The Japan Update 2024 conference opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Shiro Armstrong, Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre (AJRC), and Professor Janine O’Flynn, Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University (ANU). Their speeches highlighted the importance of the event and the ongoing significance of Australia-Japan relations.

• The traditional owners of the land, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people were acknowledged
• Professor O’Flynn emphasised the importance of Canberra as a place for sharing knowledge and wisdom, Crawford School and the ANU playing a key role in engagement with Asia and the Pacific.
• The Japan Update was presented as a highlight among the many Japan-related events on campus, organized by the ANU Japan Institute and the AJRC.
• The Japan Foundation and the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI) were thanked for providing financial support to the Japan Update.
• Professor O’Flynn outlined various Japan-related activities at Crawford School and ANU, including regular events in Tokyo, such as the annual NBER Japan Project Conference, The Japan Institute’s weekly Japan Institute seminar series, the MOU between the Japan Research Institute and Crawford School for hosting Japanese researchers in Canberra and the joint production of the Japan Australia Investment Report with Herbert Smith Freehills
• Professor O’Flynn noted that it was the 10-year anniversary of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo’s visit to ANU and suggested organising a visit from the next Japanese Prime Minister.
• The timeliness of the update was highlighted, given the upcoming change in Japanese leadership, recent stock market fluctuations, and the importance of discussing Japan’s energy transition.
• The welcome concluded with Professor O’Flynn expressing her wishes for a productive day of discussions and thanking everyone for their participation.