Australia-Japan Foundation Award Winners 2005 - Profiles

MR FUKUZO IWASAKI

As Chairman of the Iwasaki Sangyo Group of transport and tourism interests, Mr Fukuzo Iwasaki has made a major contribution to Australian tourism, including the establishment of the Capricorn Resort in Rockhampton. His family has long ties with Australia, pioneering Japanese investment in Australia’s pastoral and tourism industries. But of greatest note is his philanthropy and contribution to people-to-people ties. Mr Iwasaki founded the Kagoshima Australia-Japan Society in 1991, has funded student scholarships, donated Australian and Japanese Gardens, and through the Iwasaki Foundation Australia provided 10,000 nights hotel accommodation each year to underprivileged and aged Australians.

MR SHINICHIRO RYOKI

Senior advisor to Osaka Gas, Mr Ryoki has a long relationship with Australia in both a commercial and community-based capacity. Involved in the negotiations that saw the first import of Australian LNG to Japan, Mr Ryoki has also spearheaded efforts to reduce global warning and a major tree plantation initiative in Western Australia. Serving as Chairman of the Kansai-Japan Australia Society from 2000-2004, he continues to serve as an advisor on Australia-Japan Relations in the Kansai region.

MRS MICHIKO AOKI

For almost 30 years Mrs Aoki has worked tirelessly to promote links between Australia and Japan in the performing arts. A distinguished actress, she moved into theatre promotion where she forged new opportunities for many Japanese productions to visit Australia. She played a critical role in introducing Australian performing arts to Japan and her efforts have yielded a longstanding engagement between the Adelaide Festival and Japanese performers. The bilateral networks she has nurtured have produced innovative and collaborative works and raised the profile of artistic excellence in both countries.

PRISONERS OF WAR RESEARCH NETWORK OF JAPAN

Mrs Yoshiko Tamura, Mrs Taeko Sasamoto and Mrs Nori Nagasawa of the Prisoners of War Research Network of Japan have demonstrated tireless dedication to researching, publishing and speaking about details of former Australian POWs in Japan. They have devoted an enormous amount of time piecing together and publishing the details of 192 Australian POWs who lost their lives in Japan. Through countless hours of interpreting, guiding, liaising and counselling the families of former POWs who visit Japan, they have helped many Australians achieve closure on a chapter that had been unresolved for many years.