Commemorating the 79th Anniversary of the Japanese Breakout
Published on 07 August 2023
79 years ago, in the early hours of August 5, 1944, when 1,104 Japanese Prisoners of War (POWs) attempted a daring breakout from the Prisoner of War Camp in Cowra no one could’ve foreseen the everlasting impacts the only land battle on Australian soil during World War II would have had not just on Australia and Japan but also Cowra.
In a series of well-attended ceremonies, dignitaries including Her Excellency the Hon. Ms Margaret Beazley AC KC (Governor of NSW), His Excellency Kazuhiro Suzuki (Ambassador Embassy of Japan to Australia), the Hon. Mr Michael McCormack (Federal Member for Riverina), the Hon. Ms Steph Cooke (NSW Member for Cootamundra), Mr Masaru Seki (President Japan-Australia Society of Joetsu), Mr Shuichi Tokuda (Consul General), and Mayor of Joetsu, Mr Kanta Nagakawa from across both the Australian and Japanese political spectrum were present not just to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the Breakout but also the 20-year signing of the Peace and Friendship Agreement between Joetsu City and Cowra at the Cowra Japanese Gardens on October 12, 2003 by former Cowra Mayor, Bruce Miller and then Mayor of Joetsu City, Masayuki Konoura.
“It is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by those involved, the lives lost, and the lessons we have learned from history,” said Cowra Shire Council Mayor Bill West.
In the aftermath of this incident, the people of Cowra and Japan embarked on a journey of reconciliation and goodwill led by former RSL members.
“The spirit of friendship and understanding between our nations has grown stronger with each passing year. We acknowledge the sincere efforts made by both communities in fostering mutual respect and peace and setting an inspiring example,” said Mayor West.
The embodiment of the commitment to peace and international understanding can be seen through the development of the Cowra Japanese Gardens as well as the Australian World Peace Bell, awarded to Cowra in 1992.
“Our journey towards reconciliation is not limited to the physical locations and monuments we visit. The warm relations between Australia and Japan continue to thrive in numerous ways. Inspired by the spirit of Cowra, the people of Joetsu City in Japan have created a Peace Park on the site of the World War II Naoetsu POW Camp in their city, further strengthening the bonds between our communities,” said Cowra Shire Mayor Bill West.
“It was tremendous to see Mayor of Joetsu City, Mr Kanta Nagakawa present in Cowra for these 20-year friendship celebrations,” the Mayor said.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate the approaching 80th anniversary of the Breakout next year, a momentous occasion that holds great significance for both countries. Planning is already underway for this important event, and we expect many to return to Cowra to join us in commemorating this historic milestone,” he said.
“Today, as we stand in unity and remembrance, we should reaffirm our commitment to peace, reconciliation, and the enduring friendship between Australia and Japan. We should also carry forward the lessons of history and encourage future generations to work together towards a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding,” Mayor West said.
“I would lastly like to take the opportunity to acknowledge all those who attended the commemorations over the weekend and I thank all concerned from visitors from Joetsu, Fukuoka and Nagakura representatives as well as other dignitaries who made this anniversary very special.”