Reconciliation 2012
On 25 October, 2012, Tokyo Branch extended a familiar welcome to Tokyo to a group of UK former Far East Prisoners of War and family members, including 92-year-old FEPOWs Mr. Ken Pett (interned in Taiwan) and Mr. Sam Harris (interned in Hokkaido). They were visiting Japan as members of the Agape World Pilgrimage of Reconciliation led by Mrs. Keiko C. Holmes, OBE, and our branch hosted a Dinner Reception for the visitors at a restaurant in Shinagawa, Tokyo that evening in commemoration of UK service personnel who died as prisoners of the Japanese during the Second World War.
Initiated by Mrs. Holmes in 1988 and officially established by her in 1996, the UK Agape World organisation has worked tirelessly to achieve reconciliation between former prisoners of war of the Japanese, their families and the Japanese people. Through such visits, hundreds of FEPOWs have been able to overcome the suffering they endured and introduce the facts of history first-hand to the Japanese people, contributing to a deeper understanding between Britain and Japan.
The group's 2012 intensive two-week schedule included visits to Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kiwa-cho, Kumano in Mie Prefecture, as well as Tokyo. The birthplace of Mrs. Holmes, Kiwa-cho covers the site of the wartime Iruka POW camp where over 300 British POWs, who had worked on the infamous Thai-Burma Railway, were interned. Sixteen died while working at a nearby copper mine. Local residents had paid for, erected and maintain a memorial garden there, known as "Little Britain", which includes a copper cross and marble stone monument engraved with the names of those who died at Iruka. They are now interred in the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Hodogaya, Yokohama.
On 27 October, Tokyo Branch members were invited to join the visitors and Agape World's local supporters for a private Service of Remembrance at the Hodogaya cemetery and later accompanied them on an afternoon stroll around Sankeien Garden in Naka-ku, Yokohama. Created in 1902 by Sankei Hara, a successful silk trader, this spacious Japanese garden provides delightful scenery changeable according to the season. That evening, our branch members accepted an invitation from Agape World to join their whole party for an evening dinner at a nearby shabu-shabu (Japanese hot-pot beef fondue) restaurant.
As the Custodian of Remembrance in Japan and with many years' experience of life here together with an understanding of its history, culture, traditions and language, Tokyo Branch was again able not only to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also to make visiting UK FEPOWs and their families feel at home with a warm welcome and to offer assistance, support and reassurance to those old warriors and family members who may not be familiar with modern Japan. We look forward to renewing established relationships and forging new friendships in this role in the years ahead.
Chairman Mr. Arthur Hawtin (right) with FEPOW and family visitors at Tokyo Branch's 25 October 2012 Dinner Reception.
Vice Chairman Mr. Tony Walsh and Agape World founder Mrs. Keiko C. Holmes, OBE.
Service of Remembrance 27 October, 2012, British Section, Commonwealth War Cemetery, Hodogaya. Mr. Ken Pett, centre left, wearing beret; Mr. Sam Harris, centre row, second right.
Service of Remembrance participants, British Section, Commonwealth War Cemetery, Hodogaya.
"No mess in this Mess", as Mr. Sam Harris (right side, third right) demonstrates his o-hashi (chopsticks) mastery at shabu-shabu restaurant evening dinner, 27 October, 2012.
Photos courtesy of Ms. Keiko Kosuge
