Golden Gala 2025 Australia Japan

Australia–Japan Golden Gala 2025: A Night of Cross-Cultural Celebration in Melbourne

On 28 November 2025, The Hotel Windsor welcomed a distinguished gathering for the annual Australia–Japan Golden Gala, presented by the Australia Japan Business Council of Victoria, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Melbourne Japanese Society of Melbourne. The gala dinner brought together dignitaries, business and community leaders, and friends of Japan — all present to celebrate the enduring ties between Australia and Japan.

A Special Demonstration by Michael Farrugia Sensei

A highlight of the evening was an Aikido demonstration organised by David Phillips 2nd dan. David opened the celebration alongside James Sowerby Sensei 4th dan. Together they demonstrated kumi-tachi where two Aikidoka cross swords. It was soon followed by Michael Farrugia Sensei 6th dan Aikikai who shared key techniques from the ken-tai-jo (staff against sword) and kumi-jo (staff against staff) with James. A few guests in the front row were heard catching their breath as Michael Sensei neutralised and threw his opponent. The guests were offered an exhibition of skills, as well as a glimpse into the spirit of Aikido: discipline, harmony, and mutual respect. The demonstration drew warm applause and genuine admiration, becoming the talk of the table, long after it was over.

See the full demo on our Instagram account and give it a like! kihon.aikido.melbourne

Distinguished Guests: Ambassador and Consulate Presence

The event was honoured by the attendance of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Australia, Mr Kazuhiro Suzuki, and the Consul-General of Japan to Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, Mr Tokuro Furuya. Their presence highlighted the Embassy’s and Consulate’s commitment to cultural and community engagement, reinforcing the importance of people-to-people exchange.

Bridging Cultures — Celebrating Japan–Australia Friendship

A memorable moment of the evening came before the Aikido demonstration, when Ambassador Suzuki warmly welcomed the Traditional Aikido Australia team with genuine enthusiasm. He graciously and spontaneously offered to take photos with Michael Farrugia Sensei, James Sowerby Sensei and David Phillips. Embodying the spirit of mutual appreciation and cross-cultural respect that the gala seeks to foster, he posed naturally with a bokken, to everyone’s delight. The Ambassador’s good humour and openness shone through as he took selfies, shared laughs, and kindly accepted the gifts presented to him. For all of us at Kihon Aikido and Seikatsu Aikido, this heartfelt interaction was a true highlight and an unforgettable reminder of the human warmth at the heart of Australia–Japan friendship.

Looking Ahead

As the evening drew to a close, we at Traditional Aikido Australia were reminded of the profound privilege it is to share our passion for Aikido with an Australian and Japanese audience, especially in the presence of Mr Suzuki and Mr Furuya. Demonstrating Aikido at such a prestigious gathering was not only a moment of pride, but a celebration of the cultural bridges that connect our communities. We already look forward to next year’s Golden Gala, hopeful for the opportunity to once again present Aikido to the audience, perhaps with new techniques and fresh surprises. Be ready to catch your breath once more!