After Japan's surrender in 1945, troops from the United States, Australia, Britain, India and New Zealand occupied the country for seven years. Thousands of mixed-race children were born to foreign fathers and Japanese mothers -- both inside and outside marriage.
MARK COLVIN: Leading business, union and academic bodies have formed a new alliance to promote Asian language and cultural studies in Australian schools and universities. The Business Alliance for Asia Literacy was launched in Melbourne today in an attempt to address this country's patchy commitment to learning about our neighbours.