Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC)

The AJBCC in partnership with KPMG Australia hosted an afternoon of rugby insights during a roundtable event on 9 July featuring two of the most influential figures in Asian rugby: Kensuke Iwabuchi, Chairman, and Masato Tsuchida, President of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU). As Japan marks the historic 100th anniversary of its rugby union, the JRFU has officially launched an ambitious campaign to bring the Rugby World Cup back to Japanese soil in 2035. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion. ✳️ The Legacy of 2019 and the Vision for 2035 The modern blueprint for Japanese rugby remains the wildly successful Rugby World Cup 2019. That tournament exceeded expectations, attracting 1.7 million fans, with nearly 30% travelling from abroad to experience Japan’s world-class hospitality. Now, the JRFU is aiming to replicate (and exceed) that tournament. President Tsuchida emphasised that a 2035 tournament wouldn't just be about growing the game domestically; it requires drawing on the "collective strength of all Japan" to deliver the best World Cup ever for the global sporting community. ✳️ "No Side Spirit" During his presentation, President Tsuchida outlined the emotional and philosophical core of Japan's 2035 campaign: "No Side Spirit." "No Side" is a uniquely Japanese rugby concept drawn from the game's earliest traditions. It encapsulates the mutual respect, deep camaraderie, and genuine friendship shared between all players and fans as soon as the final whistle blows. President Tsuchida spoke passionately about how vital this concept is in today’s modern society. In a world marked by increasing divisions, disparities, and lines drawn between communities, the "No Side Spirit" represents lines that connect us rather than separate us. It is a powerful, unifying message that Japan is eager to share with the world through the game of rugby. We wrapped up our lunch by looking toward immediate challenges on the pitch. The Brave Blossoms are currently in Australia for the brand-new Nations Championship series. We wish Head Coach Eddie Jones and the entire Japan national team the best of luck as they face off against Ireland on 11 July, at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle! It promises to be a thrilling and historic neutral-test encounter. Thank you once again to Mr Tsuchida and Mr Iwabuchi, to KPMG Australia's Doug Ferguson and Ben Opie for hosting us, and to everyone who joined us for a memorable afternoon. #AJBCC #Japan #Australia #SportsDiplomacy #BusinessofSport

The AJBCC's Clean Energy Transition Advisory Committee invites you to join us for a session presented by GreenCollar and Greencap. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 : 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗗𝗜 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮 This session will examine the strengthening carbon policy trends in Australia and implications for Japanese investments, trade and investment strategies. Key topics include: 𝗖̲𝗮̲𝗿̲𝗯̲𝗼̲𝗻̲ ̲𝗠̲𝗮̲𝗿̲𝗸̲𝗲̲𝘁̲ ̲𝗢̲𝘂̲𝘁̲𝗹̲𝗼̲𝗼̲𝗸̲:̲ An overview of ACCU supply, demand, and price trends, the evolution of carbon project methodologies, and priorities for the next wave of carbon project investments. 𝗖̲𝗮̲𝗿̲𝗯̲𝗼̲𝗻̲ ̲𝗣̲𝗼̲𝗹̲𝗶̲𝗰̲𝘆̲ ̲𝗧̲𝗿̲𝗲̲𝗻̲𝗱̲𝘀̲:̲ Insights into the Australian Government's resolve to strengthen carbon policy amidst challenging global conditions, including the future direction of Safeguard Mechanism policy. 𝗜̲𝗺̲𝗽̲𝗹̲𝗶̲𝗰̲𝗮̲𝘁̲𝗶̲𝗼̲𝗻̲𝘀̲ ̲𝗳̲𝗼̲𝗿̲ ̲𝗝̲𝗮̲𝗽̲𝗮̲𝗻̲𝗲̲𝘀̲𝗲̲ ̲𝗧̲𝗿̲𝗮̲𝗱̲𝗲̲ ̲𝘄̲𝗶̲𝘁̲𝗵̲ ̲𝗔̲𝘂̲𝘀̲𝘁̲𝗿̲𝗮̲𝗹̲𝗶̲𝗮̲:̲ Analysis of how Safeguard policy affects sectors with significant Japanese FDI, potential expansion to additional sectors, and the different approaches foreign investors are taking to manage their growing Australian carbon obligations and evolving carbon policy landscape. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: Date & Time: Monday, 27 July 2026 | 4:30pm – 6:15pm (AEST) Venue: Gilbert + Tobin Sydney Office, Level 35, Tower Two, International Towers, 200 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney NSW 2000 Format: This is a hybrid event. For those unable to join us in person, the session will be streamed online. Link details will be shared with registrants before the event. #AJBCC #Australia #Japan #AustraliaJapanRelations #EnergySecurity #CarbonMarket #CarbonPolicy #EnergyTransition #EnergyMarkets #StrategicPartnership #SydneyEvents

