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Upcoming Events
On 03 June the ANZCCJ in collaboration with Ashurst invites members and guests to join us for an insightful and engaging event focused on the burgeoning opportunities for investment in Australia's data centre sector. Gain valuable insights and network with industry leaders as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the data centre sector.
This event will bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and strategies in digital infrastructure investment in Australia. It offers a unique opportunity to network with key stakeholders, gain valuable insights into the investment landscape, and explore the future of data centre growth in Australia. Whether you are an investor, industry professional, or policy maker, this event will provide the chance to make connections and gain insights into the most recent trends shaping the industry.
Guest speakers to join the experts from Ashurst Australia and Japan in the Corporate Transactions, Projects and Energy Transition and Risk Advisory teams, include:
- Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner, Kendall Draper
- Softbank Group Chief Legal Officer and Group Compliance Officer, Tim Mackey, and other leading data centre industry stakeholders
Date: Tuesday 03 June 2025
Venue: Australian Embassy, Tokyo 2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku Tokyo 108-8361
Time: 14:30 – 17:30 Presentations, Panel Discussion & Networking (Doors open 14:00)
Cost: Free
RSVP: 17:00 Wednesday 28 May 2025
Note #1: Capacity is limited to 100 people - tickets allocated via a lottery system Thursday 29 May 2025
Note #2: Photo ID (drivers' license, passport, health insurance card or foreigner's residence card) is required for access to Australian Embassy. Company ID/business cards are not acceptable
Exclusive Roundtable Luncheon with Leading Australian Food, Wine and Agribusiness CEOs
Hosted by Hon. Joe Szakacs, South Australian Minister for Trade & Investment
The ANZCCJ Food Agriculture and Hospitality Committee is pleased to invite you to an exclusive roundtable luncheon featuring CEOs from some of Australia’s most prominent agribusinesses. This is a unique opportunity for direct dialogue, as these leaders seek to better understand the realities and opportunities of the Japanese market.
The luncheon will be hosted by Hon. Joe Szakacs, South Australian Minister for Trade & Investment, and will feature a specially prepared South Australian produce course by Chef Koji Fukuda.
Participating Companies:
- Balco Australia - Australia’s largest exporter of oaten hay and cattle feed
- AlmondCo Australia - Major player in Australia’s almond industry
- Macro Group Australia - Specialist in kangaroo meat exports
- Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association (ASBTIA)
- CH4 Global | Bending the Curve with Climate Change Solutions - Innovators in methane-reducing red asparagopsis for livestock
- Wirra Wirra - Iconic South Australian winery
- Metala - Heritage wine producer
- South Australia Wine Industry Association (SAWIA)
- Prohibition Liquor Co. - Award-winning South Australian gin distillery
Date: Monday 09 June 2025
Time: 12:00PM – 13:30PM (Doors open at 11:45AM)
Venue: Pullman Tokyo Tamachi Ballroom (9F), (Map)
Admission: Free
RSVP: 5:00PM Wed 04 June 2025
Note 1: Attendance is strictly limited to 10 FAHC members.
Note 2: This is an invitation-only event.
Join an exclusive panel discussion and networking event focused on "Fast-Tracking Clinical Development Through Australia - a strategic opportunity for Japanese biopharma companies". Hear from leading Australian clinical trials service providers and a Japanese sponsor about how streamlined processes, regulatory advantages, and deep therapeutic expertise in Australia can help accelerate your drug development pathway.
This is a must-attend event for Japanese biotech and pharma leaders exploring faster, cost-effective global development routes.
Presenting Organisations:
- Jane Kelly, CEO, CMAX Clinical Research
- Yvonne Lungershausen, CEO, Avance Clinical
- Amilia Wee, Senior Business Development Manager, Agilex Biolabs
Moderator:
- Dr Juran Kato, President and CEO, Gexval
Supported by the Government of South Australia
Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 6:00pm (Doors open at 2:30pm) - Networking will follow the event with canapes and a selection of premium South Australian wines.
