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On Monday 10 MayÌý2021, the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ welcomed His Excellency Mr Shingo Yamagami, Ambassador of Japan, to North Terrace Campus.Ìý

As part of his visit, the Ambassador met with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ and key stakeholders in the University community.

The Ambassador's meetings covered the University's cutting edge research in space, defence, hydrogen, minerals, and Japanese language and cultural studies - areas where Japan and Australia willÌýcontinue to work together on pressing global challenges through continued collaboration.

The Ambassador also delivered a talk as part of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)'sÌýMeet the LeaderÌýseries, which features international Ambassadors and prominent figures speaking to students, staff, and the public about international relations and foreign policy. The Japanese Ambassador's visit was the second event inÌýthe newÌýMeet the LeaderÌý²õ±ð°ù¾±±ð²õ.Ìý

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The Ambassador's oration, titledÌýJapan-Australia Relations in the Indo-Pacific RegionÌýoutlined key partnerships and collaborations between Australia and Japan, including discussion of the following:

• University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ alumni and their ties to Japan;
• cooperation on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the World Trade Organisation;
• promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific;
• the potential of hydrogen and green ammonia renewable energies;
• the South Australian wine industry and the potential to export to Japan.

Mr Yamagami highlighted Japan's growing demand for South Australian wine at several points in his address:Ìý

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"There are over 30 million wine drinkers in Japan just waiting for someone to introduce them to the delights of a good Barossa Valley Shiraz,"His Excellency Mr Shingo Yamagami, Ambassador of Japan

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"As much as I love being able to have a nice glass of Jacob's Creek in Tokyo, what I'd really like is to be able to enjoy the full range of SA wines - from a fancy Penfolds to a Berri Estates Fruity Lexia." stated the Ambassador.

The oration also addressed issues such as international partnerships beyond Australia and Japan, future collaboration in space exploration, and Japan's lost bid for the Future Submarines contract in 2016:Ìý

"While I am always astonished by the beauty and tranquillity of the Australian ocean, I can't help but think it would have been even more beautiful and quiet with Japanese submarines in it."Ìý

Before opening the floor to a Q&A, the Ambassador touched on his experience working for the police and intelligence services before becoming Ambassador in December 2020, providing expert insight into promoting peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.Ìý

Japan-Australia Relations in the Indo-Pacific RegionÌýwas a joint event hosted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), the Department of Politics and International Relations (POLIR), and the Politics and International Relations Association (PIRA) at the University of ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ.Ìý

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Please see below for a video recording from the event.Ìý