Story: Asia and New Zealand

Jayforce soldiers with Japanese children, Mishima Island, Japan

Jayforce soldiers with Japanese children, Mishima Island, Japan

Around 12,000 New Zealanders served in Jayforce, the New Zealand section of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. Jayforce was stationed in Japan from 1946 to 1949, in the Yamaguchi and Shimane prefectures in southern Honshu. It was the first large contingent of New Zealanders to spend time in an Asian country. Many New Zealanders held very strong anti-Japanese prejudices after the experiences of the Second World War. In contrast, many of those who served in Jayforce gained a greater appreciation of Japan and the Japanese, and formed more positive opinions.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, War History Collection (PAColl-4161)
Reference: PA1-q-305-0267

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

David Capie, 'Asia and New Zealand - War, empire and the new Commonwealth', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/36231/jayforce-soldiers-with-japanese-children-mishima-island-japan (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by David Capie, published 20 Jun 2012