Venue: Australian Embassy Tokyo - 2 Chome-1-14 Mita, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8361
Cost: Free
RSVP: Thursday, 19 June 2025
Note #2: Capacity is limited to 100 people - tickets allocated via a lottery system 6:00pm Thursday 19 June 2025
Note #3: Photo ID (drivers' license, passport, health insurance card or foreigner's residence card) is required for access to Australian Embassy. Company ID/business cards are not acceptable
The Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the Pullman Tokyo Tamachi from 6:15PM - 7:10PM on Thursday 03 July 2025. Featuring annual reports on the Chamber's activities from ANZCCJ Chair Sally Townsend and finances from Treasurer Hirofumi Tokunaga, the AGM is open to all ANZCCJ Members who wish to attend. The AGM will be followed by Summer Networking Reception from 7:10PM - 9:00PM, which will be open to non-members.
Date: Thursday 03 July 2025
Time: 6:00 - 9:00PM
- Annual General Meeting (including 2025-2027 Executive Council Election) - Banquet Room (L9)
- 6:00PM - Doors Open
- 6:15PM - Opening Remarks - MC
- 6:17PM - Chair's Report - Sally Townsend
- 6:25PM - Treasurer's Report - Hirofumi Tokunaga
- 6:30PM - Questions from Membership - Facilitated by MC
- 6:40PM - 2024-2026 Executive Council Election - Collection of Ballots
- 6:50PM - Election Voting Closed
- 7:05PM - Election Results Announced and Closing Remarks - Craig Usmar, Executive Director
- Summer Networking Reception - Banquet Room and Platform 9 Rooftop Bar (L9)
- 7:10PM - 9:00PM - Canapes and free flow drinks
Venue: Pullman Tokyo Tamachi - 3-1-21 Shibaura, Minato-ku, 108-0023 Tokyo
Price: ANZCCJ Members ¥8,000 | Non-members (eligible to attend the Summer Networking Reception only) ¥9,500
*Note: Members who wish to attend the AGM ONLY will not be charged for attendance.
Registration: By 5:00PM Friday 27 June 2025
(1) 2025 - 2027 Executive Council Election - Nominations
Nominations for the Executive Council are now open. Please complete the nomination form distributed to all Members on Wednesday 28 May 2025 and return to the secretariat mari.nakano@anzccj.jp. Nominations close at 5pm on Thursday 19 June 2025. Candidates will be announced Friday 20 June 2025.
- What is the role of the Executive Council? - The Executive Council is the governing body of the ANZCCJ, consisting of 12 Councillors. As a group, the Executive Council determines the Chamber’s policies and priorities and oversees its financial affairs. The main roles and responsibilities of Executive Council members include:
- Furthering the Chamber’s core mission, setting key strategic objectives and ensuring activities align.
- Helping the ANZCCJ deliver real value for its members, as well as outreach to new and potentially beneficial members.
- Being a senior representative for the ANZCCJ, attending ANZCCJ meetings and events.
- Actively participating in or chairing one or more ANZCCJ committees or working groups that deal with specific issues or initiatives, acting as a liaison between the Executive Council and that Committee/working group. This initiative will draw from the EC members’ strengths and skills, align with their current profession or interests, and provide further learning and development opportunities.
- Acting as MC or moderator at events, particularly those related to the Committee with which the council member is affiliated.
- Overseeing the Secretariat’s management of the ANZCCJ’s operations.
- Who can become a member of the Executive Council? - All current members of the ANZCCJ are eligible for nomination to the Executive Council. According to the ANZCCJ Constitution, the Executive Council must consist of:
- at least seven (7) Councillors from companies holding Corporate Membership
- at least two (2) members of Australian companies holding Corporate Membership
- at least one (1) member of a New Zealand company holding Corporate Membership
- at least two (2) members holding Individual Membership
- The Executive Council will require at least one member holding Corporate Membership for the 2025-2027 Executive Council Election.
(2) 2025 - 2027 Executive Council Election - Voting Process
- How do I vote? - Companies with Corporate Sponsorship and Individual members of the Chamber each have one vote with a weighted value (Platinum 4, Gold 4, Silver 4, Bronze 3, Individual 1). For example, a Platinum Sponsor company can submit one vote, which will carry a weighted value of 4. Those with Individual memberships can also submit one vote, which will carry a weighted value of 1.
