Harding Miller scholar Lilly recently had the incredible opportunity to travel to Japan as part of the Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour. Over ten unforgettable days, Lilly was immersed into Japanese culture, connected with Japanese students, met atomic bomb survivors, and with her peers, held their own ANZAC ceremonies—an experience both powerful and deeply moving.
In addition to learning about Japanese history, Lilly had the opportunity to share a piece of Australian culture by teaching local students how to play Spotto!
One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip for Lilly was her visit to Goko Senior High School in Kure, a city of great historical significance. It was there, after connecting with local students, that Lilly and her peers initiated Penpals for Peace — a student-led cultural exchange project aimed at fostering international understanding and reconciliation through letter writing.
For Lilly, this moment brought history to life. Having researched Gordon and Cherry Parker — an Australian soldier and his Japanese wife, whose relationship symbolised a turning point in post-war reconciliation — walking through the very city where their story began was incredibly moving. It was a moment of reflection on how far Australia and Japan have come, and how young people today can carry that legacy forward.
A visit to the Tokyo Raids Museum on the final day of the tour had a profound impact. Listening to a survivor’s firsthand account and seeing the personal stories behind one of the most destructive air raids in history reminded Lilly of the far-reaching cost of war — and the ongoing need for peace in our world today.
Returning home, Lilly shared how this journey reshaped her perspective. What once felt like distant history now feels deeply personal. She has found a renewed connection to the ANZAC legacy and a stronger sense of purpose, inspired to work towards a more peaceful and united world — values that align closely with the mission of the Harding Miller Education Foundation.
Here is a link to an ABCPerth radio interview.
Harding Miller’s Enrichment Program recognises the benefits of both online learning as well as in-person experiences and we encourage our scholars to take advantage of opportunities like this study tour to expand their horizons
