Brisbane Tomonkai

About the Brisbane Tomonkai

Brisbane Tomonkai, established in May 2013, has been active for over 11 years. The number of members, which was 12 at the time of founding, is now more than 30, and has been rapidly increasing.

Our activities mainly include get-togethers, welcome/farewell parties, and golf games. We also interact with Akamonkai (University of Tokyo) and Mitakai (Keio University) at random times. With our superior in numbers, we jokingly tell Akamonkai that we will not deal with them unless their standard scores decrease.

Thanks to your support, our activities are expanding; as sung in Konpeki-no-Sora: “We are the kings of ideals.” We now sing the school anthem and Konpeki-no-Sora shoulder to shoulder, using the venue’s audio system, to conclude get-togethers. To fulfill our aim of providing opportunities for enhancing interaction between the alumni and current students of Waseda University, we will strive to develop the Brisbane Tomonkai.
Akira Matsui（Graduated in 2004, School of Commerce）

The attractive points of Brisbane

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia, following Sydney and Melbourne, and the capital city of the state of Queensland, which is also known as the sunshine state. Its biggest advantage is stable weather, with approximately 300 sunny days in a year. It is located opposite to the main island of Okinawa in terms of latitude, and people enjoys jogging along the riverside in their free time or having barbecue in their garden or in free facilities in the city on weekends in warm weather. And now, construction of stadiums and subways is ongoing in the city for the 2032 Olympic Games.

Such a lively city of Brisbane also has a ‘cute’ side. Despite being the third largest city, it was outdone by the fourth largest city, Perth, owing to the opening of a famous ramen restaurant in the latter. Works related to the Olympics are also delayed, but people do not seem to worry about it; their favorite phrase is “No worries, mate” (“mate” pronounced like “myte” in Aussie English). No need to worry— most people are good-natured here.

The cost of living is relatively high, but the rents are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne. Brisbane is a unique Australian city that subtly combines urban and countryside characteristics. We hope that you will visit Brisbane and experience its charms.
Akira Matsui（Graduated in 2004, School of Commerce）

Message from the Chairperson

Australia is a country that everyone envies, with land 20 times larger than Japan, major cities ranking high in the world’s livable cities (four Australian cities, including Brisbane, were ranked among the world’s top 10 in 2021), increasing population, and growing GDP since 1991 except during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brisbane, the third-largest city, houses a population of 2.6 million.

The city, whose economy is supported by major industries, such as mining and agriculture, has also been selected to host the 2032 Summer Olympics and is expected to grow further. The specialty food of Brisbane is definitely the delicious steak from the vast farmlands. Furthermore, the famous Gold Coast is only an hour away by car, and various lifestyles can be enjoyed by the sea, in the mountains, and inland areas.

Our Tomonkai mainly consists of expats, students studying here, and permanent residents, but we are also contacted by Waseda alumni on business trips and by current students on many occasions. Please contact us if you visit Brisbane.
Hiroyuki Kano（Graduated in 1991, School of Law, Graduated with a Master’s degree in 1995, Graduate School of Law）

Messages from the Members

Fifteen years ago, one had to drive an hour to the Gold Coast to buy a pack of natto. Then, a Japanese grocery shop opened in Brisbane in 2012 and the Brisbane Tomonkai was founded in 2013. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has changed significantly; the number of Japanese people visiting Australia and Australians visiting Japan is growing, and the number of direct flights to Japan has increased from one to three per day. While time changes as the school anthem lyrics suggest, “Her students change from year to year / Meet and part with youth’s delight,” alumni gather under the name of Tomonkai and feel the bond of Waseda. In 2032, the year of the Brisbane Olympics and the 150th anniversary of Waseda University, the Brisbane Tomonkai will celebrate its 20th anniversary in the pursuit of ideals.
Norihiko Morita（Graduated in 1992, School of Political Science and Economics）

It has been more than two years since I began working in Brisbane. I lead a comfortable life, and experience the seasonal cycle. Blue-purple jacaranda flowers bloom every October, and as they wither, long and hot summer begins. Mild autumn and winter can be experienced around March.
The Brisbane Tomonkai adds color to daily life. Interaction with its members at regular get-togethers and golf games reminds me of my campus days over 20 years ago, energizing me in this foreign country.
Yuzuru Aizawa（Graduated in 2003, School of Political Science and Economics）

I am delighted that the Brisbane Tomonkai hosts regular events – it’s surely one of the most active Tomonkai chapters outside Japan. Singing the school anthem and Konpeki-no-Sora together, shoulder to shoulder, always brings back the Waseda spirit, reminding us of the bond we share. Being part of Tomonkai makes me feel at home, even from 7,000 kilometers away. With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Brisbane will be welcoming visitors from all over the world. If you find yourself here, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Brisbane Tomonkai – we’d love to connect!
Masaki Tanaka（Graduated in 2018, International Liberal Studies）

It has been two and a half years since I moved to Brisbane, and I began to understand why people are moving here from in and outside the country. Warm climate, easy-going atmosphere, balance between the city and nature, diverse sports and outdoor activities…it is an envious environment, particularly for families with children. Besides the enjoyment of drinking and singing the school anthem together, I feel grateful for Waseda’s ties when I meet other Tomonkai members at the Japanese school that our children study in.
Rie Kasai（Graduated in 2005, School of Letters, Arts and Sciences Ⅱ）

Covered in Waseda Gakuho, February 2025 Issue

Return to Alumni Network World Map