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Japanese Consul-General visits Bairnsdale to view WWII flag and tour patties foods with Tim Bull

Japanese Consul-General Tokuro Furuya visited Gippsland East MP Tim Bull to view a unique WWII flag and tour Patties Foods exporting products to Japan from Bairnsdale.

By news@gippsland - 12th May 2025 - Back to News

The Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne, Tokuro Furuya, was the guest of Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull last week. The primary purpose of the visit on Thursday was to view a unique Japanese WWII flag, followed by a visit to Patties Foods which is producing an increasing amount of product being exported to Japan from the Bairnsdale plant.

The Nationals' State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, was pleased to welcome Japanese Consul-General, Tokuro Furuya, to Bairnsdale

Honouring wartime history

Mr Bull explained the flag belongs to Con Bell (pictured in the main photo) and was the property of his father, also Con. "I mentioned the flag to the Consul-General (CG) when we were seated next to each other at a Shrine service, just a fortnight after Con had shown the flag to me. It was from that conversation, and his interest, that the visit eventuated, and I worked with both Con and Allan Pappin, president of the Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch, to make it happen."

"The CG was able to read enough on the flag to advise it has both names of Japanese soldiers and messages of good luck. After its capture by the Australian 2/7th Australian commandos, they added their signatures in the Rising Sun. This almost certainly occurred in either the Salamaua-Lae or Aitape-Wewak campaigns in northern New Guinea," said Mr Bull.

Showcasing Gippsland pride

The CG explained the Japanese would never have written in the Rising Sun component of the flag as that was considered disrespectful in the homeland, which left room for the Australians to place their signatures. On the visit to Patties Foods, the CG was able to sample some of the very products that are going to Japan - in its Japanese packaging.

"On his departure, I was able to present the CG with some amazing Gippsland products. I extend a big thanks to Allan Pappin and the Bairnsdale RSL Sub-Branch and Patties Foods for the hospitality shown to the CG," he said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
  Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter.
• Skeene Creek Farm launches, driving sustainable agriculture, innovation, and resilience across East Gippsland region
  Skeene Creek Farm launches near Bairnsdale, transforming underutilised land into a sustainable agriculture hub, promoting circular economy, innovation, environmental resilience, and practical research for East Gippsland farmers.
• Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
  Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability.
• Darren Chester secures $20,000 to preserve Tambo Valley trenches commemorating Victoria's WWII history
  Darren Chester secured $20,000 funding to preserve the historic Tambo Valley Trenches, enhancing access, safety, and interpretation, while honouring East Gippsland's wartime history and boosting cultural tourism along the Great Alpine Road.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
  Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.