We are delighted to welcome Metrics Credit Partners and Strider Technologies as our newest Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) members. Metrics Credit Partners is an Australian based private markets asset management firm specialising in fixed income, private credit, equity and capital markets, with assets under management in excess of A$35 billion. Andrew Lockhart, Managing Director and CEO at Metrics, will be the AJBCC nominated representative and is based in Sydney, NSW. Strider Technologies is a strategic intelligence company that helps governments, defence organisations, and leading enterprises identify and manage geopolitical, supply chain, and national security risks. Incorporated in Australia, with an office in Tokyo, Strider supports clients across both the Australian and Japanese markets, as well as broader Indo-Pacific and allied ecosystems. Paul Maddison, Australia & New Zealand Country Manager at Strider, will be the AJBCC nominated representative and is based in Canberra, ACT. Read more about our new members here: https://lnkd.in/g6Mszyjt View the full list of AJBCC members: https://lnkd.in/g64hyzVn

The Australia–Japan partnership continues to evolve in response to a changing global environment, creating new opportunities for collaboration across investment, economic security, innovation and business. AJBCC's upcoming events bring together leaders and experts to exchange perspectives, strengthen bilateral connections and help shape the next phase of Australia–Japan cooperation. Upcoming Event Lineup: ✳️ Expanding Carbon Obligations for Japanese FDI into Australia, Mon 27 Jul 2026 ✳️The Strategic Nexus, Thu 6 August 2026 ✳️ Australia-Japan Innovation Alliance Forum 2026, Fri 2 Oct 2026 ✳️ ANZCCJ x JABCC x AJBCC: Australia-Japan 50 Years: Celebrating the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, Fri 2 Oct 2026 ✳️The 63rd Annual Australia–Japan Joint Business Conference, 4–6 Oct 2026 ✳️ Chiba Discovery Tours, Wed 7 Oct 2026 🔗 For full details and to register, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gjBj29Xz #AJBCC #Australia #Japan #Business #Investment #Innovation #EconomicSecurity #Conference #Partnerships #BilateralRelations

The AJBCC is pleased to partner with Members, Norton Rose Fulbright and Veracity Worldwide, to host a focused roundtable discussion on the growing intersection between energy security and national security in today’s evolving geopolitical landscape. The discussion will explore key themes relevant to Australia–Japan collaboration, including: 💡 The increasing alignment between defence and energy priorities, with a focus on fuel security and infrastructure resilience 💡 The strategic importance of critical minerals and supply chains 💡 The role of cross-sector funding mechanisms, including any government or quasi-governmental funding institutions, in supporting energy and defence-related infrastructure The session will also draw on insights from recent defence projects, as well as broader trends in energy markets and investment where they intersect with national security priorities, bringing together expertise across energy, defence, regulation, and cross-border investment. Event details: Date & Time: Thursday, 6 August | 12:00-2:00pm Venue: Norton Rose Fulbright, Melbourne Address: Level 38, Olderfleet, 477 Collins Street #AJBCC #Australia #Japan #AustraliaJapanRelations #EnergySecurity #NationalSecurity #Defence #CriticalMinerals #SupplyChains #InfrastructureResilience #EnergyTransition #EnergyMarkets #CrossBorderInvestment #Geopolitics #StrategicPartnership #BusinessRoundtable #MelbourneEvents #NortonRoseFulbright #VeracityWorldwide

In another key Australia-Japan business event this week, we were pleased to convene "Transitioning Australia–Japan Energy Partnership 3: Turning Opportunities into Outcomes" at The Australian National University in Canberra on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. Nearly 200 senior representatives from government, industry, academia and the broader Australia–Japan business community came together to examine how we can work more effectively together to translate shared ambitions into commercially realistic outcomes. Among our highly distinguished speakers, we were particularly honoured to welcome Sue-Ern Tan from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Singapore Regional Cooperation Office. Against the backdrop of ongoing disruption to global energy supply chains, speakers explored the technologies, investment, policy settings and partnerships needed for the next phase of the Australia–Japan energy relationship, creating a real sense of optimism that, if we work together, the challenges to achieving decarbonisation with energy security can be overcome. Professor Llewelyn Hughes, in summing up, aptly pointed out that in both Australia and Japan changing circumstances have led and will continue to lead to policy changes in both countries, but that in adapting we need to aim for policy predictability to manage risk for investors - meaning an ongoing need for heightened communication to ensure governments and businesses are all pushing in the same direction. Our sincere appreciation to all speakers, moderators and panellists for contributing their expertise, experience and perspectives to a highly engaging and substantive program. We also thank our conference sponsors Low Emission Technology Australia (Platinum), InterContinental Energy (Gold), and MUFG (Silver), without whose valued contribution the conference would not have been possible, and the members of our Clean Energy Transition Advisory Committee (CETAC) who helped shape the conference program and ensure it addressed the key commercial and strategic issues facing the bilateral energy partnership. Our sincere thanks also go to Professor Llewelyn Hughes and the broader The Australian National University team for their hospitality and partnership in delivering the conference, including the special session and technology site visits. These visits allowed delegates to experience leading ANU research facilities firsthand, adding a distinctive and valuable dimension to the program. The strong participation and quality of discussion throughout the day reflected the depth of commitment on both sides to advancing the Australia–Japan energy partnership and turning opportunities into outcomes. #AJBCC #Australia #Japan #AustraliaJapanRelations #EnergyPartnership #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #Collaboration #ANU

