We hope that you can join us in-person for this free fully catered event with opportunities for networking or tune in at any time to the live stream to watch your topics of interest.
FEATURING:
Shin Kawashima – Foreign policy expert and senior advisor in Tokyo, specialising in China–Japan relations and East Asian diplomacy.
Sagiri Kitao – Award-winning economist recognised for her work on demographic change, social security, and Japan’s fiscal policy.
Masakazu Sugiyama – Energy systems expert specialising in solar innovation and sustainable technology.
Nana Oishi – Leading migration scholar with experience across Japan, Geneva, and the UN.
Natsuko Ogawa – Japan–Australia corporate law specialist, Partner at Ashurst, and Chair of the Australia-Japan Foundation.
PROGRAM
All times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10)
Welcome and introduction (9-9.10am)
• Shiro Armstrong, Director, Australia-Japan Research Centre, ANU
Energy transition keynote (9.10-9.30am)
• Masakazu Sugiyama, Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology, The University of Tokyo
Energy transition panel (9.30-10.30am)
What’s next for Japan’s energy transition? How is Japan decarbonising its energy system, and what does it mean for Australia? This panel will discuss the prospects for Japan’s low-carbon energy transition and the potential for an Australia-Japan collaboration in hydrogen.
- Llewelyn Hughes, Professor of Public Policy, ANU
- Leigh Livergood, Senior Manager, Oceania Strategy, Mitsubishi Australia
- Masakazu Sugiyama, Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology, The University of Tokyo
Morning Tea (10.30-11am)
Economy and demographics keynote (11-11.30am)
- Sagiri Kitao, Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies
- Discussant: Elena Capatina, ANU
- Chair: Ippei Fujiwara, Professor of Economics, Keio University & ANU
Economy and trade panel (11.30-12.20pm)
Japan's economy is on the move. Learn how labour shortages are adding dynamism to Japan's economy, with interest rates rising for the first time in 15 years and government subsidies fueling new industrial and security policies. This expert panel will review the latest developments in the Japanese economy.
- Shiro Armstrong, ANU
- Ippei Fujiwara, Professor of Economics, Keio University & ANU
- Chair: Elena Capatina, ANU
Lunch (12.20-1.20pm AEST)
Migration keynote (1.20-1.40pm)
• Nana Oishi, Associate Professor in Japanese Studies, University of Melbourne
People to people ties panel (1.40-2.40pm)
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan that opened up the modern Australia-Japan relationship. What is the state of play in bilateral people to people ties and what are the opportunities to further deepen the relationship? This panel will kick off with a broader look at the gradual opening up of Japan to migration.
- Nana Oishi, Associate Professor in Japanese Studies, The University of Melbourne
- Natsuko Ogawa, Chair, Australia-Japan Foundation & Partner, Ashurst
- Leonie Boxtel, Board Member, Australia-Japan Foundation and Chair, Melbourne Women's Foundation
- Chair: Shiro Armstrong, ANU
Afternoon tea (2.40-3.10pm)
Foreign policy keynote (3.10-3.30pm)
• Shin Kawashima, Professor, Department of International Relations, The University of Tokyo
Foreign policy and politics panel (3.30-4.30pm)
How is Japan's role in global affairs becoming more pivotal amid Great Power rivalries? Join this panel discussion to learn about Japan's evolving China policy and its strategies for handling geopolitical uncertainty.
- Shin Kawashima, Professor, Department of International Relations, The University of Tokyo
- Mie Oba, Professor of International Relations, Kanagawa University
- Tomohiko Satake, Associate Professor, Department of International Politics, Aoyama Gakuin University
- Chair: Lauren Richardson, ANU
Closing and thank you (4.30pm)
• Ippei Fujiwara, Professor of Economics, Keio University & ANU
• Simon Avenell, Director, ANU Japan Institute
The Australia–Japan Research Centre and the ANU Japan Institute are co-hosting the Japan Update 2025 — Australia’s preeminent conference on Japan.
The Japan Update 2025 is supported by funding from the Japan Foundation, Sydney, and the Japanese Studies Association of Australia