Presentation of 2008 Australia-Japan Foundation Achievement Awards

On 9 May 2008, Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith presented the 2008 Australia-Japan Foundation Achievement Awards to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to developing people-to-people relationships between Australia and Japan.

The Achievement Awards were established to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Australia-Japan Foundation. Past awards have been presented to individuals and groups that symbolise the diversity of the Japan-Australia relationship. This year's awardees include a wide variety of individuals and organisations representing fields such as commerce, culture, education and the arts.

(from left), Mr Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Hiroshi Ishibashi (The Ishibashi Foundation), Mr Yoshio Wada, Mr Amane Konishi, Mr Kaoru Nakashima, Mr Yoshimori Endo (on behalf of Mr Masaaki Nagasawa), Prof Masami Sekine (The Australian Studies Association of Japan), Mr Mitsuaki Tanabe and the Australian Ambassador, Mr Murray McLean OAM.

The recipients for 2008 are:

• The Ishibashi Foundation
  The Ishibashi Foundation has made significant achievements in the field of artistic exchange between Australia and Japan. The Foundation manages the Bridgestone Art Museum which hosted a major Australian art exhibition entitled "Prism: Contemporary Australian Art". The Museum also acquired seven additional Australian works for its collection in 2008.
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• Mr Yoshio Wada
  Mr Wada is the founder and director of the Rakutendan theatre company and Chair of the Japan Directors Association. Mr Wada has been actively involved in introducing Australian plays to Japan, translated into Japanese. Known for his expertise in the field of modern Aboriginal theatre, Mr Wada has worked on collaborative Australia-Japan theatre productions and has invited many Australian directors and playwrights to Japan.
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• Mr Amane Konishi and Mr Kaoru Nakashima
  Mr Konishi and Mr Nakashima have contributed to grass-roots sports-based exchange between Australia and Japan as members of the Japan Rugby League Association. They have organised friendly matches between Japan and Australia and promoted OZTag, a recreational form of rugby league for all ages.
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• Mr Masaaki Nagasawa
  Mr Nagasawa is recognised for his advocacy of closer commercial ties between Australia and Japan through his work at Hakubaku Australia, based in Victoria. Hakubaku Co., Ltd. pioneered the production of organic dried noodles in Australia and has made a major contribution to the development of this product. Mr Nagasawa has also been active in promoting exchange at the community level by introducing Japan's culinary traditions to Australians.
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• The Australian Studies Association of Japan
  The Australian Studies Association of Japan was established in 1989 to promote Australian studies in Japan. The Association has contributed to the development of Australian studies at higher education institutions, increased the Japanese public's awareness of Australian society and deepened academic exchange between Australia and Japan.
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• Mr Mitsuaki Tanabe
  Mr Tanabe is a sculptor who uses art to promote the in-situ conservation of wild rice. Mr Tanabe is currently working on a sculpture based on the same theme using a giant rock formation on the outskirts of Darwin. His projects have been made possible through the cooperation of the Australian government and the Aboriginal community.
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