Australia welcomes Chair for Australia–Japan Studies

The Australian Government welcomes the establishment of the Rio Tinto Chair of Australia-Japan Studies at the University of Tokyo.

The Chair will focus on developing Australia-Japan relations in the 21st century, and support the Australian Government's commitment to growing educational links between our two nations.

Made possible with generous sponsorship from Rio Tinto, the position will be funded for an initial period of three years. The Australian Government welcomes Rio Tinto's continuing contribution to Australia's relationship with Japan.

This announcement is another important link between our nations that will help to expand the scope and quality of Australia-Japan studies and promote academic and research connections between Australian and Japanese universities.

I extend my deepest thanks to the University of Tokyo for their continued commitment to the highest educational standards and bilateral educational relations to the benefit of both nations.

A Statement of Intent between the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) and Rio Tinto to establish the position was signed last night, during Prime Minister Abe's historic visit to Australia.

Japan is one of four countries to participate in the pilot of the Australian Government's New Colombo Plan. More than 400 Australian undergraduates will shortly be studying in Japan as part of this initiative.