2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange

I am pleased to announce the official launch of the Australian program for the 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange.

The Year of Exchange commemorates the 30th anniversary of the 1976 Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan. Prime Ministers Koizumi and Howard agreed to hold the Year of Exchange during Mr Howard's visit to Tokyo in July 2003.

In Japan, the Australian program for the Year of Exchange will be launched on Australia Day by The Hon Fran Bailey, Minister for Tourism, at a reception at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo. A number of high-level guests, including Japanese Government ministers, are expected to attend the launch.

The Year of Exchange will involve a program of bilateral exchanges, collaborative activities and events in a diverse range of fields, including the arts, education, science and technology, sport and tourism. The aim is to celebrate the close and enduring connections between Australia and Japan: our strong economic links, deep political ties and warm people-to-people contacts.

A number of prestigious visual and performing arts events will feature during the Australian Year of Exchange program in Japan, including exhibitions by leading contemporary Australian artists, an extensive Australian film festival, combined jazz concerts and a range of orchestral, theatre and dance performances showcasing the best of Australian talent in these fields.

Over 100 community events have been registered on the Australian program in Japan, including exchanges between sister states/prefectures and sister cities and more than 30 sister school visits. Sporting teams from the two countries will participate in a range of sports including soccer, baseball, cricket and athletics.

Other highlights include events as diverse as Australian food and wine promotions in major hotels across Japan; a limited edition Year of Exchange commemorative Australia Post souvenir stamp sheet; a large-scale ice carving of the Royal Melbourne Exhibition Building at the Sapporo Snow Festival; cooperation between Questacon and its Japanese counterparts and an exhibition of fossils from the Flinders Ranges at the Kyoto Museum.

The full range of events can be viewed at www.yoe.australia.or.jp/english/. Participation is open to everyone with an interest in Australia-Japan relations - individuals, community groups and business.

Media Inquiries: Mr Downer's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555