Tag: japan

Australian Internment Camps During WW11

~ joannerambling ~ Leave a comment

Last week I wrote about the escape from the POW camp at Cowra and in the comments Chris from Tilting at Windmills found here: https://humbleauthorbsp.blogspot.com/ mentioned about internment camps for Asian Americans. America isn’t the only country with such camps here in Australia we had them too.

In fact, we operated a large network of internment camps during World War II, holding more than 12,000 people classified as “enemy aliens” as well as prisoners of war. These camps existed in every state and territory and included men, women, and children of German, Italian, and Japanese background.

Who was interned?

Well, it was civilians of German, Italian, and Japanese descent (including long‑term residents and even Australian‑born descendants).

POWs captured overseas and sent to Australia by Allied nations.

As well as a small number of Australians with extreme political views.

Why did internment happen?

Obviously, there were concerns about national security as well as public anxiety about espionage, sabotage, and later, Japanese invasion.

However, many were detained without evidence of any wrongdoing. There were around 7,000 Australian residents, with around 8,000 POWs sent from overseas.

Internment and POW camps were spread nationwide, including:

Cowra (NSW) — later the site of the Cowra Breakout.

Hay (NSW)

Tatura & Dhurringile (VIC)

Loveday (SA)

Gaythorne & Stuart (QLD)

Marrinup (WA)


Many of the camps were purpose‑built but some were repurposed gaols or military facilities.

Life in the Camps were heavily regulated, with restricted movement and limited freedoms. Some camps held families together; others separated men from women and children.

Internees worked in agriculture, woodcutting, and camp maintenance.

The camps operated for most of the war starting in 1939 through to early in 1946, they started to close after Japan’s surrender in 1945.

Internment was tied directly to wartime security laws. So as long as Australia remained at war with Germany, Italy, and Japan, internees were legally held.

Many internees (especially Japanese nationals) could not be released until repatriation ships were available after the war.

Most internees spent anything from a few months to several years in the camps. Some Japanese and Italian internees were held for between four to six years, depending on when they were arrested and when repatriation occurred.

Most ordinary Australians supported internment during WWII because they were frightened of invasion and espionage, but there was also discomfort and criticism—especially when long‑time neighbours were taken away without evidence. Public opinion was mixed, shaped by fear, patriotism, racism, and later regret.

After the fall of Singapore (1942) and attacks on Darwin, many Australians believed Japanese residents—even families who had lived here for decades—might aid an invasion.

This led to widespread acceptance of mass internment of Japanese people, even without evidence of them being a threat.

However, as the war progressed, some Australians became uncomfortable seeing their neighbours and shopkeepers, taken away suddenly. They also didn’t like seeing families split up, with many being seen as loyal Australians.

This created tension: some locals supported internment, others protested because they knew these families personally .

After 1945, public opinion changed with many coming to see internment as discriminatory, especially toward Japanese and Italian Australians and harmful to innocent families who had contributed to local communities.

Cowra Breakout

~ joannerambling ~ 7 Comments

Hi, everyone, this today’s post was inspired by the holiday taken back in December after visiting the site of the Cowra POW Camp.

Cowra may be the best-known camp due to the 1944 Cowra Breakout, which was the largest prison breakout in Australian history and of the largest of World War 11.

Over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass escape leading to the deaths of over 200 people. The escape took place on the 5 August 1944.

In total about 235 Japanese prisoners died along with 4 Australian soldiers, it is one of the deadliest prison escape attempts in modern military history.

The soldiers who died were Privates Hardy, Jones, Shepherd, and Lieutenant Doncaster.

There was no single person in charge of the breakout but was driven by a group of non-commissioned who planned and initiated the escape.

This was because the prisoners were bound by the Bushido code, which viewed surrender as shameful. This created a shared determination among many prisoners to die honourably rather than be transferred to another camp. As a result, the breakout emerged from group consensus rather than top‑down command.

The escape was triggered by an unauthorised bugle call, sounded by a Japanese prisoner whose identity is not definitively recorded in official sources.

The event is widely studied in military history and commemorated in Japan and Australia. The Japanese Garden and War Cemetery were established as symbols of peace and reconciliation, further cementing Cowra’s global recognition.

Cowra wasn’t the only POW camp in Australia; in fact, there was over 50 POW and internment camps across all states and territories. This includes major, purpose‑built POW camps as well as smaller labour detachments, hostels, and temporary internment facilities.

