A friendly group of AJS FNQ members and friends attended a special welcome lunch for the new Head of the Consular Office of Japan in Cairns, Mr Higashimoto Shingo, at the Benson Hotel, in Cairns.
Mr. Higashimoto was made welcome at this social lunch with fabulous chef-prepared Japanese food, table platters of Octopus Takoyaki / Karaage Chicken / Tonkatsu Slider, Sushi & Uramaki / Vegetable Tempura.
Around 30 attendees, with special guest of the AJS FNQ “Patron”, Mr Warren Entsch, (MP retired) with friends.
Everyone was well fed with the Japanese menu and entertained by two of the newer Cairns / Japanese performing groups, dance and Taiko from: Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa group and NEO Drum Isohama.
The Australia-Japan Society FNQ is a Cairns local volunteer community group and in November 2025 will celebrate the 44th anniversary, forming in 1981.
Today the members and committee continue the original idea and concept of welcoming Japanese visitors to Cairns whenever and however possible, with a particular focus of welcoming the two Cairns / Japan Sister City student and teacher groups, visiting each year in August. The groups from Minami, formerly Hiwasa, Shikoku Island, Tokushima Prefecture, a Cairns SC since 1969. And the newest (2006) Cairns Siter City, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.