On May 9th, Australian Ambassador H.E. Richard Court paid a courtesy visit to Leader Yukio Edano, Leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and Kanako Otsuji, CDP member of the House of Representatives.

Firstly, it was celebrated that both Edano and Otsuji had visited Australia through the Japan-Australia Young Political Leaders Exchange Program - Edano in 1995 and Otsuji in 2018.  The close relations between Japan and Australia were further emphasized, by examples including Edano’s regular communication with Australia while serving as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as the large number of Japanese immigrants to Australia.

Discussion then centered on the summer election for the Japanese House of Councilors, in parallel to the Australian general election scheduled to be held two weeks later. Election-related topics included the possibility of a united front among opposition parties, the agenda for the respective election campaigns, effective usage of social media, and the selection of female candidates, as well as candidates representing minority or diverse groups in society.

Both sides confirmed that regardless of the potential post-election political situations, they will continue to make efforts to further deepen bilateral relations.