Press Releases
2015 Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program Former Prisoners of War (POWs) from Australia Invited to Japan
1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will invite a total of six people, consisting of three Australians who were imprisoned as prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II, and three members of their families, to Japan from November 9 to 16.
2. This invitation aims to promote mutual understanding between Japan and Australia through encouraging reconciliation and friendship by inviting former Australia POWs to Japan, who hold particular sentiments toward Japan due to their experiences during World War II.
3. During their stay, in addition to the schedule in Tokyo that will include visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, interacting with citizens and visiting the Yokohama Commonwealth War Cemetery in Hodogaya, they are also scheduled to visit Kobe City, Sanyo-Onoda City, and other locations where the POWs were interned as prisoners during World War II. They will also visit Kyoto to experience Japanese culture.