JFF Theatre – watch online for free
3rd Feb – 7th May 2026
A new month, a new program of Japanese films to watch from your couch! Get stuck into a lineup of five fresh titles, now available to stream for free with JFF Theater.
In exciting news, this latest program features The Lines That Define Me, a fan favourite at JFF 2023! Starring Ry?sei Yokohama (Kokuh?), this coming-of-age drama tells the story of one young man’s journey of overcoming loss through sumi-e, the art of Japanese ink painting?.
Lovers of time travel tropes will also adore MONDAYS: See you “this” week! and Time Traveller: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Zoom Culture: Saving Tsubaki for Australia – AJS NSW
25th March 2026 | AJS NSW
Tsubaki and Sazanka have been part of Japanese horticultural practice for over a thousand years, culminating in recognition of many cultivars particularly during the Edo Period.
The AJS NSW Zoom talk with Dr Stephen Utick, co-founder and Secretary of Camellia Ark Australia, will provide some historical background to camellias and describe the activities of Camellia Ark Australia.
The Origami Art of Tomoko Fuse
7 April 2026 – 29 May 2026
Experience the mesmerising world of Japanese origami in a special exhibition and interactive workshops by world-renowned artist Tomoko Fuse. Internationally recognised for her innovative paper-folding techniques, Fuse has expanded the boundaries of origami as a contemporary art form. Her works transform simple sheets of paper into intricate modular structures – spirals, tessellations, knots, and infinite folds – that embody both precision and imagination.
Presented by the Japan Australia Friendship Association (JAFA), in partnership with The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre’s Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, this event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan – a milestone honouring five decades of cultural connection and mutual respect.
Open weekdays 9am – 6pm | FREE ENTRY | Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Hawke Building Level 3, Adelaide City Campus West
Australia–Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation – 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner
30th June 2026
The National Federation is proud to highlight the upcoming 50th Anniversary Dinner commemorating the Australia–Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, to be held on 30 June in the Great Hall at Parliament House.
This landmark event is being delivered in collaboration between the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies and the Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee, reflecting the strong partnership between community and business in advancing the bilateral relationship. The Dinner will bring together top-level representatives from government, business, diplomacy, education and the broader Australia–Japan community to mark the passage of fifty years since this landmark official recognition by both governments of cooperation and shared values in June 1976.
A strong focus of the evening will be recognition of the people-to-people and community-based engagement that has underpinned the bilateral relationship over the past five decades. The program will acknowledge individuals and organisations that have contributed to cultural exchange, education, business cooperation, sister-city relationships and community initiatives, recognising the important role of such engagement in strengthening mutual understanding between the two countries. More than a commemoration, the Dinner will also serve as a forward-looking occasion—highlighting both longstanding contributors and emerging leaders who will continue to shape the Australia–Japan partnership into the future.
6:00PM-9:00PM (followed by a Nijikai from 9:00PM to 10:00PM) | The Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra
Gala Tickets
Tickets for the 50th Anniversary Dinner are available for purchase, with a range of options for individuals, tables, and corporate participation.
Organisations and individuals are also invited to support the event as partners or sponsors, with tailored packages offering opportunities for recognition and engagement with a distinguished Australia–Japan audience.
For further information on ticketing, partnership opportunities, or sponsorship packages, please contact the event organisers or visit the official event page for ticketing options here.
