The Society’s 50th Anniversary celebrations continued last week with ‘An Evening in a Japanese Garden’, our flagship cultural event for 2022.
Brisbane’s Japanese Garden, awash with a sea of Spring flowers and hundreds of lanterns and tea lights, provided a spectacular backdrop for the formalities and Japanese cultural performances.
We were delighted to welcome the Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM (Chancellor of the Society) and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD together with the Consul-General of Japan, Brisbane Mr Masuo ONO (Patron of the Society) and Mrs ONO.
Thank you to Her Excellency for presenting the Society with a framed commemorative certificate to mark the 50th Anniversary.
Guests found themselves temporarily transported to Japan as they picnicked on the lawns amid manicured azaleas and Japanese maples.
They were treated to a lively performance by members of the University of Queensland’s Taiko Drum Group before the Sakura Dancers, a vision in their exquisitely coloured kimonos, performed beside a large willow tree.
During the final performance, a koto recital by AJS – QLD Vice-President David Shield, the hauntingly beautiful music of the koto filled the garden, merging with the sound of running water and evening birdsong to create a truly magical atmosphere.