Other major camps could be found at Hay, Loveday, Tatura, and Marrinup.

There was one Over 12,000 people were interned or held as POWs in Australia at the peak of the war. When I read this, I wondered why so many well it seems that Australia became a major Allied holding country because of its location being so far from the front lines and we had available land for secure camps.

Cowra Japanese Garden

~ joannerambling ~ 10 Comments

Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.

They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.

Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.

After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.

As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.

Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.

Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.

The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.

Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.

The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.

The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.

Japan’s Geisha

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

This week we are still in Japan, and I am going to share a bit about the Geisha.

Geisha originated in Japan during the Edo period as highly trained entertainers skilled in traditional arts—not prostitutes, as often misunderstood. The first geisha were men, but women soon became the dominant figures in the profession.

The earliest geisha-like figures were saburuko, female entertainers during the 7th century. Some performed dances and music, while others offered companionship or sexual services.

The modern concept of geisha emerged in Kyoto’s pleasure quarters. Initially, male performers entertained guests with music and storytelling. By the mid-18th century, women took over the role, specializing in refined arts like shamisen (three-stringed instrument), nihon-buyo (classical dance), and sadō (tea ceremony).

The Geisha culture thrived in Kyoto and Osaka, between 1688 and 1704, these women became cultural icons, versed in literature, poetry, and etiquette. They were distinct from courtesans, focusing solely on artistic performance.

Aspiring geisha trained in okiya (boarding houses) under senior geisha. Young apprentices, called maiko, learned through observation and practice before debuting as full geisha.

Between 1868 & 1912 Western influence challenged traditional roles, but geisha adapted by blending modern elements with heritage. Their popularity persisted, especially in Kyoto.

After WW11 during Allied Occupation abolished state-sanctioned prostitution, leading to confusion about geisha roles. Geisha reaffirmed their identity as artists, not sex workers.

Today’s Geisha are mostly found in Kyoto’s hanamachi (geisha districts), they continue to perform at private banquets (ozashiki) and public festivals. Their appearance—white makeup, elaborate kimono, and traditional hairstyles—remains iconic.

They are now seen as custodians of Japanese performing arts. Some schools, like the Inoue school in Kyoto, teach exclusive dance styles such as kyo-mai, passed down only within the geisha community.

Japan Pt 3

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Time for some more facts about Japan we will start with the fact that it is the custom to remove shoes before entering a house.

This is a deeply intrenched tradition which is tied to cleanliness, respect and cultural boundaries. In fact, it dates back to the Heian period which was way back in 794. Back then nobles would remove footwear to protect raised wooded floors. However, it became widespread from 1603 thus evolving into the national norm across all social classes.

Now days the removal of shoes is a sign of respect for the homeowner and their space; it reflects the idea that the home is a sacred and private place.

Now many of you like me may wonder why they do this, well shoes carry dirt, moisture and bacteria into a house these things can damage delicate flooring like tatami mats. Tatami mats are used for sitting, eating, and sleeping, so keeping them clean is essential.

Japan’s humid climate makes homes vulnerable to mould, especially during the rainy season—removing shoes helps prevent this.

In Japanese homes there is an area called a genkan, this is a lower entry area where shoes are removed. This space marks the transition from the “soto” (outside) to the “uchi” (inside), reinforcing social and spatial boundaries.

So, what do there wear inside? Usually slippers if not barefoot, however, special slippers are used for bathrooms to maintain hygiene between rooms.

Many wear socks inside their homes, especially in formal settings or during the colder months.

When visiting someone’s home, it is considered polite to wear clean socks after removing outdoor shoes. Bare feet may be seen as too casual or unhygienic. It is normal for people to carry clean socks with them as not to be caught wearing socks with holes, as this would be highly embarrassing.

Japan Part 2

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Good morning, all another Monday has arrived, Sam is off to Tafe and I am now going to write some more about Japan.

The population is 126 million, the country has the longest life expectancy with many over the age of 100.

The country is known for its cleanliness with the culture emphasizes personal responsibility for littering. A person can be fined anything between $45 and $4,500USD, and repeat offenders may find themselves in jail. People often take their trash home as public bins and often scarce, they can be found near convenience stores, train stations, and vending machines.

Speaking of vending machines, the country has more vending machines then any other country with a large variety of products.

In Japan bowing is deeply ingrained in cultural practices and is used to express gratitude, apology as well as social hierarchy. The angle, duration, and context of the bow all convey different meanings, and mastering this etiquette is key to navigating Japanese society gracefully.

