The NSW Central West town of Cowra was recently awash with the red and white of the Nisshōki (the sun-mark flag), the national flag of Japan as the town celebrated its annual Festival of International Understanding.
A unique event to celebrate diversity and Cowra's commitment to world peace and the community of nations, this year Japan was the guest nation.
More than 100 Japanese people from across Australia joined the festivities which included cultural and sporting competitions and workshops, culminating in a street parade and carnival.
This year’s festival coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout, where in 1944 more than 1100 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from a camp near the town. The Japanese delegation also participated in a memorial service at the historic POW camp and cemetery.
Mitsui Australia was a proud sponsor of the event with the General Managers of the Sydney and Brisbane offices, Mr Masayuki Koyama and Mr Koichiro Kimura and Manager at MIOC, Mr Yuta Takahashi attending.
