On 11 December, the Consulate General of Japan in Sydney hosted a reception for returning JET Programme participants from New South Wales, at the official residence of Japan’s Consul General. Five returning JETs joined the reception, as did CLAIR Sydney’s Director Mr. Tanabe and Deputy Director Mr. Ito, among others.
Acting Consul-General Mr. Kobayashi welcomed those present, talking of the importance of the JET Programme and thanking the returnees for their hard work. Acting Consul General Kobayashi also recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the commencement of the Lismore (NSW) – Yamatotakada (Nara) sister city relationship, the oldest between an Australian and Japanese local government. In this jubilee year, he voiced his hope that Japanese-Australian relations and exchange deepen even further in future.
Following the Acting Consul General’s greeting, the five returnees from Nara and Hyogo prefectures, Hirado City and Sasebo City (Nagasaki prefecture) each introduced themselves and told of their postings in Japan. Surrounded by a friendly atmosphere, we networked with the reception’s guests.
