Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania Inc.

タスマニア豪日協会

Welcome to the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania Inc.

The Society is a nonpolitical, nonprofit organisation that assists Japanese and Australians (and Tasmanians in particular) in understanding each other’s culture.

The Society is involved in the organisation of numerous activities in various educational, cultural, social and commercial contexts. Visiting Japanese nationals are welcome to participate in our activities, as are any Australians with an interest in Japan.

Membership is open to individuals, families, educational institutions, companies and government agencies interested in widening their understanding of Japan and its people, and who wish to share their common interest with others, in a friendly, social and productive way.

Please join us or subscribe to our mailing list.


Upcoming events

    • 5 Feb 2025
    • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Ball and Chain, 87 Salamanca Place, Hobart
    • 12
    Register


    Welcome Dinner with the Kumundar Gujo Team

    Get ready for a great evening as we kick off the Australian Wooden Boat Festival with an inspiring evening of food, fun and cultural exchange! AJS-TAS is excited to welcome the Kumundar Gujo Team, the creative minds behind one of this year’s standout family attractions at the AWBF: a giant interactive play gym built by children using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and cross-cultural learning like no other!

    More about Kumundar Gujo

    This project is one of the most significant Japanese collaborations in AWBF history, fostering cross-cultural exchange through education, skill-building and cultural sharing. During the Festival, the Kumundar Gujo team will deliver their programme and provide training to AWBF members and the Yaizu Sister City group, enabling the initiative to be implemented in schools across Tasmania into the future.

    Here’s what's in store

    Enjoy a delicious dinner with the Kumundar Gujo Team.

    Everyone attending the dinner is also welcome to join us beforehand for pre-dinner drinks. Start the evening with special guests, Consul-General Mr. Tokuro Furuya and Consul Mr. Naoyasu Kawamura, as well as members of the Tasmanian Government.

    When & Where

    Pre-dinner drinks
    Date: Wednesday, 5 February
    Time: 5:30pm – 6:15pm
    Location: Evolve Spirits Bar, MACq 01 Hotel, 18 Hunter St, Hobart

    Dinner
    Date: Wednesday, 5 February
    Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
    Location: Ball and Chain, 87 Salamanca Place, Hobart

    Registration

    Please RSVP by Tuesday, 4 February.
    Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venues.

    Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the special bond between Japan and Tasmania while enjoying great company and a memorable night! Let’s toast to creativity, connection, and community!

    For more information about the Kumundar Gujo Project please see here.

    Image: https://australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/allport-bequest-confirm-support-for-the-kumunda-gujo-interactive-education-and-creative-play-project/

    • 8 Feb 2025
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Port of Hobart (Macquarie Wharf - specifics to be advised once the vessel berths)
    Register


    ALL ABOARD THE UMITAKA MARU! OPEN SHIP TOUR

    Calling all AJS-TAS members, maritime lovers and nautical enthusiasts – this is your chance to experience something extraordinary! Don’t miss it!

    After 5 long years, the iconic training and research vessel from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology is once again hosting an open ship tour. Join us as the Umitaka Maru docks on her annual voyage to Tasmania, and step aboard to:

    Explore the ship

    ⚓ Meet the crew, cadets and scientists

    ⚓ Dive into the world of maritime research

    Why it’s special

    The Umitaka Maru isn’t just any ship – she’s Hobart’s cherished maritime friend! For more than 15 years, she’s built a bond with our community that no other port on her 4-month journey can claim. In fact, among all the Antarctic research and supply vessels that visit our shores each year from around the world, the Umitaka Maru is the only one that has a relationship of this nature. After a 5-year pause due to COVID, it’s time to rekindle this special connection and celebrate our shared history.

    When and Where

    When: Saturday, 8 February
    Time: 2pm – 4pm
    Where: Macquarie Wharf, Hobart
    The specific wharf where the Umitaka Maru will berth will not be confirmed until its arrival on Friday. We will notify you of the wharf number as soon as the information is available.
    Cost: Free
    RSVP: RSVPs are essential for this event! Please register by Friday, 31 January.

    We recommend registering even if your availability is uncertain at this time, as you will not be able to board the ship otherwise.

    Registration Information

    For security purposes, you will be required to provide the following information when you register:

    Family name
    Given name
    Photo ID (document type)
    Photo ID (document number)
    Photo ID (expiry date)
    Country of Citizenship
    Date of Birth

    Other important information

    - Please wear flat, enclosed shoes on the day (strictly no sandals or high heels are permitted).

    - Kindly note that photography is strictly prohibited in the wharf area, and all individuals entering must have submitted identification during registration.

    - It is important that all participants arrive by the 2pm start time, as the entire assembled group will be escorted to the vessel together at this time.

    short film chronicling the ship’s voyage from 2017 is available on YouTube.

    We are also hosting a festive Welcome BBQ for the ship’s crew, cadets and scientists together with AJS-TAS members, friends and the Antarctic community. Don’t miss out—register separately for the BBQ here.

    • 9 Feb 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Tolosa Park Reserve, Hut 4 Blackwood
    • 6
    Register


    All Aboard the Fun! The Umitaka Maru is Back in Tassie!

    After 5 long years we are thrilled to be able to host a welcome celebration for the Umitaka Maru once again! This iconic training and research vessel from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology will be docking in Hobart on her annual voyage to Tasmania, and as part of this year’s visit we’re throwing a celebration to remember!

    What’s happening
    ⚓ Meet the crew, cadets and scientists of the Umitaka Maru

    ⚓ Enjoy a festive BBQ with our special guests, AJS-TAS members, friends and the Antarctic community

    ⚓ Dive into fun games and activities for everyone

    Why it’s special
    The Umitaka Maru isn’t just any ship – she’s Hobart’s cherished maritime friend! For more than 15 years, she’s built a bond with our community that no other port on her 4-month journey can claim. In fact, among all the Antarctic research and supply vessels that visit our shores each year from around the world, the Umitaka Maru is the only one that has a relationship of this nature. After a 5-year pause due to COVID, it’s time to rekindle this special connection and celebrate our shared history.

    When and Where

    When: Sunday, 9 February
    Time: 1pm – 4pm
    Where: Tolosa Park Reserve, Hut 4 Blackwood, Tolosa Street, Glenorchy
    Cost: Free
    Registration: Registration for this event is free, but places are limited. Don’t miss out – secure your place today and join us for an unforgettable day!

    All food, including vegetarian BBQ options, will be available at the event. However, we kindly ask that you bring your own beverages, including any alcoholic drinks you'd like to enjoy.

    Don’t miss the chance to explore the Umitaka Maru at the Open Ship event on Saturday, 8 February! Secure your spot by registering separately here. **Registrations for the Open Ship close Friday, 31 January.

    We’d like to thank Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, the Tasmanian Polar Network, Tasmania Feedlot and the Mission to Seafarers in Hobart for their generous sponsorship and support.


Copyright Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania Inc.| PO Box 136, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7006, Australia | ABN 14 559 509 154

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