japan and Australia and supporting Fukushima's recovery through economic exchange between Fukushima Prefecture and Western Australia, and participation in events such as the Perth Japan Festival with promotional booths for Fukushima Prefecture and cultural performances. Ms. Stockton continues to play a vital role as a bridge between Japan and Australia.
Announcement by the Embassy of Japan in Australia
The following 2 recipients were chosen from Western Australia:
Mr. Ben Wholagan
President of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia Inc
Mr. Wholagan has served in key roles on the Australia-Japan Society of WA over the years, making outstanding contributions in the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. As the President of the Australia-Japan Society of WA, Mr. Wholagan is responsible for the management of the Japan Education and Cultural Centre of WA, striving hard to plan and run Japan promotional events at the centre. Leveraging his extensive network and deep insights across various fields, he continues to play a vital role as a bridge between Japan and Australia.
Ms. Akiko Stockton
President of the Fukushima Society in Perth
Ms. Akiko Stockton has made outstanding contributions over many years, in the promotion of friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia. Ms Stockton established the Fukushima Society in Perth and, as President, has dedicated herself to the promotion of exchange between Japan and Australia and supporting Fukushima's recovery through economic exchange between Fukushima Prefecture and Western Australia, and participation in events such as the Perth Japan Festival with promotional booths for Fukushima Prefecture and cultural performances. Ms. Stockton continues to play a vital role as a bridge between Japan and Australia.