Seventy-eight years later: Japanese spouse in Australia triumphs over post-war adversities
In the aftermath of World War II, a significant number of Japanese women migrated to Australia, following the Allied occupation forces stationed in Japan. Many of these women, like Akiko Kirkham, adopted English names as a strategy for assimilation into Australian society, which was predominantly white and often xenophobic.
The use of English names was a way for these Japanese women to navigate the challenges of living in a new country with a different culture and language. It was also a means for them to distance themselves from their Japanese identity in order to fit in. The preference for white people in Australian society during that time made it difficult for Japanese women to be accepted with their original names.
The adoption of English names was an important aspect of the assimilation process for these Japanese women. Akiko Kirkham, for instance, changed her name to Cherry. English names were often Anglicized versions of their Japanese names, making them easier for Australians to pronounce and remember.
Despite the widespread use of English names, these Japanese women faced significant discrimination and social challenges. They were often greeted with "icy stares" and societal coldness since Australia’s society favored whiteness and was still affected by war-time animosities. The broader Australian environment was generally xenophobic, influenced by policies like the White Australia policy, which made official immigration difficult for non-European brides.
Many of these Japanese women were forced to hide their Japanese identity to make a life in their new country. The concealment of their identity was a survival mechanism, a way to avoid discrimination and to integrate into Australian society.
However, individual experiences varied. Some Japanese war brides found warmth and acceptance in their husbands’ families and communities over time. Nobuko “Cherry” Sakuramoto and McKenzie are examples of such cases.
The White Australia policy presented significant barriers to immigration and acceptance of these brides and their children, requiring advocacy and perseverance to overcome official resistance. The emotional hardships were immense, with many brides missing their lives in Japan and worrying about never returning home, living in an unfamiliar environment with social hostility.
Despite the challenges, over time some Japanese war brides achieved a degree of acceptance within their families and communities, although the broader social prejudice persisted for years after the war. These women, like Akiko Kirkham and Nobuko “Cherry” Sakuramoto, are testaments to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
- Cultural-travel agencies could offer tours focused on the history and experiences of Japanese war brides, shedding light on their assimilation into Australian society.
- During World War II and its aftermath, the mental-health and wellness of Japanese women migrating to Australia were impacted significantly by the xenophobia and discrimination they faced.
- In Australia, lifestyle magazines of the time often omitted stories or photos of Japanese women, reflecting the broader society's reluctance to accept them and their culture.
- With the rise of health-and-wellness practices today, research could be conducted on the long-term effects of trauma and discrimination on the mental health of Japanese war brides and their descendants.
