From wartime enemies to trusted friends: The treaty that opened doors for Australia and Japan 50 years ago

Fifty years after a treaty helped turn former enemies into close partners, Australia and Japan’s relationship shows how trust can be rebuilt after war.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and his Japanese counterpart Takeo Miki signing a friendship treaty at the latter's official residence in Tokyo. Australian Foreign Minister Andrew Peacock and Japanese Foreign Minister Kiichi Miyazawa stand behind them. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images) Credit: Keystone/Getty Images

Key Points

• Australia and Japan had been enemies during the Second World War (1939-1945).
• Both countries mark the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation.
• Japan's Ambassador Kazuhiro Suzuki said the Australia–Japan relationship offers hope at a time of growing global conflict and division.

Tasmanian artist Kaye Green recalls the moment Australia and Japan signed the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation 50 years ago on 16 June 1976.

"My ears definitely pricked up, hearing about an affirmation of the spirit of friendship between Australia and Japan being signed," Ms Green told SBS Japanese.

“I had been back in Australia for a while, but Japan had opened my eyes, heart and mind. I felt a little isolated, as though no one around me really understood what that experience had meant to me,” she said

Kaye Green, first on the right, top line Credit: Kaye Green

Ms Green spent a year in Japan in 1972 after graduating from high school, when exchanges between Australia and Japan were still uncommon.

Her visit took place at a time when Australia was beginning to rethink its place in Asia, while wartime memories of Japan remained raw for many families.

"It was unusual for a girl from Ulverstone in Tasmania to be going to Japan. People were surprised," Ms Green said.

"My mother said, 'Uncle John won’t be very happy, because he was a prisoner of war.'

"But we can't hang on to that. We have to move forward. We're beyond that now," she remembered thinking at the time.

Kaye Green in Japan, 1972 Credit: Kaye Green

When the treaty was signed by then prime ministers Malcolm Fraser and Takeo Miki, Ms Green felt as though the world had finally caught up with her.

“It really hit home for me and sort of consolidated and vindicated how I’d been thinking,” she said.

“It’s so illuminating and inspiring for individuals."

“I believe I have spent the last 50 years benefiting from my exchange year, as an artist but most importantly as a person. I am connected to my Japanese experience every single day,” she added.

Kaye Green with her artwork "Bonsai". Credit: Kaye Green

Fifty years on, the treaty remains a cornerstone of the Australia–Japan relationship.

Speaking to SBS Japanese, Japan's Ambassador to Australia, Kazuhiro Suzuki, said the Australia–Japan relationship offers a message of hope to other nations as conflict and division deepened around the world.

"Japan and Australia once fought fiercely against each other during the Pacific War. However, the strong relationship of trust we enjoy today has been built through decades of reconciliation and exchanges involving many people, including our predecessors and ordinary citizens, in the post-war period," Ambassador Suzuki said.

"I believe there is an important lesson to be learned from the Australia–Japan relationship. Even countries with difficult historical ties can become true partners through continued dialogue and mutual understanding."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi shake hands during a joint press statement at Parliament in Canberra, Monday, May 4, 2026. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the treaty’s 50th anniversary in Canberra in May and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening their special strategic partnership.

"I'm very pleased that we're elevating our special strategic partnership across the breadth of our relationship, bringing peace, stability, and security to the region," Prime Minister Albanese said.

"Working together, we make ourselves stronger in defence and security issues, in energy, in economic and trade issues, as well as people-to-people exchanges. And in areas such as critical minerals, there's much more that we can do together. "

Ms Green sees a clear parallel between her own experience and the treaty that helped transform Australia-Japan relations.

Both, she believes, show the power of connection, understanding and reconciliation.

It has opened doors. By opening those doors, it has allowed a cross-fertilisation of ideas, with Japan learning about Australia and Australia learning about Japan,

Kaye Green

“I really think it’s been a big step in developing friendship, cooperation and peace,” she said.

“I think part of the treaty was about lasting peace."

“Wouldn’t it be good if every country in the world had that with each other?”

For Ms Green, whose decades-long connection with Japan has broadened her understanding of the world, intolerance and conflict, both in Australia and internationally, are difficult to comprehend.

“I cry about it. It’s heartbreaking,” she said.

“I struggle to understand racism in any form. Human beings should be able to live harmoniously together. It could be a wonderful world.”

Listen to SBS Japanese Audio on Tue, Thu and Fri from 1pm on SBS 3. Replays from 10pm on Tue, Thu and Sat on SBS1. Listen to past stories from our podcast. Download the free SBS Audio App and don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook and Instagram page!