The Occupiers: New Zealand Veterans Remember Post-War Japan

Author: Alison Parr

Twelve thousand New Zealand men and women served in the occupation of Japan immediately after the Second World War. This book records memories from those we know as 'J Force'.

Based on revealing interviews with soldiers, airmen, nurses and members of the New Zealand Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, The Occupiers explores Kiwi life in the former enemy territory between 1946 and 1948.

Veterans recall the horror of witnessing the devastated city of Hiroshima. They describe their culture shock and adjustment to unfamiliar customs. And they revisit the often challenging conditions faced in a broken country.

Some also reflect on shedding their intense wartime hostility and distrust to gain a surprising new understanding of the Japanese – achieved as they worked and lived alongside the ordinary people of the occupied land.

Unexpected, honest and touching, these stories uncover a little-known but fascinating aspect of New Zealand's post-war experience.

Also by Alison Parr

{View all}
Book Cover:  Home: Civilian New Zealanders Remember the Second World War

While their loved ones left to serve overseas, most New Zealanders spent the Second World War at home. This book tells the stories of those who stayed behind.

Based on frank, in-depth interviews, Home reveals the reality of civilian wartime life in New Zealand during the watershed years from 1939 to 1945.

Women and men remember, with disarming honesty, the experiences that unfolded for them, including...

While their loved ones left to serve overseas, most New Zealanders spent the Second World War at home. This book tells the stories of those who stayed behind.

Based on frank, in-depth interviews, Home...

Published: 31/05/2010
Format:
ISBN: 9780143203841
RRP: $45.00
Published:23/03/2012
Format:Paperback, 208 pages
RRP:$34.95
ISBN-13:9780143567240
ISBN-10:0143567241
Imprint:Penguin
Publisher:Penguin NZ

News

{ view all }
25 May 2012
Australian Society of Authors 2012 Barbara Jefferis Award - winner

All That I Am by Anna Funder has won the Barbara Jefferis Award.

The award is offered annually for “the best novel written by an Australian author that depicts women and girls in a positive way or otherwise empowers the status of women and girls in society”.

Anna beat fellow Miles Franklin contenders Foal's Bread and Cold Light.

Social Feed

{ }

Penguin TV

{ }

Pictures

{ }