Space and Time: 50 Years of Australia-Japan Relations (AJS-NSW x Japan Foundation Collaboration Event) (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Celebrating 50 Years of Connection and Innovation in the Space Industry

To mark the significant 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, the Australia-Japan Society of NSW (AJS-NSW) and The Japan Foundation, Sydney are proud to co-host this special event, bringing together leading voices from academia, industry and the broader space sector to explore the intersection of space exploration, technology and innovation through an Australia-Japan lens.

The evening will commence with a special presentation by Kate Kitagawa, internationally recognised space educator, author and strategic advisor, who will share her insights on the history, future and societal significance of space exploration.

Following her presentation, Kate will moderate a panel discussion featuring Melissa de Zwart, Akihiko Nishino and Tim Parsons.

Reflecting the spirit of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty, the event will celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years while considering how the next generation can strengthen Australia-Japan cooperation through science, innovation and shared vision.

Together, they will explore the evolution of space research and technology, emerging opportunities and challenges in the rapidly expanding space sector, and the role Australia and Japan can play in shaping the future of international collaboration.

Speaker bios

Melissa de Zwart is the Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space and Professor, Space Law and Governance, Andy Thomas Centre for Space Resources, at Adelaide University. Melissa is a prominent legal researcher, working in the areas of commercial and military uses of outer space, encompassing both domestic and international space law. She has worked closely with the Australian space industry, including previously serving as Deputy Director of the Space Industry Association of Australia, as well as on the successful bid team for the 2025 International Astronautical Congress. She has published widely on all legal and regulatory aspects of the space environment and contributed extensively to reviews and reforms of the regulatory framework.

Akihiko Nishino is a researcher and educator exploring how space technology and geospatial data can help address societal challenges. He is a Project Senior Assistant Professor at Keio University, Japan, and a Senior Researcher at the Space Service Innovation Laboratory (SSIL), a cooperative of space ventures. He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and is currently a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

His research focuses on using satellite technology and geospatial data for disaster response and urban heat risk. Beyond technology and data, he values learning directly from people and places through fieldwork and dialogue, with a focus on applying his research in the real world.

Akihiko also facilitates workshops on systems thinking and design thinking—frameworks for understanding societal challenges and developing solutions—for students, industry, and government professionals. Based in Sydney, he is active across the Asia-Pacific region through research, education, and international collaboration.

Tim Parsons leads partnerships for HEO’s Apophis flyby and GEO science missions.

A technologist and entrepreneurship educator with advanced degrees in aerospace engineering and computer science, Tim has been focused on helping to build the Australian space ecosystem and startup space companies since 2014.

Of particular note for this event, four members of Tim’s family all named Parsons have represented Japan as Consul to Adelaide between 1896 and 1982.

Moderator

Kate Kitagawa is a space educator and international strategist, currently Professor of Practice in Space Research and Education at La Trobe University. Before moving to Australia, she worked at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), where she served as Advisor to the Senior Vice President and Director of the Space Education Office.

Kate’s work is driven by a curiosity about space and what exploring it can teach us about ourselves and life on Earth. Her interests range from space missions and human life in space to the new ideas and connections that space exploration can inspire.

Above all, she is passionate about sharing the possibilities of space with people well beyond the space community.

Based in Melbourne, Kate is an internationally active speaker and author, and an occasional broadcaster, sharing her enthusiasm for time and space with audiences around the world.

Thanks to our corporate member The Japan Foundation, Sydney, for hosting us in their space.

Registrations are now open HERE so please register (and pay online or to our bank account).

AJS-NSW AGM 2026 with Guest speaker on Powerhouse Parramatta (08 Dec 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Annual General Meeting 2026

The Annual General Meeting of Members of the Australia Japan Society of NSW Incorporated will be held on Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 6.00pm, at The Japan Foundation, Sydney.

Following the AGM there will be a short talk entitled Powerhouse Parramatta: From Vision to Reality from guest speaker, Kengo Takamatsu, a Project Director and structural engineer at global built-environment consultancy Arup. Takamatsu-san played a leading role in the structural design, including the innovative exoskeleton, of the recently opened Powerhouse Parramatta.

After the talk, networking drinks will be available.

Members should access the AGM notice and related papers below:

AJS NSW AGM 8 DEC 2026 Meeting notice and papers
Minutes of the AGM held 1 December 2025
2026 Financial report

The President's report will be distributed at the meeting.

Members' attendance is without charge; however please register your attendance for catering purposes. Non-members may attend the post-AGM talk and networking by payment of a small fee.

We look forward to seeing you.

Speaker bio

Kengo Takamatsu

Project Director / Structural Engineer, Major Cultural Projects at Arup

Kengo Takamatsu is a Project Director and structural engineer at Arup, based in Sydney. He began his career with Arup in Tokyo in 2009 before moving to Sydney in 2016.

With over 17 years of international experience, Kengo has worked on a wide range of architectural and cultural projects across Australia, Japan and beyond. He has a particular passion for bringing ambitious architectural ideas to life through innovative structural engineering.

Most recently, Kengo played a leading role in the structural design of Powerhouse Parramatta, one of Australia’s most significant new cultural buildings. Over seven and a half years, he worked closely with clients, architects, engineers and builders to bring this ambitious project to life.

It should be a fascinating talk about our newest cultural building, particularly since the design competition was won by French-Japanese architectural firm MOREAU KUSUNOKI.

Australia-Japan Society of NSW upcoming events

Space and Time: 50 Years of Australia-Japan Relations (AJS-NSW x Japan Foundation Collaboration Event) (16 Nov 2026)

Celebrating 50 Years of Connection and Innovation in the Space Industry

AJS-NSW AGM 2026 with Guest speaker on Powerhouse Parramatta (08 Dec 2026)

Annual General Meeting 2026