Remembering VJ Day: Poetic Reflections

  • Outdoors  
  • 14 August - 16 November 2025
  • 10am - 5pm
  • Free

Explore the incredible stories of service, bravery and sacrifice across a number of our memorials in the Far Eastern section of the Arboretum as we mark 80 years since VJ Day.

 

Ten new poems have been created by Arboretum Poet-In-Residence Arji Manuelpillai — each of which can be experienced by collecting a podcatcher audio device handset from the Welcome Desk, and scanning the pod at each related memorial in this area.

 

With sincere thanks to the memorial holders involved for their support in developing Poetic Reflections.
Arji Manuelpilla, Arboretum Poet-in-Residence

Arji Manuelpillai

Arji Manuelpillai is the Arboretum’s Poet-In-Residence - an acclaimed poet and performer with a passion for community arts.

 

Earlier this year, marking his appointment, Arji created new works inspired by the stories and actions from VE Day 80 years ago. Arji has since spent time researching a number of groups that have memorials at the Arboretum, that are connected to VJ Day, and has written a new poem, dedicated to each one.

"You will encounter poetry of various forms and structure, some written in the first person, and others that connect more personally to my own experience as a British Asian.”
- Arji Manuelpillai

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