The Consul General of Japan in Brisbane, Katsutoshi Ishikawa, visited Redland City Council on February 12, 2026 to meet with councillors, council officers, and local business operators and investors, as part of efforts to strengthen economic and regional cooperation between Japan and Queensland.
During the visit, Redland City Deputy Mayor Julie Talty represented the Mayor and highlighted the significance of the engagement for the region’s future partnerships.
“Currently we are seeing growing bilateral cooperation between Japan and Queensland in areas such as energy, premium food exports, and emerging sectors including hydrogen and renewable technologies,” Cr Talty said.
“Redlands Coast is proud to be part of that growth – particularly in the education, research, and trade sectors – as we continue to strengthen our economic relations with Japan.
“An example of this is Council’s long-standing relationship with Kani City and Gifu University in Japan’s south-central where we welcome students who come to Redlands Coast on educational visits.”
Council’s Economic Development Portfolio Representative Councillor Peter Mitchell said there are also joint opportunities in fast-growing industries across both countries.
“Japan’s expanding investment presence in Australia also presents an ideal moment for Redlands Coast to position itself as a welcoming and promising destination for Japanese organisations seeking new partnerships and regional engagement,” he said.
As part of the visit, Mr Ishikawa toured several key locations across the region.
His itinerary included Council Chambers in Cleveland, Raby Bay Harbour, the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre at Capalaba, and Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton.
Mr Ishikawa was joined by Dr Teoh Mizuno from the Australia-Japan Wildlife Conservation and Education Foundation.
The visit reflects continued strengthening of ties between Japan and the Redlands Coast, particularly across trade, education, and emerging industry sectors.
