On 28 September, Sakura Matsuri was held at the Cowra Japanese Garden. Many visitors were attracted to the event by the different Japanese foods and cultural booths and main stage events such as Wadaiko drum performance, choral singing and demonstrations of the traditional art of Japanese swordsmanship called Iaido.
CLAIR Sydney promoted Fukuoka Prefecture and Joetsu City in Niigata Prefecture, which participated in the commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the Cowra Breakout, as well as various cherry blossom locations in different parts of Japan. Some visitors came to us with questions, such as “I’ve been to Japan many times and would like to visit places I’ve never heard of” or “Are there any special places in Japan where few foreigners visit?”
The day after the Sakura Matsuri, we were invited by the Cowra Shire Council to participate in the Service of Respect at the Cowra War Cemeteries to pray for peace.
We will continue to strive to promote friendly exchanges between the municipalities wishing for peace and to strengthen the ties between Japan and Australia.