- Absentee and proxy voting - To ensure that the Executive Council Election reflects the wishes of our full membership base, we strongly encourage members who cannot attend to submit their votes through absentee or proxy vote forms, to be distributed to all members on Friday 20 June 2025. Please note that the absentee voting period will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025.
- In-person voting - At the AGM on Thursday 03 July 2025.
- If you have any questions regarding the AGM or voting process, please contact ANZCCJ's Executive Director at craig.usmar@anzccj.jp.
Note:
- Payment is required at time of purchase of tickets. If your payment will be late due to your company's financial procedures, contact us at mari.nakano@anzccj.jp as soon as you have completed your registration. Please note that unpaid registrations will not be added to the guest list.
- No shows/cancellations will not be refunded as places are limited.
- If you have any dietary requests, please email us at mari.nakano@anzccj.jp
- ANZCCJ will be taking photos throughout the event, which may include faces of guests. These photos will be used by ANZCCJ on our website and other material. By participating in this event, we wish to let you know that your photo may be taken. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please email us or let us know at the event registration desk on the day.
Past Events
The year 2021 saw an unprecedented amount of attention around COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland, from key stakeholders around the world and in Japan. We can safely say that sustainability is more mainstream than ever. From regulators to civil society to businesses, there is clearly buzz around themes such as environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, and human rights, to name a few.
What key trends will shape the sustainability agenda in 2022? Join us for this virtual event to hear from a distinguished group of panelists. During a discussion moderated by ACCJ Sustainability Committee Co-chair Heather McLeish, the panelists will share their perspectives on the sustainability outlook for 2022 and the implications for businesses and society. They will also address the key points of how to turn sustainability ambitions into reality.
Date: Tuesday 29 March 2022
Location: Online
ANZCCJ Member Fee: ¥600
Registration/Cancellation Deadline: Monday, March 28, noon
About the Speakers
Alexander Dmitrenko
A partner in the Tokyo dispute resolution practice of international law firm Ashurst LLP, Alexander Dmitreko has practiced in New York and Tokyo over the past 15 years and is a gaikokuho jimu bengoshi (registered foreign lawyer) in Japan. His expertise spans sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and corruption, ESG, human rights and forced labor, and other compliance-related matters. He frequently writes and conducts media interviews related to sanctions developments, and teaches international compliance at the Beasley School of Law at Temple University, Japan Campus, where he is also chair of the Compliance Advisory Subcommittee.
Trista Bridges
A sustainable business expert who is passionate about changing business for good, Trista Bridges strongly believes that sustainable business equals smart business. She co-founded Read the Air to shift mindsets, business strategies, and ways of working towards models that put sustainability at the core, and works with companies across various sectors to achieve this objective. Bridges is co-author of Leading Sustainably: The Path to Sustainable Business and How the SDGs Changed Everything, published by Routledge in 2020.
Angela Yuen
Deputy General Counsel of JERA Co., Inc., Japan’s largest power generator and a global energy company, Angela Yuen oversees the entire Legal Group and advises on projects and transactions that are strategically important to JERA’s corporate mission. JERA owns businesses across the entire supply chains for fuel and thermal power, from fuel upstream business (gas field development) to fuel transportation and storage (fuel terminal operation) to power generation and wholesaling. Yuen is an expert in major projects in energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors, and has diverse experience in large-scale international transactions, including joint ventures, project development, construction, asset acquisition and disposal, procurement, and marketing arrangements across the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and the Americas. She has more than 20 years of combined experience gained at iconic Japanese trading companies, Australia’s largest gold miner, and top-tier private practice.
Heather McLeish (Moderator)
Heather McLeish is a Director at EY Japan focused on the global business development for one of Japan’s biggest Insurance companies. She connects and empowers the global EY team to bring the best EY services to the client their group companies. Heather started her career in EY Japan by helping to build the Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) practice in 2015 and was involved in the overall management, development and market impact of this business. In CCaSS Heather built a business service which focuses on helping Japanese companies understand and mitigate their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks.
