WWII 80: Younger generation rediscover the stories of the Japanese war brides

Despite the strong family opposition, about 650 Japanese women in their 20s decided to come to Australia, where the language and culture were completely different. We spoke to Dr Keiko Tamura of the Australian National University (ANU) about war brides who came to Australia from Japan in the 1950s.

Dr Keiko Tamura (ANU). Left: Studio portrait of Fumika Itoh and her husband 22682 Private (Pte) John Kenneth Clifford, British Commonwealth Forces Korea (BCFK), taken to commemorate their commitment ceremony. Background: Alien registration documents for Mikiko Casey (nee Murakami). NAA: J25, 1970/54 Credit: Keiko Tamura/Australian War Memorial/National Archives of Australia

They are now over 90 years of age, with many having already passed away.

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WWII 80: Younger generation rediscover the stories of the Japanese war brides

SBS Japanese

13:14Japanese

After the post-war period, when antipathy towards Japan was strong, the friendship between Australia and Japan has strengthened since the 1980s. Australian society has also changed from the White Australia policy and assimilation of immigrants, to multiculturalism.

Now the grandchildren of war brides have embraced their roots.

On the evening of Thursday 20 March, there will be an online talk event ‘Voices of Resilience: Granddaughters of Japanese War Brides’ (in English, organised by Nikkei Australia), featuring three women who are the grandchildren of war brides.

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