Connections to Japan
Canberra is home to many community groups, businesses, and organisations that all play an important part in maintaining our Sister City relationship with Japan.
Here are some organisations and businesses that you can support in Canberra.
Community organisations
The Canberra Japan Club Inc. is a community group supporting Canberra-based Japanese residents and those with a connection to Japan. The Club works to promote a deeper understanding of Japanese culture throughout the community. It has facilitated a kindergarten class for Japanese infants, and recently opened language classes for young Japanese speakers. The Club also includes has six hobby groups and a Support network.
Japan Australia Society (ACT) Inc
The Australian Japan Society is a non-profit community organisation which facilitates contact and understanding between Australian and Japanese people. The Society promotes an interest in Japanese culture and people, and conducts the student exchange program in collaboration with the Japan Australia Society, Kobe Japan.
Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme Alumni Association Canberra (JETAA Canberra)
JETAA is a not for profit, self-supporting alumni association which was created in 1989 to strengthen and maintain the bonds of friendship developed between JET Programme participants. The purpose of JETAA is to promote, through its activities, a broader and deeper understanding between Japan and the countries participating in the JET Programme. JETAA also hosts regular events for members and those interested in Japan.
Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin
The members of the Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin are dedicated and passionate about both community service and friendship. The Club facilitated the Rotary Peace Bell being placed into Lennox Gardens with World Peace Bell Association and Rotary International, which was unveiled to the community in 2018. The Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin has been an important part of the Canberra Nara Candle Festival and manages the Peace Bell, offering the opportunity for the community to ring the bell during the Festival.
While in the Park members of the community will have an opportunity to strike the Rotary Peace Bell from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October. Remember to stay COVID safe by practising good hygiene and social distancing, if you feel unwell please stay home, and if you have any symptoms, get tested.
Schools, clubs and workshops
ANU Sport, North Road, Acton
Traditional martial art of Japanese fencing
ANU, Acton
A student-run club who perform the traditional Japanese theatre style of kabuki
Awesome Japanese Language and Culture School
Suite 5 Dickson Chambers, 25 Dickson Place, Dickson
Japanese language classes for all ages, skills and abilities
Currie Crescent Community Centre, Kingston
A martial arts school teaching kendo
Variety of Japanese inspired workshops and classes
Japanese food education classes
Japanese art of floral arrangement, demonstrations, lessons and display services
Other organisations with Japanese inspiration
Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia is a partnership between the Act Government and the Australian Bonsai Community. Bonsai is the Japanese art of cultivating normal trees in miniature size by using sophisticated pruning techniques.
Parkes Place, Parkes
A contemporary Japanese artwork by Yayoi Kusama is displayed as a playful installation at the National Gallery of Australia. Known as the Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens, this installation is an intimate, free experience with limited capacity, with no ticket required to enter.