Japanese in Britain: Oral Histories Film Screening

Following the devastation of the Second World War and the privations of the post-war period, the Tokyo 1964 Olympics marked the re-emergence of Japan on the world stage. As Japan flourished, enjoying economic growth and political stability, the liberalisation of passports and the end of restrictions on foreign currency opened the door for Japanese to travel abroad, and the Japanese community in the UK began to grow. Young travellers, businessmen, artists, entrepreneurs and spouses of British nationals have all contributed to this vibrant community.

 

The Wasurena-gusa (Forget-me-not) Project, run by the Japan Association in the UK records the history of the Japanese community through video interviews with those who settled in the UK from the 1950s and onwards. For this screening we will present a selection of interviews taken from the project, painting a picture of the many reasons for and ways in which Japanese have come to live in the UK and of the valuable contribution each has made to enriching this country.

 

Please note that the videos are in Japanese with English subtitles. Subtitling was undertaken with support from a Japan Society Small Grant.

 

Free – booking recommended

To reserve your place, please call the Japan Society office on 020 3075 1996 or email events@japansociety.org.uk or submit the online booking form: