Corporate Social Responsibility
The ANZCCJ has operated in Japan since 1972 and strongly values its sustained presence in the region. The Chamber is committed to fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by increasing community engagement and establishing a positive societal imprint.
Fundraising & Natural Disaster Support
While the ANZCCJ’s overarching goal is to provide a platform to facilitate and support business relationships between Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and protect the interests of our members, the Chamber additionally takes tremendous pride in the fellowship and strong connections we have forged between our 3 nations.
The ANZCCJ recognises the solidity of cross-cultural friendship, understanding that continuing comradery between nations remains crucial beyond economic boundaries. Following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Australian Prime Minister Julia Guillard was the first foreign leader to visit the region, with Australia deploying a search and rescue team to assist with recovery efforts. Concurrently, the ANZCCJ event, “Optimism for Tohoku and Japan” raised funds for those affected and paid tribute to the lives lost. Tohoku Volunteer events and visits to Minami Sanriku by members have also remained a well-established component of Chamber activities.
Similarly, following the Noto Earthquake, the Chamber undertook significant fundraising initiatives at the January Shinnenkai, raising JPY 2,024,000 from raffle and auction prizes donated by our members. This consideration between nations has been reciprocal, with Japan dispatching responders to Australia following the 2020 bushfire disaster and relief efforts from Japanese companies and related organisations exceeding AUD$5 million. Furthermore, in 2023, the “Japan Friends of New Zealand Flood Recovery Fundraiser Auction” raised JPY 3 Million for the Red Cross New Zealand to assist those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Gisborne Floods
Noto CSR Trip
On September 19th and 20th, Executive Council members Andrew Gauci and Elizabeth Cox, along with H.E. Hamish Cooper, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Japan, his partner Misa Kitaoka, and H.E. Justin Hayhurst, Australia’s Ambassador to Japan, Toshi Horihata of Horitomi Commercial and Industrial, and Katsuhito Hosokawa of LendleaseJapan, joined Sally Townsend, Craig Usmar, and Mari Nakano, and on a visit to Noto Peninsula to observe first hand the utilisation of the ¥2M donation raised from our Shinnenkai charity auction in January this year.
Our journey began in Shin-Takaoka, where we met with Richard and Yoshiko Cohen, the passionate owners of Village Cellars, , longstanding ANZCCJ members and pioneers in developing the Australian and New Zealand wine market in Japan. They have encountered numerous challenges stemming from supply chain disruptions and the destructive forces of the Noto earthquake yet their resilience and steadfast commitment to revitalizing their local community left us in awe. We were inspired to learn about their ongoing donation campaign, which aims to garner support for their efforts and further aid their recovery.
Next, we travelled to the charming Noto Flatts guesthouse, where we were warmly welcomed by Ben Flatt and Chikako Funashita. Together, they are deeply invested in the “Reborn Project,” an initiative dedicated to preserving local heritage while rescuing the exquisite art of Japanese lacquerware. Having lived in the area for 30 years, they continue generously offering their guesthouse to volunteers and those assisting with the recovery efforts. During our stay Toshi Horihata and his team at Horitomi Commercial and Industrialdemonstrated assembly of their emergency water storage tanks used across the region since the disaster, and then generously donated the assembled project to Ben and Chikako to use as part of their relief efforts.
In Wajima, we had the opportunity to delve into the critical restoration of communications infrastructure being undertaken by Softbank and sub-contracted to Lendlease, following significant fire damage at the central market. Andrew Gauci and Katsuhito Hosokawa shared their insights into the arduous challenges they are tackling in modernizing and revitalizing these vital connections within the community.
At Senmaida, we witnessed to the profound effects of rising sea levels on rice cultivation, accompanied by a comprehensive discussion with representatives from Daiwa House. They detailed the evolution of temporary housing since the Tohoku earthquake, highlighting the strides made in improving liveability, despite the obstacles presented by ongoing construction efforts.
Throughout our visit, we were struck by the tenacity and dedication exhibited by the local community and businesses as they navigate these trying times. Their collective commitment to recovery not only inspires hope but serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that emerges in the face of adversity.
Young Professional Internship & Mentorship Program
The ANZCCJ acknowledges its corporate and social responsibility to foster the growth and development of young professionals and understands that embarking on a career may be challenging, particularly in a foreign land with language barriers. The Chamber is thus committed to supporting motivated individuals through our internship program which offers valuable exposure and opportunities in the field of Australia-New Zealand-Japan relations. In addition to providing aspiring professionals with insight and experiences that enhance their comprehension of cross-country dynamics, this initiative contributes to building the next generation of the AU-JP-NZ tri-cultural workforce.
Why intern at ANZCCJ?
Building a professional, international network
Soft skill enhancement including confidence, team building and time management
Guide your career goals
Work experience and technical skills relevant to my long-term career goals
Interns roles and responsibilities
Interns roles and responsibilities
Internships eligibility
The ANZCCJ internship is an unpaid opportunity, welcoming students from all sectors and sub-specialties. While applications are open to all nationalities, priority is given to those from Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
Note: Interns will be responsible for covering the costs associated with their remote work environment, such as internet connection
Who can apply?
- 18 years old or above
- Currently a university student or recent graduate from university
- Has a strong interest in international business, trade, international relations, events management or marketing and communications
Meet our interns
Current interns
International Trade, Macroeconomics, Administrative Law, Human Rights and Sustainability
Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Economics, Sustainable Development
Past interns
Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Business Development and Client Relationship Management
International Business, Sustainable Development, Ocean Conservation
Diplomacy, International Relations, Japanese Business, International Trade
Law, New Energy and Power, IP, Statistics, Data Science
Law, Sustainable Resources, Green Energy
Mechatronics Engineering, Business Development Management
International Trade, Economics, Business Consulting and Management
Environmental Management, Sustainable Tourism, International Trade, Logistics