Why Is Australia Home To One Of The World’s Largest Japanese Gardens?

なぜオーストラリアには日本国外有数の日本庭園があるのでしょうか？

The Cowra Japanese Garden is far more than a tourist attraction. It grew from an extraordinary act of reconciliation between Australians and Japanese after the Second World War, becoming one of the strongest symbols of friendship between the two nations.

カウラ日本庭園は、単なる観光名所ではありません。第二次世界大戦後、オーストラリアと日本の和解から生まれた、日豪友好を象徴する特別な場所なのです。

A difficult chapter in history

歴史の中の苦しい出来事

Cowra, in central New South Wales, was the site of the 1944 Cowra Breakout, when hundreds of Japanese prisoners of war attempted a mass escape from the local prisoner-of-war camp. Many Japanese and four Australian soldiers lost their lives, leaving painful memories for both countries.

ニューサウスウェールズ州カウラは、1944年に日本人捕虜による大規模な脱走「カウラ事件」が起きた町です。この出来事では多くの日本人捕虜と4人のオーストラリア兵が命を落とし、両国に深い悲しみを残しました。

Choosing remembrance over resentment

憎しみではなく、追悼を選んだ町

After the war, the people of Cowra chose compassion instead of bitterness. They cared for the Japanese war cemetery with dignity and respect. Their efforts gradually built trust with Japan and laid the foundations for an enduring friendship.

戦後、カウラの人々は憎しみではなく思いやりを選びました。日本人戦没者墓地を丁重に管理し続け、その誠実な姿勢が日本との信頼関係を育み、長年にわたる交流へとつながっていきました。

A garden built by two nations

日豪が力を合わせて造った庭園

The Cowra Japanese Garden opened in stages from 1979. It was designed by renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima, who believed the garden should express peace, harmony and mutual understanding. Today it covers five hectares, making it one of the largest Japanese gardens in the world outside Japan.

カウラ日本庭園は1979年から段階的に整備されました。設計を手掛けたのは、日本を代表する造園家 中島健 氏です。「平和」と「調和」、そして「相互理解」を表現する庭園として設計され、日本国外では有数の規模を誇る日本庭園となっています。

More than cherry blossoms

桜だけではない交流の舞台

Each year, thousands of visitors enjoy the Sakura Matsuri, tea ceremonies, cultural performances and educational programs held at the garden. For many Australians, it is their first experience of traditional Japanese culture in an authentic setting.

庭園では毎年、桜まつりや茶道、文化公演、教育プログラムなどが開催されています。多くのオーストラリア人にとって、ここは日本文化を本格的に体験する最初の場所となっています。

A bridge that still stands

今も続く平和への架け橋

The Cowra Japanese Garden reminds us that friendship is sometimes born from the most unexpected places. A town once linked to conflict is now known around the world for reconciliation, respect and hope. Fifty years of Australia–Japan friendship continue to bloom there every season.

カウラ日本庭園は、友情は思いがけない場所から生まれることを教えてくれます。かつて戦争の記憶で知られた町は、今では和解と敬意、そして希望の象徴となりました。日豪友好50年の歩みは、この庭園で今も四季折々に花開いています。

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