On
our 10th anniversary, the
Japan Cultural Centre, Sydney has organised a forum that presents
a contemporary profile of the Australia-Japan relationship focusing on ordinary
people.
This forum will
survey a range of cultural transferences and transactions, focusing on contemporary
examples, as provided for example by some of Australia’s most celebrated
Japanese expatriates- acclaimed fashion designer Akira
Isogawa and the celebrated chef Tetsuya Wakuda.
Guests
at the forum will also include Dr
Alison Broinowski, former diplomat and scholar of representations of
Australia in Asia; acclaimed shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) player
Riley Lee, and the
ever popular, dynamic taiko (Japanese drum) performance troupe, Taikoz.
In the first
of two sessions, 'Creative Transformation'
- Artistic Activities at the Australia-Japan interface,
we will explore the views of Australian and Japanese artists who draw their inspiration
from the Australia-Japan connection. In the second session,
'Personal Transformation' - Global Cultural Flows and Identity,
the issue of identity among Australian and Japanese people will be discussed in
the context of Australian multiculturalism and globalisation. The forum will feature
video interviews, talks and discussions, as well as live cross-cultural performances.
A special feature of the forum will be the unveiling of our Artists
Archive project, Meet the Authors,
and our Sake Barrel Opening Ceremony.
There
can be no question that the Australia - Japan relationship looms large in the
Australian psyche, particularly in relation to trade and the economy. But what
about the cultural element? Is there more to be said about these complex dynamics
and legacies than sushi train, Japanese electronic appliances and Japanese surfers
on Bondi Beach? 
