A Night of Milestones, Memories, and Gratitude
On Saturday, 12th of October 2024, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Yakult Australia with a grand dinner party at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins in Melbourne. It was an unforgettable night, brimming with exciting performances and heartfelt speeches.
The night kicked off with a stunning performance by Miyake Taiko (三宅太鼓), an exhilarating display of traditional Japanese drumming. The thunderous rhythm and powerful energy of the drums captivated the audience, setting the tone for a lively and vibrant evening.
Mr. David Whatley, Director of Sales and Corporate Affairs at Yakult Australia, then delivered the opening speech.
This was followed by a heartwarming address from The Hon. Jeff Kennett, Former Premier of Victoria, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of our factory in Australia in 1994.
Mr. Hiroshi Narita, President and Representative Director at Yakult Honsha, followed with a speech and led a joyful “kanpai” (toast) with Yakult bottles, symbolising the unity and shared success of the company.
After the toast, a history video showcased Yakult Australia’s incredible journey over the past 30 years, from the construction of the factory to becoming a staple in Australian households.
Entertainment continued with a vibrant performance by George Kamikawa (上川ジョージ), a finalist on Australia’s Got Talent and a country blues artist. George’s performance had the audience singing and bopping along, adding to the lively atmosphere of the night. After George’s entertainment show, we were treated to a warm video featuring congratulatory messages from Yakult overseas companies all over the world, sending their best wishes for this milestone anniversary.
Speeches from special guests followed. Mr. Yoshinori Sakuno, Founder and Group Managing Director of doq Pty Ltd, shared his gratitude for Yakult’s partnership over the years. As a symbol of this lasting relationship, he presented a cherry blossom tree to be planted at Yakult Australia’s factory in Dandenong. After his speech, we enjoyed congratulatory messages from several partners, including Mate FC, Sydney Cheerleading Springs, Challenge (supporting children with cancer), and Essendon Football Club, with whom we have had a sponsorship for 20 years. All of these partners have played an important role in Yakult’s journey.
Mr. Junji Shimada, Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne, gave a touching speech in which he spoke of his upcoming departure from Australia and expressed gratitude for the strong relationship between Japan and Yakult Australia. Cr. Jim Memeti, Councillor for Dandenong (Dandenong Ward), thanked Yakult for providing employment opportunities and supporting the livelihood of the local community.
As a sign of good fortune and future success, Mr. Junichi Shimada, Managing Executive Officer at Yakult Honsha, along with Mr. Hiroshi Narita, presented Yakult Australia with a traditional Japanese gift, Koban Kozuchi (小判古鎚 / Magic Mallet), a symbol of prosperity and growth.
The event was graced by the presence of several VIP guests who have supported Yakult Australia over the years, including:
- Mr. Masato Sugahara, Vice President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Melbourne / Chair and CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd.
- Mr. Masato Kozuka, President of the Japanese Society of Melbourne / Vice President & Corporate Strategy Officer, NEC Australia Pty Ltd
- Dr. Caroline Tuck, Senior Lecturer, Dietetics, Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University
- Dr. Jessica Biesiekierski, Registered Nutritionist and Senior Lecturer, Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food
Dessert was a special Yakult panna cotta. With the special dessert, the evening wrapped up with a door prize raffle, where lucky guests won exciting gifts. Congratulations to all the winners!
To bring the night to a close, Mr. Kenji Ono, Managing Director of Yakult Australia, delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his deep gratitude to all the staff for their unwavering dedication and hard work over the years, even during the pandemic. He emphasised that the company’s success would not have been possible without the passion and commitment of the entire team. His words were a fitting end to a night that not only celebrated Yakult Australia’s achievements but also recognised the people behind its 30 years of success.
The 30th-anniversary celebration was a night to remember, filled with nostalgia, excitement, and hope for the future. It was a tribute to Yakult Australia’s remarkable journey, and we look forward to many more years of success.