Heather serves as the ACCJ Sustainability Chair (2021) and is an Executive Committee member with the BCCJ since 2018.
Co-hosts: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan; British Chamber of Commerce in Japan; Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan
NOTE 1: This event is OFF THE RECORD.
NOTE 2: Please note that, as with all guest presentations, the content and comments of the speakers reflect their own opinions and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of the ACCJ or co-hosting Chambers.
NOTE 3: If you cancel after the stated deadline, the full meeting fee will be charged to your account.
ANZCCJ invites members and friends to join us in celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 at Conrad Tokyo. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women and girls around the world, while calling for progress and social change to ensure greater diversity and equal opportunity. With the 2022 theme of “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, we are delighted to welcome a panel of leaders highlighting the importance of harnessing women’s skills in order to build a sustainable future for all.
Date: Tuesday 8 March, 2022
Time: 8am - 9.30am (Doors open at 7.30am)
Venue: Hamarikyu Ballroom, Conrad Tokyo
Price: ANZCCJ Member ¥8,000 | Non-Member ¥9,500
[Registration for this event has now closed]
MC: Kanna Mihara - Senior Vice President, Macquarie Capital | ANZCCJ Executive Council
Speakers:
- Dr. Lena Okajima - Founder & CEO, ALE Co., Ltd.
- Melissa Kuwahara - GM, Global Talent Acquisition, Rakuten
- Amy Fischer - Regulatory Compliance Officer, Aesop
Moderator: Gerard Adams - General Manager, Corporate Strategy, Kyowa Hakko Bio | ANZCCJ Executive Council
*Note: In accordance with the Tokyo Metropolitan guidelines, guests will be asked to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination at the door.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The ANZCCJ Technology, Innovation, Education and Research (TIER) Committee was formed in July 2020 with a mission to create, identify and connect new networks through appropriately enhanced communication and engagement, that will enable members to modernise the perception of Australia and New Zealand in Japan and that of Japan in Australia and New Zealand, across the four TIER pillars.
In February 2022, the TIER Committee will host “Down to Earth: Creating opportunities in space through tech collaboration and innovation” to discuss how rapid innovation in robotics and automation is creating greater accessibility to new technologies, addressing issues currently impacting our life on earth, and broadening the realm of possibility for future exploration of space.
Date: Thurs 24 February, 2022
Time: 12:00 – 13:15 JST
Location: Zoom (online)
Speakers:
- Kaho Sakakibara – Founder and CEO, Space Entertainment
- Dr. Catherine Grace – Assistant Director, South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC)
- Dr. Sandy Tirtey – Director, Global Commercial Launch Services, Rocket Lab
Moderator: Sally Townsend - Commissioner, South Australia – Japan and Korea (Tokyo)
After many months of fanfare, COP26 concluded on November 13 2021 with the nearly 200 Parties agreeing on the Glasgow Climate Pact. But what does this agreement actually entail and how will its contents impact business? Does the GCP meet, exceed or fall short of expectations? Now that its “wheels up” for COP26 delegates, what will the actual market response be (if any)? How will countries turn these promises into action, and what will be the role of the private sector in achieving these targets?
On the morning of Tuesday 22 February, BCCJ Executive Committee Responsible Business taskforce leader Tove Kinooka will sit down with industry leaders to review the key outcomes of COP26, and share takeaways from the private and public sectors.
Date: Tues 22 February
Time: 8:30AM - 9:30AM JST
Location: Online
Speakers:
- Alistair Dormer | Representative Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd
- Jenifer Rogers | General Counsel Asia, Asurion
- Aragon St-Charles | Global Head of ESG, Dentons
Moderator: Tove Kinooka | Co-Founder, Global Perspectives K.K. / BCCJ Responsible Business taskforce
About
This “Beyond COP” series of events is being convened by a coalition of international Chambers of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ, ANZCCJ, BCCJ, CCCJ, IJCC) with the aim of promoting understanding of and action on critical climate issues. Pre-COP26, the coalition’s aim was to build awareness and engagement ahead of the conference; the group now moves into review mode, to provide helpful analysis of key conference outcomes, and co-create practical, industry-specific action points for businesses of all sizes.