Japanese foreign policy under Prime Minister Takaichi
In this joint event with the Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania, the Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne, Mr Tokuro Furuya, will discuss how Japanese foreign policy has developed since the election of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
In her recent policy speech to the Diet on 20 February 2026, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasised advancing "responsible Japanese diplomacy" to create peace and prosperity. She reaffirmed the Japan-US alliance as the cornerstone of diplomacy and security, announcing plans for an early visit to the United States to build trust with President Donald Trump and committing to strategically evolving the Free and Open Indo-Pacific policy.
Consul-General Tokuro Furuya entered the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991. He graduated with a Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Law from the Faculty of Law, Kyoto University. He has had an illustrious career with several overseas postings in Russia, Canada and Australia (formerly in Canberra). He is currently enjoying his second year of his posting in Melbourne as Consul-General of Japan, which has responsibility for Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania with frequent travel to many places in his jurisdiction. He speaks English, Chinese and Russian. He has published papers on various migration, working holiday and economic security related topics.
When: Tuesday 24 March 2026, 5.30 for 6pm
Where: Lecture Theatre 2, Law Faculty, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay
Free refreshments will be served from 5.30pm, with the talk itself to begin at 6pm.
Please note that this event will be conducted under the Chatham House Rule. This means that participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker, nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania is a non-political, non-profit society that assists Japanese and Tasmanians in understanding each other’s cultures through a range of educational, cultural, social and commercial activities.
Membership is open to individuals, families, educational institutions, companies and government agencies interested in widening their understanding of Japan and its people, and who wish to share their common interest with others in a friendly, social and productive way.
For further information about the Society, and to become a member, please visit our website here.
This event is also listed on the Australian Institute of International Affairs website here.
