80th Anniversary of J Force in Japan

Photograph of a smiling Japanese child carrying a baby on their back, interacting with two smiling European soldiers. The soldiers are kneeling and leaning on their rifles. There is bundled hay in the foreground and a village scene, out of focus, in the background. The number 15327 is written on the photo at bottom-centre.

Between 1946 and 1948, more than 12,000 New Zealanders served in J Force. This presentation discusses why New Zealanders were involved in the occupation of Japan; who the J Force personnel were; and what experiences they had during their deployment.

Presented by Dr David Littlewood, Senior Lecturer in History, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.

Co- hosted by RNZE CT/ECMC and Palmerston North City Library.
Donations to the RNZE Charitable Trust would be appreciated.

Image: NZ Army Photographer. (1946 to 1948). New Zealand soldiers on the island of Mi-shima, Japan, [Photograph]. Ref: J-0267-F /records/22778660, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand

When

DATES

Thursday, April 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Where

LOCATION

Central Library

Mezzanine Floor

4 The Square, Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui 4410

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