50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

About

In 2026, Australia and Japan celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (Friendship and Cooperation Treaty). The Friendship and Cooperation Treaty was initiated under Prime Minister Whitlam, and signed in Tokyo on 16 June 1976 by Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and Prime Minister Miki Takeo.

The Friendship and Cooperation Treaty formally recognised friendship, shared interests and interdependence as core principles, and established a framework for further cooperation. The treaty also extended most-favoured-nation treatment beyond trade in goods to include investment and migration — an important step in broadening economic ties.

The Friendship and Cooperation Treaty supported the continued expansion of the Australia–Japan relationship. Today, Australia and Japan enjoy a deep and wide-ranging relationship, underpinned by significant two-way trade, investment and strong people-to-people connections. Australia and Japan cooperate across a wide range of areas to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

The 50th anniversary will focus on elevating the Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership, which was established in April 2015, as well as redefining our cooperation for the next 50 years and engaging the next generation of leaders.

What's happening

Events

Applications are now open for events and activities that will celebrate or promote the 50th anniversary. Eligible events will be approved to use the 50th anniversary logo and will receive access to a branding package.

You can find more information about the process to apply at Application Guidelines for 50th anniversary events. Approved Australia-based events will be listed on this website.

• Application Guidelines for Anniversary Events: 50th Anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan [PDF 99 KB]
• Application Guidelines for Anniversary Events: 50th Anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan [DOCX 25 KB]

For information about events in Japan, please visit the Australian Embassy in Tokyo’s events page. 

Australia-Japan Foundation grant rounds

Established in 1976, the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF) advances people-to-people and institutional links between Australia and Japan through programs and partnerships aligned with the Australian Government's priorities.

Applications opened for the AJF 50th Anniversary Grant on 10 December 2025, and will close 2pm (AEDT) 10 February 2026. The AJF 50th Anniversary Grant commemorates the significant milestones of the 50th anniversaries of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty and the establishment of the AJF. If you have an idea for an impactful event that honours the legacy of Australia-Japan relations and inspires future collaboration and mutual understanding, consider applying.

For further information about the AJF:

• Web: Australia-Japan Foundation
• Social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Phone: +61 2 6261 3898
• Email: ajf.australia@dfat.gov.au

Branding

Logo

Our logo reflects the values Australia and Japan stand for – unity, resilience and partnership.

• Australia-Japan 50 years of Friendship and Cooperation logo - square [JPG 1MB]
• Australia-Japan 50 years of Friendship and Cooperation logo - landscape [JPG 1.2 MB]

Use of the 50th anniversary logo will be approved if your event or initiative meets the criteria in our Application Guidelines for 50th anniversary events.

If you have any questions: japan.desk@dfat.gov.au

Hashtag

The official hashtags for the 50th anniversary:

• English: #AUJP50
• Japanese: #日豪50周年

Interested in learning more?

• "Friendship and co-operation: the 1976 Basic Treaty between Australia and Japan" (2006) by Moreen Dee [PDF]
• Full text of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
• Transcript of Prime Minister Fraser's speech at the signing ceremony for the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation

Get in touch

For any other enquiries, please send an email to: japan.desk@dfat.gov.au