Corporate Social Responsibility | ANZCCJ - Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan

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

Internship type
Tokyo-based program
Remote
Timeframe
3 months minimum
Location
In-person in Tokyo including Chamber office space, event and meeting locations
Online
Primary Responsibilities
Social media posting, copywriting and branding
Website updates and maintenance
Weekly/Monthly newsletter construction
Event organisation
EC Minutes
Ad hoc duties as directed by the Secretariat
Specific Responsibilities

Event attendance and hosting
Member/Embassy meeting attendance
Membership and Chamber strategy
Social media planning
Program  Commencement Requirements
Application form
Personal biography questionnaire
Professional photo
Expectations
Minimum 22 hours per week including attendance at weekly team meeting (online)
Minimum 1 hour per day, Monday to Friday plus attendance at weekly team meetings (online)
End of Program
Completion of internship feedback survey

Interns roles and responsibilities

Tokyo-based program
Timeframe 3 months
Location In-person in Tokyo including Chamber office space, event and meeting locations
Primary responsibilities
  • Social media posting
  • copywriting and branding
  • Website updates and maintenance
  • Weekly/Monthly newsletter construction
  • Event organisation
  • EC Minutes
  • Ad hoc duties as directed by the Secretariat
Show all responsibilities
Remote
Timeframe 3 months
Location Online
Primary responsibilities
  • Social media posting
  • copywriting and branding
  • Website updates and maintenance
  • Weekly/Monthly newsletter construction
  • Event organisation
  • EC Minutes
  • Ad hoc duties as directed by the Secretariat
Show all 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

University of Tokyo
Interests:
Technology & Innovation, Regional Trade, Sustainable Development
Griffith University, Brisbane
Interests:
International Trade, Macroeconomics, Administrative Law, Human Rights and Sustainability
Curtin University, Perth
Interests:
Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Economics, Sustainable Development

Past interns

Curtin University, Perth
Interests:
Engineering, Technology and Innovation, Business Development and Client Relationship Management
Victoria University of Wellington & University of Melbourne
Interests:
International Business, Sustainable Development, Ocean Conservation
Monash University and Waseda University Tokyo
Interests:
PR, Consulting, Events Management
Australian National University, Canberra
Interests:
Diplomacy, International Relations, Japanese Business, International Trade
University of Wollongong/Aoyama Gakuin University
Interests:
Law, New Energy and Power, IP, Statistics, Data Science
University of Western Australia & Sophia University, Tokyo
Interests:
Law, Sustainable Resources, Green Energy
Edith Cowan University, Perth
Interests:
Mechatronics Engineering, Business Development Management
Xiamen University & The University of Melbourne
Interests:
International Trade, Economics, Business Consulting and Management
University of Queensland
Interests:
Corporate Law, Energy & Resources, Renewables, Clean Energy
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Interests:
Environmental Management, Sustainable Tourism, International Trade, Logistics

Hear what our interns say

“My favourite component of the internship program at ANZCCJ was the exceptional level of mentorship and support provided by my supervisors. Their guidance and encouragement created a conducive learning environment, fostering both personal and professional growth.”
Sally

Past intern, 2023

“ My journey with ANZCCJ was illuminating, instructive, and inspiring. I gained what I could ever ask for, soft skill reinforcement, confidence, fantastic team and colleagues, and close connection with the industry.”
Linda

Past intern, 2024

“Devising ways to enhance ANZCCJ’s current operations and expand its outreach in service of the Australia-Japan-New Zealand business community has been a very rewarding challenge.”
Fraser

Past intern, 2023

“ The Chamber supported my career goals of working overseas, by improving my international professional network.”
Ryan

Past intern - 2023

“ My time with the ANZCCJ introduced me to the Japanese commercial landscape and greatly expanded my international network.”
Howard

Past intern, 2023

“I was able to see firsthand what it is like to actually contribute in a work environment. I felt like I was more than just an intern but a respected member of the team. It really allowed me to up skill both my soft and technical skills.”
Louisa

Past intern, 2023