The Australia-Japan Young Political Leaders Exchange Program was launched in 1991 under the auspices of the Japan Centre for International Exchange and the Australian Political Exchange Council to foster greater understanding, dialogue, and network formation between the next generation of leaders in both countries.
The program strengthens the bilateral relationship via the participation of young Australian and Japanese political leaders.
Three Australian parliamentarians — Ms Sally Sitou MP, Senator Leah Blyth and Ms Ash Ambihaipahar MP – travelled to Japan in October 2025 as part of the 30th Australian Parliamentary delegation to Japan.
(Photos: Australian Embassy, Tokyo)
During their visit, the delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Japanese counterparts, including a meeting with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Akiko IKUINA MP and the Japan-Australia Diet League members. They discussed policies on regional security, trade, and climate cooperation.
The Australian delegation also explored cultural and historical sites. They enjoyed a tour of the Australia Pavilion at Osaka/Kansai Expo 2025, and experienced first-hand the passion and popularity, as well as well organised hospitality (Omotenashi) of the people of Japan.
(Photos: Australian Embassy, Tokyo)
The program reaffirmed that Australia and Japan will further strengthen bilateral cooperation across a broad range of areas, highlighting the importance of people-to-people connections in shaping future diplomatic and strategic collaboration.