Dinner meeting with Consulate-General of Japan, Sydney

311 event team since 2011

The news about the East Japan disaster in 2011 moved many people to do action.
I was one of them, I felt I wanted to do something to help people in Japan…. I think many Japanese who live overseas felt the same way.
Then I contacted Yukiko Hirano, a local Manly resident who started collecting donations for Japan. I saw her article in the local newspaper in March 2011.

Since then, I have helped Yukiko here and there for her events.
She has invited young Japanese to Sydney as exchange students, so they can enjoy playing in nature, learning the different cultures. She made programs, found host families and selections of places to visit, etc. She had run through with her amazing energy and lots of love.
Mr Masahiko Kiya who is a current Consul-general of Japan, Sydney has invited us to the dinner.
The attendees: Consul-General of Japan Sydney Kiya Masahiko, Yukiko Hirano, Ren Yano, Tae Gessner, Haruka Shinno and Midori Furze

We talked about future events in Sydney for Japanaroo 2022.

I found my Kimono bird in the room. So delighted to meet her again!

Featured on the Consulate-General of Japan, Sydney’s website

I am featured on the Japanee Cultural Directory

The Consulate-General of Japan, Sydney released a cultural dictionary of the artists on their website in September 2020.
https://www.sydney.au.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/culture_directory.html?fbclid=IwAR2U4M5ckfXCzYHNUUqe68loPO_Fxpmva4FmZRKSAkRSD4X8KQ8psL9LYUQ
They told me that I was chosen to be one of them because I have received the award in 2016, I am so delighted to be in it.

In 2016, I received a Consul-General’s Commendation award for my work towards origami.
I have been working very hard but it was a surprise that the government recognised me.
I’m still doing my best and enjoying the origami.

Thank you very much, everyone! I couldn’t do without your support.