1st Edition
Japan from War to Peace The Coaldrake Records 1939-1956
This book makes available for the first time a treasure trove of hitherto unpublished documents on Japan in the war years and immediate postwar occupation and recovery. The documents consist of newsletters, newspaper articles, texts of radio broadcasts and letters written by Frank William Coaldrake, a pacifist and priest and the first Australian civilian to enter Japan after the war, with his wife Maida. Frank and Maida formed a team of participant observers in the challenge of a nation confronting its past and trying to find hope in a future while occupied by foreign powers. This is a rare and comprehensive collection of first hand accounts of Japan by two astute observers. The daily struggle against starvation is interspersed with issues such as war atrocities, the atomic bombings, the status of the Imperial Family, the British monarch and labour unions. The text is illustrated with photographs taken by Frank Coaldrake. With an introduction by William H. Coaldrake, son of the authors.
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
1. Ordinary Events, Extraordinary Outcomes: Queensland-Melbourne (1912 - 39)
2. The Peacemaker: Melbourne (1939 - 46)
3. Preparations in Sydney (1946 - 47)
4. First Australian Civilian to Occupied Japan (1947 - 49)
5. The Campaign Against Prejudice: Australia (1949 - 50)
6. The Team in Japan: Odawara and Izu (1950 - 54)
7. The Campaign Against Prejudice Continues: Australia (1954 - 55)
8. Consolidation in Japan: Izu (1955 - 56)
9. Requiem (1970)
Selected Bibliography
Index
Biography
William H. Coaldrake is Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
'Japan from War to Peace. The Coaldrake Records 1939-1956 is a most comprehensive record of a most notable Australian who recorded his experience with clarity and integrity. It will be a most valuable document for all-time and will be of immeasurable assistance in our continuing quest to understand Japan and the Japanese people.' - Focus
'Pulling together letters, newsletter and photos his parents sent to supporters in Australia, and newspaper interviews, Bill Coaldrake - the foundation professor of Japanese at Melbourne University - has produced a powerful work.' - The Age
'the raw material of history... The Church remains indebted to the Coaldrake family, and to the editor William Coaldrake his son for giving to us this book.' - Episcopost'Coaldrake has presented a stylish account of his parents' mission - his father's in particular' - Japanese Studies
'This collection of papers is a rich resource for all interested not only in the man and his family, but in the relationship between Australian and Japanese churches, and the history of relations between Australia and its important near neighbour. It should be essential reading for all who are contemplating missionary work, no matter where they might serve.' - Journal of Anglican Studies
