Nichigo Network
About Us
Nichigo Network is a non-profit organisation created to retain and expand the people-to-people links between Australia and Japan. Our mission is to build an impact network for the benefit of Australia and Japan that will serve as one of the voices for the bilateral relationship. Our vision is to make Australia and Japan more connected.
Our founding members are Melanie Brock (Representative Director), Cristina Merino, Shoma Kubo and Eve Bentley; a group of Australians and Japanese committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, social and environmental responsibility, and the engagement and empowerment of youth.
Our Values
Our values reflect the thinking of our founders, support our mission and are the framework around which we run our organisation.
Open. We welcome all who want to be involved.
Together. We are stronger when we collaborate and partner.
Independent. We are not associated with a political party or agenda.
Building the network
Nichigo Network members have a shared desire to be a stimulus for good. We will use social media channels to attract Australian and Japanese members by celebrating and supporting organisations and individuals that promote understanding and collaboration in the following three areas: sustainability and wildlife conservation; diversity and inclusion; and youth empowerment.
Membership at Nichigo Network is free, and you can join at our website here
Follow @nichigonetwork on Twitter #Australia #Japan
Our Partners
We work with partners who are passionate about furthering the Australia-Japan relationship and making a positive impact in our areas of focus: sustainability and wildlife conservation; diversity and inclusion; and youth empowerment.
Our Projects
Koaladachi
Koaladachi is the first of Nichigo Network’s programmes, born out of the 2019 bushfire crisis in Australia, as we felt compelled to act. The programme aims to be a stimulus for good by supporting organisations and individuals that promote understanding of sustainable practices and the impact that significant changes in weather patterns have on communities and wildlife in Australia and Japan.
You can read more about Koaladachi's founding and goals on our page, sign up as a member on the offical koaladachi website here and don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for daily updates.
Celebrating Women in Japan
Originally launched by Nichigo Network Representative Director, Melanie Brock, on 1 April 2018, the 'Celebrating Women of Japan' project builds on the amazing work by Dr Kirstin Ferguson who in 2017 gathered profiles of more than 700 women from as many as 37 countries and published their profiles on social media. Throughout 2018, Celebrating Women in Japan published daily profiles of a broad range of Japanese women and continues to recognise and celebrate the achievements by both Japanese and Australian women living in Japan.
From 1 June 2020, Nichigo Network entered into a partnership with Melanie Brock Advisory to continue the work that our Representative Director started. To become involved or to nominate an amazing woman you know, tag us on social media at Twitter or Facebook, or email us her profile.
Youth Empowerment Programme
Nichigo Network strives to inspire the next generation to seek out international study and work experience in Australia and Japan with the aim of helping to sustain a pool of young talent that is Japan/Australia-literate.
To achieve this goal, Nichigo Network will enter into a partnership with the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCCJ) to run the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP). This programme was launched in January 2018 by the ANZCCJ with the aim to provide young Australian and Japanese professionals and students living in Japan insights into various industries and practical advice on pursuing a successful career in Japan.
To read more about YEP, visit the ANZCCJ website.