Australia-Japan Foundation

The Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) was first established by the Australian Government in 1976 and re-established in 2006 as an advisory body within the Department. Its purpose is to expand and develop contact and exchange between the peoples of Australia and Japan and to help project positive images of Australia and Japan in each other's country. Projects and programs supported by the Foundation help promote people-to-people engagement across a diverse range of sectors, including the arts, education, science and technology, sport, local government, community services and business. The advisory body forms part of the International Relations Grants Program (IRGP). The IRGP supports the Government's foreign and trade policies and projects a positive contemporary image of Australia. IRGP grants support professional, community and institutional linkages between Australia and its partners on contemporary issues of shared interest including the arts, media, education, business, science, technology and sport. The Foundation's annual work program focuses on activities which are aligned with its strategic objectives, which are to: - increase understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia; - increase understanding in Australia of the importance of Japan to Australia as an economic and strategic partner; and - increase recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise.