History Talk

Eucalypts of Hodogaya – Organic Cultural Diplomacy at Yokohama War Cemetery

保土ヶ谷のユーカリ： 横浜市英連邦戦死者墓地の設計

Thursday, April 23, 7:00 PM

Speakers: Professor Anoma Pieris and Athanasios Tsakonas

The Yokohama War Cemetery is the primary site of commemoration and remembrance for the Commonwealth Allies of the Second World War within mainland Japan. Set in the former Hodogaya children’s recreation park, this 27-acre cemetery site is arguably Australia and Japan’s first act of reconciliation post-war. Architects, horticulturists, suppliers, and builders from both nations collaborated to create a final resting place for over 1,500 service personnel. And yet beyond the official narratives, its inception, design and construction remain relatively unknown.

Designed and built by Melbourne’s Anzac Agency—now the Office of Australian War Graves—the cemetery nestled between cherry blossoms and hinoki pines on the outskirts of Yokohama blends Eastern Japanese and Western traditions in a garden of peace. It is considered an exceptional example of funereal landscape architecture, and now the subject of an exhibition opening 25 April at Yokohama Archives of History Museum.

The talk will be in English and will be followed by a Q & A session. To attend, please complete the form below.

Admission to the talk, organized by the Yokohama History Society, is free.