It's been a huge week of Australia-Japan activity in Canberra, with the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) at the centre of things. The key highlight was the Gala Dinner we co-hosted with the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan, appropriately in the Great Hall of Parliament House. We were honoured to receive warm video messages of support for the relationship from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan; and to hear heartfelt speeches from Foreign Minister Senator The Hon Penny Wong and Mr Horii Iwao, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, about how the huge and growing national interest-based relationship between Australia and Japan has been underpinned by the very people-to-people relationships the NARA Treaty was established to nurture. That importance was underscored by the strong bipartisan nature of attendance at the political level, including the President of the Senate, Hon Senator Sue Lines, and the Deputy President, Senator Slade Brockman, The Treasurer the Hon Jim Chalmers MP, Trade Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia the Hon Madeleine King, Shadow Foreign Minister the Hon Ted O'Brien MP, representing the leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Nationals, Hon Matthew Canavan, and Senator the Hon Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Resources, as well as a multitude of senior members of both Chambers from across the political spectrum, the Australian and Japanese Ambassadors Andrew Shearer Kazuhiro SUZUKI, and a large array of people who have contributed to all aspects of the bilateral relationship over decades. Guests were also treated to a smorgasbord of entertainment, from the rolling drums of Byron Taiko to a vivacious segment from Melanie Brock AM and celebrity chef Adam Liaw on the influence of Japanese food on the development of modern, multicultural Australian fusion food, and the custom-produced melodies of Australian Shakuhachi Player Anne Norman and Japanese Didgeridoo player Sanshi, backed by the Japanese Taiko drums. We thank our co-host the NFAJS, Event Partner the Australia-Japan Foundation (itself celebrating its 50th Anniversary), our platinum sponsors Chevron Australia, INPEX Corporation, JERA Australia, Mitsubishi Australia Ltd, Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. TAL Australia, Tivan Limited, and Woodside Energy, and gold sponsors, Gilbert + Tobin, Hancock Iron Ore, Marubeni Corporation, M Resources, MUFG, Port of Newcastle, and all our supporting partners all for their attendance and most of all for their support for the great partnership between Australia and Japan. Richard Andrews

Strong bilateral partnerships depend on diplomacy, policy alignment and trusted legal and industry expertise, all essential to turning shared energy priorities into practical outcomes. We are pleased to announce three more speakers joining the AJBCC Energy Conference: Transitioning Australia-Japan Energy Partnership 3 - Turning Opportunities into Outcomes in Canberra on 30 June: ⭐️ Dr Takayoshi Kuromiya, Deputy Head of Mission/Minister, Embassy of Japan in Australia ⭐️ Tennant Reed, Director – Climate Change and Energy, Australian Industry Group ⭐️ Teruma Naito, Partner, Ashurst Their participation will bring valuable perspectives across bilateral relations, climate and energy policy, industry priorities and the legal frameworks supporting investment and project delivery. We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra next week. ❇️ The event is proudly sponsored by Low Emission Technology Australia #AJBCC #AustraliaJapan #EnergyTransition #EnergySecurity #Decarbonisation #ClimatePolicy #BilateralRelations #EnergyInvestment #ProjectDelivery #Canberra #AiGroup #Ashurst

AJBCC's upcoming events provide a platform to explore opportunities, strengthen connections and contribute to the next chapter of Australia–Japan engagement. ▪️ Roundtable Discussion with JRFU Leadership, Thu 9 Jul 2026 ▪️ The Strategic Nexus: Energy Security, National Security, and Australia–Japan Collaboration, Thu 6 August 2026 ▪️ Australia-Japan Innovation Alliance Forum 2026, Fri 2 Oct 2026 ▪️ ANZCCJ x JABCC x AJBCC: Australia-Japan 50 Years: Celebrating the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, Fri 2 Oct 2026 ▪️ The 63rd Annual Australia–Japan Joint Business Conference, 4–6 Oct 2026 ▪️ Chiba Discovery Tours, Wed 7 Oct 2026 🔗 For full details and to register, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gjBj29Xz #AJBCC #Australia #Japan #Business #Innovation #Leadership #Conference #Partnerships #BilateralRelations #AustraliaJapan

The energy transition will depend not only on bold ideas, but on the industrial capability, technology and leadership needed to turn them into practical outcomes. We are pleased to announce three more speakers joining the Transitioning Australia-Japan Energy Partnership Conference in Canberra on 30 June: ⭐️ Chris Page, General Manager, NeoSmelt and Head of Future Technologies, BlueScope Steel ⭐️ Tim Lester, Executive Chair, Jameson Boyce Partners ⭐️ Professor Ken Baldwin, Emeritus Professor, The Australian National University Together, they bring valuable perspectives across advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, policy and the long-term development of the Australia–Japan energy partnership. We look forward to seeing many of our Members next week! ❇️ The event is proudly sponsored by Low Emission Technology Australia ❇️ #AJBCC #AustraliaJapan #EnergyTransition #EnergySecurity #Decarbonisation #AdvancedManufacturing #FutureTechnologies #CleanEnergy #Innovation #BlueScope #ANU #Canberra