Attendance at the memorial ceremony for the Cowra breakout held in Cowra

On the 5^th of August, Ambassador Kusaka and Mrs Kusaka attended the memorial ceremony for the 73^rd anniversary of the Cowra Breakout in Cowra, New South Wales. The incident saw 231 Japanese soldiers as well as four Australian soldiers die, and they were buried in the Japanese and Australian war cemeteries. The Ambassador and his wife joined Mr. Bill West, Mayor of Cowra in laying a wreath at the ceremony.
 
Following World War II, the veterans association took over the maintenance management of the Japanese War Cemetery. The 522 graves in the cemetery of those who passed away in Australia are now maintained in cooperation between the Embassy of Japan, City of Cowra and the Australian government. Furthermore, the Japanese gardens and Sakura Avenue in Cowra are now maintained through the commitment of the local community. Cowra is a symbol of our two countries’ strong relationship in Australia.

Ambassador Kusaka and his wife lay a wreath togther with the Cowra Mayor	Japanese war victim memorial monument
Ambassador Kusaka in an interview at the war cemetery	Went to a Buddhist service by the chief priest of Sydney’s Koyasan Seizanji Temple, Rev. Washo Saito
Speech at morning tea after the ceremony	Chat with the author of a book published on Cowra