International Center of Okayama University and Koyamada International Foundation Okayama organized a lecture by Australian ambassador to Japan, Mr. Bruce Miller, at the Junko Fukutake Hall on Shikata Campus on May 28. He talked about the culture and economy of Australia and the future vision of Japan-Australia relations in front of about 200 students and citizens.

Mr. Miller came to Japan as a student at the age of 17. He joined Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1986, and became the first secretary of the Australian Embassy to Japan in 1992. He has lived in Japan for more than a decade.

He gave a speech in fluent Japanese as usual and introduced the history and the good economy of Australia, friendliness of the people and so on. He also mentioned promoting the study abroad program for Australian students to study in Asia and Pacific areas, and said, “I wish that exchanging students between Australia and Japan will lead to better research cooperation and to understand different culture. I expect that Japanese students will pay attention to the world as well.”

As for Japan, he said, I have some old friends here and there is a place I would call my second home. Japan-Australia relation is more than just my job, it is very personal.”