The Japanese War Cemetery in Cowra is located next to the Australian War Cemetery. It contains the remains of all Japanese prisoners of war (POWs) who died in Australia during the Second World War. This includes those involved in the Cowra Breakout, other internees, and those involved in the battle of Darwin.
In 1959 the Japanese government decided to establish a war cemetery for Japanese citizens who had died in Australia during the war, rather than repatriating the remains. Cowra was selected as the site in September 1962 and the land was ceded to Japan as a perpetual lease in 1963.
The entrance and ceremonial space at the cemetery was designed by Shigeru Yura. The cemetery was officially opened on 22 November 1964.
Cowra Japanese War Cemetery (1964-), [UMA-PL-000000504]. University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 17/03/2025, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/522697