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.
Established by the Australian Government in 1976, the AJF aims to:
- increase awareness and understanding in Japan of shared interests with Australia
- increase awareness and understanding in Australia of the importance of Japan to Australia as an economic and strategic partner
- increase recognition in Japan of Australian excellence and expertise.
Eminent Australians, appointed to the AJF Board, provide a range of expertise and input to Australia's foreign policy and economic diplomacy priorities through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The AJF has its headquarters in Canberra and is supported by an office at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.
The Australia-Japan partnership
- is Australia's closest and most mature in Asia
- enjoys a high degree of complementarity and is crucial to each other's strategic and economic interests
- is built on common values and interests, including shared commitment to democracy, freedom, the rule of law and human rights
- is a true friendship at the government, business, community, school and individual levels.
In 2026, Australia and Japan will commemorate 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The AJF will also mark 50 years since its establishment.
Australia-Japan Foundation Grant Program
Applications are now open for the AJF 50th Anniversary Grant. This grant opportunity commemorates the significant milestones of the 50th anniversaries of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and the establishment of the AJF. View the Grants page for more information.