The Emperor’s Birthday national holiday in Japan honours the birth of the reigning emperor and symbolises tradition, unity and continuity. This year’s celebration coincides with a major milestone in Queensland-Japan relations: the 130th anniversary of Japan’s first diplomatic mission to Australia, established in Townsville, and the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia.
Queensland’s ties with Japan have never been stronger, as evidenced by the state’s Gold Partnership at the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Queensland’s presence at Expo has already delivered $26.1 million in confirmed export outcomes as of mid-January, with more opportunities on the horizon.
Queensland showcased its excellence in food and agribusiness, international education, research, innovation, tourism, and investment at World Expo 2025. The event highlighted the state’s reputation as a global leader in these sectors, with significant commercial success achieved.
The food and agribusiness sector was a standout, securing $17.3 million in beef export deals and new agreements for premium Queensland honey, mangoes, and wine. Japanese buyers also expressed strong interest in other high-quality fresh produce and value-added goods.
LS Marketing Consulting, a key participant in the Taste of Queensland mission at Expo 2025, played a pivotal role in expanding Queensland’s footprint in Japan’s premium wine market.
The company secured multiple new clients and forged strategic partnerships with Granite Belt wineries, including Ridgemill Estate, Jester Hill Wines, Pyramid Road Wines, Squash Berry Wines and Bent Road Winery. These collaborations are set to drive further export growth.
In addition to trade, the mission bolstered Queensland’s food tourism appeal. LS Marketing Consulting has been actively promoting Queensland wine experiences, contributing to an increase in Japanese visitors to the Granite Belt region and Sirromet Wines at Mount Cotton.
Queensland’s participation in Expo 2025 also showcased the state’s strengths in international education, research, and innovation. Since the event, an additional $6.1 million in new partnerships has been secured, further enhancing Queensland’s global reputation for excellence in education, science, and advanced industries.
Queensland’s partnership with Japan continues to thrive, with further export and investment outcomes expected throughout 2026 as new opportunities emerge. The state’s ongoing collaboration with Japan underscores the strength of this long-standing relationship and its importance to Queensland’s economic and cultural future.
Is your business ready to unlock global markets? Learn more about your future export success through TIQ.
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About Trade and Investment Queensland
If your business is ready to unlock global markets, you can learn more about your future export success through TIQ.
Whether you are an experienced exporter looking to expand your global footprint or a new exporter starting your journey, TIQ can help you scale your business internationally.