Men typically bow with arms straight at their sides, women often place hands together in front of their legs. Eyes should be cast downward—not making eye contact during the bow is considered polite.

Bowing is used for the following, greetings and farewells, apologies and expressions of thanks, ceremonies, religious rituals, and martial arts. Even in customer service interactions, even train staff bow to passengers!

Japanese people may even bow during phone calls, out of habit.

While bowing is standard, handshakes may be offered to foreigners in business or casual settings.

If unsure, follow your host’s lead. A slight bow is always appreciated and shows cultural awareness.

Now for a bit about the Japanese flag, known as the Hinomaru features a red circle on a white background symbolizing the sun. It reflects Japan’s identity as “The Land of the Rising Sun.”

The red circle represents the sun, a sacred symbol in Japanese mythology and the white background symbolizes purity, honesty, and peace. The current design was formally adopted in 1999 under Japan’s National Flag Law.

Japan

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

Hi everyone, this week we are looking at Japan, known as the Land of the Rising Sun, it is a country with a mixture of cultural heritage as well as advanced technology and has some unique traditions.

Japan isn’t just one island but has as many as 4,000 small islands and 4 main islands, which are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.  It stretches approximately 2,400klm’s or 1,500 miles.

It is a mountainous place with about 80% of the land covered in mountains, including Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji is not only Japan’s highest mountain; it has been a sacred site for the Shinto religion since the seventh century. The cool thing is that Princess Konohanasakuya is the Kami (divine person) of Mount Fuji in the Shinto religion. The cherry blossom is her symbol.

It is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and it has around 1,000 earthquakes each year. Most of these earthquakes are minor and unnoticeable, but large and destructive earthquakes do occur from time to time.

The capital is Tokyo and is considered the largest city in the world, with around 374 million people living there.

It is one of the most technologically advanced counties and is well known for its innovations in robotics.

They give a great deal of attention to education and is one of the most literate in the world. A distinctive awareness of natural beauty and interest in shape and balance are obvious.

The country is 98.5% Japanese and yes this may seem absurd, but the modern world is becoming increasingly multicultural. However, this is not the case in Japan. That is largely due to stringent visa requirements and a cultural mindset keeping its distinctive and ancient culture steeped in old traditions.

I expect when you think of Japan, you’re probably thinking of the country’s numerous cities or its main islands. You may be Surprised that 67% is covered in forest. It is not uncommon to see signs on forest trails warning to look out for black bears.

Ok that will do for this week.


US Troops Down Under During WW11

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we will look be looking when the USA invaded Australia during WW11. Kinda…

In my area of Australia there was the Joint Overseas Operations Training Services.

The Port Stephens area was the centre of much activity during 1943-44, 20,000 US servicemen and 2,000 Australian servicemen trained for beach landings. 

A country club became headquarters for amphibious warfare training area know as JOOTS (Joint Overseas Operations Training Services).

Port Stephens an area in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia, it is just north of Newcastle.

This came about due to Australia asking for help from the States to dissuade the Japanese from trying to invade and it worked.

For America, Australia was a natural springboard for a major counterattack against Japan and the Newcastle area saw plenty of evidence of the American commitment.

HMAS Assault was a naval training centre established by General Douglas MacArthur. The base was chosen because it was a safe haven from Japanese submarines and was a small, isolated fishing village. The HMAS Assault was used to train landing craft crews, beach parties, and signal teams.

Tomaree Head was a critical part of Australia’s defence of the east. It includes a curved concrete wall with a gun that protected Newcastle and the Williamtown airbase. 

You can take a guided tour of the historic gun emplacements at Tomaree Head in Tomaree National Park.

In total nearly one million US troops passed through Australia during World War II. The first US troops arrived in Brisbane in December 1941. 

By 1943, there were 250,000 Americans stationed in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

The US Army used Australia as a base of operations to support US forces in the Philippines. 

Their main role in north Queensland was to provide services and supplies, and there was a large presence in Queensland mostly around Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Townsville. 

The US Army also had a joint command with the British, Dutch, and Australian forces in the Pacific. 

They had a substantial impact on the local economy and influenced fashion, consumerism, and domestic technology. 

Of course, at times there were tensions with some Australians, which sometimes erupted into fighting. 

There was also a large social impact on Australia, including many Australian women marrying US servicemen. 

The US Army’s presence in Australia was part of a larger US deployment to combat zones overseas during World War II.