During the evening of Thursday 5th May 2022, Freshwater Station came alive…

Wow, what an amazing, fantastically supported event with engagement through Japanese food, arts and craft, showing and connecting the Cairns / Japanese community.

The Japanese community came together with a social, spectacular of foods, drinks, art, craft, and other Japan related stalls, located on the iconic Freshwater Station platform. “Taste of Japan”. With efficient student volunteers from St Augustin’s College to help make the night a success, a long overdue experience.

Organisers were amazed by the hundreds of locals and visitors who came to support this event and see what Japan has to offer here in Cairns, and without travelling too far.

The Cairns community have a strong passion and support for Japan and local businesses and residents, knowing they are dearly missing family without the ease of direct travel from Cairns to Japan, just now.
The Australia Japan Society FNQ, wanted to thank local Japanese businesses, Japanese residents, and their families, for the great event, including Junko Hirose, of Barrons Kitchen and High Tea Trolley Bistro.

The Australia Japan Society FNQ (Cairns) is a local volunteer, not for profit society in Cairns for 40 years.

Simultaneously on the evening of 5.5.22, AJS organised an exclusive, VIP Bento Box Train Dinner for members and guests. The train bento box was served within the vintage Macarthur’s Car / train carriage permanently located at the station, special guests included Cairns Japan Director Tsuneki Matsuda, Cairns regional Council, Deputy Mayor Terry James, and local icon, Mr. Frank Lanza . Thirty people attended the dinner with AJS supporter Mr. Wayne Rees as the dinner train ticket inspector, clicking tickets, having fun and drawing tickets for prizes for those attending the main event.