Only in Perth – Celebrated Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s first Australian solo exhibition
to 25 June 2023
Opening on 26 February 2023, the exhibition Yoshitomo Nara: Reach Out to The Moon, Even If We Can’t brings together major sculptural works alongside paintings, drawings, ceramics, and photography from world-renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara.
Nara rose to international prominence in the 1990s for his exquisitely rendered, instantly recognisable portraits of alternately sweet and vicious big-headed figures and melancholic figurative sculptures. His work in all mediums is the result of his innovative distillation of an enormous array of references and inspirations.
These include memories of growing up in rural Northern Japan amidst the lingering presence of World War II, political events of the 1960s and 1970s, the sound and graphics of pop, rock and folk music, literature, art from Japan’s Edo and modern period, as well as the new expressionism he encountered while studying and living in Germany in the late 1980s and 1990s. All of which, and more, is finely honed into work that is both intimate and worldly, full of rebellious protest and powerful poise.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia | Perth Cultural Centre
OH!Bento exhibition – Japan Foundation
to 29th July 2023 | Japan Foundation
Discover the world of bento boxes with OH!Bento, an exhibition that celebrates this universally loved aspect of Japan’s rich food culture. Featuring the works of three Japanese artists, OH!Bento seeks to unveil the entire bento experience, from the careful preparation of this portable packed lunchbox to its completion and eventual consumption. Through this process, bento has the power to strengthen human relationships, like a gift that contains a story connecting the preparer and the eater.
GALLERY HOURS
Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm | Sat: 11am–4pm | Closed Sundays and public holidays
The Japan Foundation, Sydney | Level 4, Central Park | 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Perth Japan Festival 2023
25th March 2023
Perth Japan Festival is a cultural event held every summer (around February or March) in Perth since 2013. A cultural event to promote friendship between Japan and Perth.
Includes Japanese food stalls, small goods, and exhibits of cultural information. Stage events include Japanese martial arts, music and pop culture.
Supreme Court Gardens | 11:00am to 6:30 pm
CHOHWA – Celebrating Japanese Culture for Harmony Week
26th March 2023 | Central Coast
Celebrating Japanese culture for Harmony Week in the Edogawa Commemorative Garden.
This is a free event which includes:
• Japanese Kite Flying
• Origami and kite making activities
• Edogawa Garden tours (bookings required)
• Japanese Calligraphy workshop (bookings required)
• Japanese Food
• Taiko Drumming
10am – 3pm | Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden. 36 Webb St East Gosford.
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop with Tomoko
26 March 2023
Tomoko is a Japanese calligraphy artist based on the Central Coast. Come and experience the art and enjoyment of writing Kanji (Japanese characters) with brush and ink.
Tomoko practiced calligraphy from the age of ten. Her calligraphy has been used in restaurants, accommodation, and on various products such as sake labels. She has also performed at festivals in Japan.
In this class, your instructor, Tomoko will show you how to create several characters and teach you the meaning and method for each Shodo. You will learn basic calligraphy skills and practice writing simple Kanji or your favourite Japanese word. Everyone will make their own artworks to take home. (materials provided)
If you have an interest in Japanese culture, or you like calligraphy or trying new kinds of art, then you’ll probably love this class
11.00am – 12:30pm | Gosford Regional Gallery, 36 Webb St, East Gosford NSW 2250
In-person: Japan Symposium 2023
28th March 2023
Technology is a key pillar of the Australia-Japan relationship and touches almost all aspects of cooperation: defence science and technology, cyber security, critical minerals and climate change, health and vaccines, and space.
However, cooperation does not happen on its own. It requires dedication and focus from both governments, close ties between our scientists, engineers, and innovators, and regular engagement between the public and private sectors.
9:00 am – 10:30 am AWST | The University of Western Australia The University Club, Banquet Hall Crawley
Opening remarks
His Excellency Yamagami Shingo – Ambassador of Japan to Australia
Justin Hayhurst – Ambassador of Australia to Japan (virtual remarks)
Panelists
Dr Lynn Kuok – Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security
The Hon. Richard Court AC – Former Ambassador of Australia to Japan
Dr Michael J. Green – CEO, United States Studies Centre
Professor Gordon Flake – CEO, Perth USAsia Centre (moderator)
Japan-Australia Investment: 2022 Review and Future Trends
29th March 2023 | AJBCC
Webinar launching 
Herbert Smith Freehills’ latest report Japan-Australia Investment: 2022 Review and Future Trends.
Authors Ian Williams and Damien Roberts of HSF will introduce the report, before being joined from Tokyo by the President of JETRO, Kazushige Nobutani, who will provide a Japanese perspective on the importance of Australia as an investment destination, and by Austrade’s General Manager for North Asia, Elizabeth Cox, who will provide an Australian perspective from Tokyo.
Professor Veronica Taylor from the Australian National University will moderate the session.
4pm (AEDT)
35th AABC National Bonsai Convention
19th-22nd May 2023 | Perth
Members of the bonsai community are offered the chance to meet and learn from world class artists; Masayuki Fujikawa from Japan, and for the first time in Australia,
Rafael Torres, all the way from Spain. Australia is also well represented with presentations from Scott Martin, demonstrating at an AABC national convention for the first time, Lindsay Bebb with a suiseki presentation, and Hugh Grant.
BSWA was also given the honour to be the 2022 World Bonsai Convention host, on behalf of the Australian – New Zealand region of the World Bonsai Friendship Federation, but because of Covid, this prestigious event was held online.
Japanese Studies Association of Australia 2023 International Conference
1st-3rd Sept 2023
The JSAA is the professional association for those in Australia who teach, research or study Japan. The Association was established in 1978, and membership is open to Japanese Studies practitioners in Australia and overseas.
Conference theme: Living in a post-Covid Society: Mobility of People and Language across Borders for Social Integration
JSAA-ICNTJ2023 brings cutting-edge research in all disciplines of Japanese Studies and associated areas, with a special feature of Japanese as a heritage and community language. The conference engages all associated with these fields, and invites a rigorous discussion that involves (but is not limited to) the movement of people and language across borders in a post-Covid society. The conference delves into new ways of considering mobility, diversity and social integration where ‘globalisation’ now needs to be seen about in a different light.
Keynote speakers:
Professor Ken Cruickshank, University of Sydney
Professor Kaori Okano, La Trobe University
Professor Koichi Iwabuchi, Kwansei Gakuin University
Venue
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
The University of Sydney
Online (Hybrid)