The five-day commemorations will feature a myriad of culturally and historically significant events, according to the recently released draft program.

Kicking off on August 1, the commemorations officially open with a photographic exhibition, featuring the work of renowned Japanese photographer Kazuyoshi Miyoshi.

A pre-opening cocktail party on the night in the foyer of Cowra Civic Centre will prelude the Australian premiere of Cowra no Hancho Kaigi (Honcho's Meeting in Cowra), presented by Tokyo's Rinkogun Theatre Company.

Day two will see an Italian historical day, supported by the Cowra/Italy Friendship Association occupy Cowra's Regional Art Gallery and major Japanese cultural activities take off at 11.30am.

Urasenke Deputy Tea Master Sokaku Kurakazu will ceremonially serve tea to the war dead in both sections of Cowra's war cemeteries on day three, before imperial court music and dance lights up the night.

On day four, a lone runner will depart from the World Peace Bell and travel via Bellevue Hill to the car park of the Cowra Japanese Garden before leading a community procession along Sakura Avenue to the POW campsite.

Proceedings will wrap up on day five with religious and cultural ceremonies, the unveiling of new interpretive signage at the POW camp before a luncheon with internationally renowned Australian author Tom Keneally as the guest speaker.

Cowra Shire Council mayor Bill West said these are just some of the activities planned for the anniversary.

"The events planned for the Breakout Anniversary reflect well on not just Cowra's history, but Australia's history as well," Cr West said.

"We've been working closely with the Breakout Committee, the Japanese Embassy and the community to create events that recognise this history in an appropriate way.

"With a real possibility of two former prisoners of war coming from Japan for the occasion, as well as Australians who were associated with the POW camp, this could be our last chance to host them and hear their stories."