 The Naoetsu POW camp also housed over 300 Australian soldiers, 60 of which died from sickness and poor living conditions.In October 1955, fifty years following the end of the war, the Peace Memorial Park and Peace Statues were founded and built by Jōetsu to promote peace and friendship.The following year, the Japan-Australia Society of Jōetsu was established with the purpose of educating future generations and maintaining a lasting relationship with Australian citizens abroad and living throughout Joetsu.