Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program
Apply by 17 September 2023
Commencing in 1994 as the Hand of Friendship project, the Japan-Australia Grassroots Exchange Program aims to deepen the mutual understanding of the peoples of Japan and Australia by inviting descendants of former Australian POWs to Japan through the RSL network. By participating in this exchange, representatives of the RSL and descendants of POWs have an opportunity to promote post war reconciliation, understanding and goodwill between both countries.
In March 2023, RSL Australia National President Greg Melick was invited to visit Japan as part of the Grassroots Exchange Program along with two descendants of former POWs, Lesley Callcott (RSL NSW) and Leigh Gilbert (RSL Queensland). The group spent eight days touring Japan, visiting sites including the Hodogaya (Yokohama) Commonwealth War Cemetery, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Museum and Genbaku Dome – the epicentre of the atomic bombing.
The next tour of the Grassroots Program is tentatively scheduled for February/March 2024. The Japanese Government have generously offered two places to descendants of POWs.
The tour includes 7 nights/8 days in Japan, with flights, shared accommodation, domestic travel within Japan, a meal allowance and travel insurance covered by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants will need to bear their own costs of travel to the nearest airport to their residence, passport costs, expenses incurred above room charges and meal expenses outside of the allowance, souvenirs, and incidentals.
An interpreter and tour guide accompany the participants. Activities during the Japan stay will include meeting with various Government representatives and students, a dinner hosted by the Foreign Ministry, a visit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery and general sightseeing.
Nominations are now open to take part. If you are a descendant of a Japanese POW and would like to be considered for this tour, please apply via your local sub-branch by Sunday, 17 September.
