Immediately after dropping the White Australia Policy, Australia embraced myriad arts and cultural forms from different parts of the world, including Japan. It now welcomed and accepted culture from non-European countries. Further, in 1976, the Australian and Japanese governments signed the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. This policy inspired the mutual understanding of each other’s culture and traditions, arts, and the exchange of food, machinery, education, and tourism.
How Japan Influenced Entertainment in Australia
Even before the popular treaty was signed in 1976, Japanese entertainment had already developed roots in the Icelandic nation. Entertainment and culture manifest in games, music, and films. Since the early 1960s, games and anime conventions got copied from manga stories and SMASH! J-Pop is also a popular music genre in Australia, especially after the release of the PSY’s chart-leading hit, Gangnam Style. The Batsu Game, which loosely translates into the Punishment Game, is also taking shots at the Australian entertainment scene.
Japanese Food in Australia
A wide range of Japanese restaurants and food markets have flooded Australia. Traditional Japanese foods, such as wagashi and sushi, were an instant hit in Australia upon their introduction. These foods are not only liked upon by Japanese nationals. Australians also adore traditional Japanese foods and drinks. Some people even copy from Japanese recipes when cooking. Supermarkets and shops were not left behind. They added desserts, Japanese foods, and lunch boxes to their stock.
Cultural links Between Australian and Japanese Religion
Upon dropping the White Australia Policy, many Japanese nationals migrated to Australia. And they came along with their religions. It is not strange to see Australians practicing Japanese religious activities. In fact, it’s safe to say that there are lots of Japanese shrines and temples spread across Australia.
It’s vital to note that Australia has also influenced Japan in a multitude of ways. Japan imports Australian fruits and vegetables, uses English words, and even adopts Western religions, such as Christianity.