Japan Update 2026 – By Australia-Japan Research Centre
9th Sept 26 | in-person and live streamed on Vimeo
The Australia-Japan Research Centre and the ANU Japan Institute are holding the Japan Update 2026 on Wednesday 9th September from 9am to 4.45pm.
The Update brings together leading experts to explore critical developments shaping Japan’s future.
About the AJRC
Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with others interested in Japan’s evolving role in the region and the world. The Australia-Japan Research Centre (AJRC) is the centre of research, teaching and outreach on the Japanese economy in Australia. AJRC also conducts research to better understand the Australia-Japan relationship and their place in the Asia Pacific economy. Established in 1980 with support from the governments and business communities in both Australian and Japan, our research encompasses trade, finance, macroeconomics, as well as international economic relations.
9am to 4.45pm | ANU Research School of , ACT | + ONLINE
Queensland Japan Sports Diplomacy
16th September 2026
The sporting ties between Queensland and the Kansai region
The Australia-Japan Society (Queensland), Inc. is proud to host the Queensland Japan Sports Diplomacy Initiative at the Brisbane office of Clayton Utz on the evening of Wednesday 16 September. The focus of the upcoming event will be the sporting ties between Queensland and the Kansai region in Japan.
The event on 16 September will celebrate the various sporting ties between Queensland and the Kansai region including the Gold Coast and Kobe Marathon (sister marathons), and the upcoming World Masters Games which will be held in Kansai in May 2027. Speakers representing both Japan and Queensland will share how we are actively sharing expertise and experience to build world class sporting events.
5:30pm – 8:00pm | Level 28, 71 Eagle St Brisbane City 4000 | FREE
Bunbury Matsuri Day – South West Japan Festival
20th September 2026
The coastal city of Bunbury in Western Australia is celebrating 34 years of being a Sister City with Japan’s Setagaya City, and eight years of the South West Japan Festival.
This is the biggest day in the South West Japan Festival (SWJF) calendar – with food, art, workshops, dance, music, martial arts and fun for the whole family.
Celebrate all things Japan over a full day on the lush lawns of Bunbury’s Queens Garden. Parking is available at Water’s Edge and Bunbury Centrepoint.
Featuring three main stages full of performances, musicians, dances, martial arts and cosplay, stallholders, food trucks, information booths, and more!
Queens Gardens, Bunbury WA | Free
Cowra Sakura Matsuri 2026
26 September 2026
Sakura Matsuri is a major event on Cowra’s tourism calendar, celebrating the birth of spring. Locals, Australian and International visitors alike have the opportunity to experience traditional elements of Japanese culture.
Held at the picturesque Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, Sakura Matsuri showcases Japanese culture through a range of activities and demonstrations. With Bonsai workshops, Taiko drummers, sumo wrestlers, martial arts, Japanese archery and sword demonstrations, origami, comedy, dancers, choir, ikebana, tea ceremonies and more. Stall holders will have a range of Japanese food and goods on offer. It is a day for the whole family to enjoy.
Stall holders will have a range of food and goods on offer, and there will be activities for children.
Canberra Nara Candle Festival
24th Oct 2026
Enjoy the spectacular visual of 2000 shimmering candles at the 20th annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival to celebrate the Sister City relationship shared between Canberra and Nara, Japan.
Visitors will be mesmerised by the sounds of Japanese music and enchanting lighting that highlights the features of the beautiful Peace Park. The festival brings a wide variety of Japanese and Australian culture with arts and crafts such as calligraphy, lantern making, origami, ikebana and kite flying.
The festival features Japanese cuisine, markets and stalls with visitors able to take part in various activities.
4:00pm – 9:00pm | Canberra Nara Peace Park & Lennox Gardens
National Federation Conference 2026 – Perth
27th-28th Nov 2026
On the 27th of November the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia is hosting The National Federation Conference.
While I realise that it is a long way to go to experience the hospitality of AJSWA, I can assure you this trip will be worth it!
On the 27th, the AJSWA will be hosting the National Federation AGM in the afternoon and later that day a Sundowner at their beautiful Japan Education and Cultural Centre of Western Australia. (JECCWA).