In November 2022, a group of nine UWA students had the opportunity to travel to Japan, as recipients of the New Colombo Plan Grant by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

The students, who are studying German at UWA, participated in a two-week intensive research unit at Tokyo University, focusing on the theme of Vergangenheitsbewältigung (dealing with the past).

Vergangenheitsbewältigung, a German term, refers to the process of coming to terms with the legacy of World War II and military history, which is approached differently by Germany, Australia and Japan. This has influenced the contemporary culture, education and politics of these countries, and how they are represented at various sites of dark tourism in Japan.

Conducted in German, the research unit included lectures from English-speaking and German-speaking experts from Tokyo University, Chuo University and UWA, as well as Waseda University, Hiroshima Peace Institute and Hosei University. 

As part of the trip, the students also visited the Australian and German embassies in Tokyo, where they met with senior diplomats and discussed issues of international relations and cooperation. 

As part of their assessment, the students led tours to controversial sites of dark tourism, such as the Yasukuni Shrine, the Active Women’s Museum on War and Peace and the Daigo Fukuryu Maru Exhibition Hall.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting with UWA alumni as part of the UWA alumni global networks, who are working in various fields in Japan, such as journalism, marketing and teaching. 

Sarah Onishi (BA ’13) was the 2022 UWA alumni host and welcomed the UWA students to Tokyo.

“It was a great experience to connect with current students at UWA and share my experiences living and working in Japan. At the same time, providing any insights that might be useful to them when they graduate from university,” Ms Onishi said.

The students networked with alumni over a traditional Japanese dinner and learnt about their experiences and career paths. 

The alumni also shared their insights into the cultural and historical ties between Australia, Germany and Japan, and how they have benefited from living and working in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Having an opportunity to live and work abroad in Japan has definitely been a life highlight of mine,” Ms Onishi said. 

“I highly recommend anyone who is afraid to take the leap of faith to live abroad, to just go for it.

“It provides a new perspective, a new meaning in life and builds many invaluable relationships from all around the world,” Ms Onishi said.

As a valuable learning experience, the students gained a deeper understanding of the past and the present of Japan and its relations with Australia and Germany, opening up new opportunities to pursue further studies and careers in the region. 

UWA will be heading back to Japan this November. If you're interested in joining the 2023 students at an alumni networking event, or becoming an alumni mentor or volunteer, fill out the  Expression of Interest (EOI):