Ambassador Kusaka attends a memorial ceremony marking the anniversary of the Cowra Breakout
2016/8/23
On 5th August, Ambassador and Madame Kusaka participated in a memorial ceremony in the City of Cowra commemorating the 231 Japanese soldiers and 4 Australian soldiers that died during the mass breakout of the Cowra Prisoner of War camp. The ceremony took place in the cemetery dedicated to the Japanese and Australian fallen. Ambassador Kusaka laid a wreath in memoriam along with Cowra City Mayor Bill West.
In addition to those Japanese soldiers who died during the breakout, The Japanese cemetery also contains the remains of other Japanese soldiers who were taken prisoner and subsequently died in Australia. A total of 522 Japanese fallen are buried in the cemetery.
Through the assistance of the Cowra Returned and Services League (RSL) chapter, the cemetery, which had been forlorn after the war, was restored. This initial assistance, together with the co-operation of the Embassy of Japan, the Cowra City Council, and the federal Australian government, has ensured the proper maintenance of the graves of the Japanese fallen. The City of Cowra will continue to be the principal body responsible for the tender care and administration of the graves.
In addition to those Japanese soldiers who died during the breakout, The Japanese cemetery also contains the remains of other Japanese soldiers who were taken prisoner and subsequently died in Australia. A total of 522 Japanese fallen are buried in the cemetery.
Through the assistance of the Cowra Returned and Services League (RSL) chapter, the cemetery, which had been forlorn after the war, was restored. This initial assistance, together with the co-operation of the Embassy of Japan, the Cowra City Council, and the federal Australian government, has ensured the proper maintenance of the graves of the Japanese fallen. The City of Cowra will continue to be the principal body responsible for the tender care and administration of the graves.
 Ambassador Kusaka and Cowra City Mayor |
 Ambassador Kusaka and President of Cowra RSL |
 Ambassador Kusaka laying a wreath at Japanese cemetery |
 Cowra Breakout Association flag |
 Ambassador, Mrs Kusaka and Joetsu City Mayer |
 At Cowra Japanese Garden Cafe |