Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots

Historical background of Chiran Airbase and kamikaze pilots

The history of Chiran Airbase dates back to 1941 when it was established as a flight training school for young air cadets. By 1945, as Japan faced imminent defeat in World War II, the base's two runways became the launch point for kamikaze missions targeting the US fleet near Okinawa. Of the 1,036 army aviators who perished in these attacks, 439 took off from Chiran, making it the principal base for kamikaze operations during the Battle of Okinawa.

The term "kamikaze" combines two Japanese words: "kami" (divine) and "kaze" (wind), referencing a 13th-century typhoon that saved Japan from a Mongol invasion. In World War II, these pilots were also known as "tokko" (special attack) units. The strategy of using suicide attacks was implemented by Admiral Takijiro Onishi in 1944 as a desperate measure to protect Japan from US invasion.

Chiran wasn't the only kamikaze base; others were located in Taiwan, Kengun, Bansei, and Miyakonojo. The museum provides a breakdown of the sortie bases for the 1,036 Army airmen who died in special attacks: Chiran (439), Taiwan (135), Kengun (128), Bansei (120), Miyakonojo (83), and others (131). It's worth noting that 335 of these pilots were classified as "young boy pilots," having joined the air force training corps at just 14 years old.

Museum establishment and development

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots has a history nearly as compelling as the stories it preserves. In 1955, a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, was erected at the site, marking the beginning of efforts to memorialize the fallen pilots. A temple followed in 1974, built with donations from across Japan. The original museum, along with a bronze statue of a kamikaze pilot, was also established around this time.

As public interest grew, so did the museum. In 1986, the facility was significantly expanded to its current size of 17,000 square feet. This expansion allowed for a more comprehensive display of artifacts and a deeper exploration of the kamikaze phenomenon. The museum was initially known as Chiran Tokkō Ihinkan (Chiran Special Attack Items Museum) until the opening of the new building in 1986.

A key figure in the museum's development was Tadamasa Itatsu, a former kamikaze pilot who survived the war. After attending a memorial service in Chiran in 1974, Itatsu dedicated himself to collecting materials and verifying facts about the Army Air Special Attack Corps. His efforts, which included visiting over 600 bereaved families, greatly contributed to the museum's collection and historical accuracy.

Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots, Kagoshima

Key exhibits and artifacts

The Chiran Peace Museum houses an extensive collection of over 4,500 items related to the kamikaze pilots. These exhibits offer a deeply personal look into the lives and final moments of these young men. Some of the most notable displays include:

• Photographs of the 1,036 Army Special Attack Corps pilots, arranged chronologically by their date of death
• Personal effects such as hachimaki headbands, water bottles, and Hinomaru flags with messages from family and friends
• Uniforms, farewell letters, and weapons
• Four original aircraft: Army Type-3 Hien, Army Type-4 Hayate, Type-1 Hayabusa, and a damaged Mitsubishi Zero fighter recovered from the sea in 1980
• A Shinyo suicide motor boat
• Exhibits from wars waged by Japan from the Meiji Period onwards

In the museum grounds, visitors can see Japanese stone lanterns, statues, and aircraft displayed among cherry trees. There's also a reconstruction of the triangular-shaped barracks where pilots lived before their missions.

Stone Lanterns, Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots, Kagoshima

Personal stories and letters of kamikaze pilots

Perhaps the most moving aspect of the museum is its collection of personal letters and final messages from the kamikaze pilots. These writings offer a glimpse into the minds and hearts of these young men as they faced certain death. Some notable examples include:

Second Lieutenant Fujio Wakamatsu wrote: "Mother, I have nothing to say. In my last moment, and my first act of filial piety, I will smile and conquer. With dry eyes and knowing I have done well. Please offer some rice dumplings at our Buddhist mortuary tablet."

Pilot Hayashi Ichizo's diary entry reads: "I will do a splendid job sinking an enemy aircraft carrier ... I read the Bible every day ... I will sing a hymn as I dive on an enemy vessel."

The museum also features the story of Yasuo Tanaka, the youngest kamikaze pilot at just 16 years old. He flew an Okha, essentially a bomb with wings, and died on May 11, 1945. In contrast, the oldest kamikaze was Army Lt. Col. Yoshio Itsui, age 32, who led the first flights from Chiran on April 1, 1945.

These personal accounts humanize the pilots, revealing their fears, hopes, and devotion to their families and country. They provide a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.

Controversies and debates surrounding the museum

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots is not without its controversies. The juxtaposition of the words "peace" and "kamikaze" in its name has raised eyebrows among many visitors. Critics argue that the museum fails to address the broader context of Japan's role in World War II and the state propaganda that led to the kamikaze missions.

In recent years, efforts by the museum to have the pilots' last letters recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Memory of the World have sparked concern among Japan's neighbors, particularly China and South Korea. These countries view such attempts as part of a broader effort to portray Japan as a victim of the war rather than an aggressor.

The museum's portrayal of the kamikaze pilots as brave young men with great patriotism has also been criticized for potentially glorifying their actions. Some argue that this narrative overlooks the complex realities of wartime Japan and the ethical implications of suicide missions.

Additionally, the museum's focus on Army kamikaze pilots, with limited mention of Navy operations, has been noted as a potential source of historical misunderstanding for visitors unfamiliar with the full scope of Japan's kamikaze strategy.
 

Statue of a Kamikaze Pilot, Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots, Kagoshima

Visitor experience and educational programs

Despite its controversial nature, the Chiran Peace Museum offers a unique and thought-provoking experience for visitors. The museum provides several resources to enhance the visitor experience:

• A 30-minute guided talk in the main exhibition room, offering context and stories behind the exhibits
• An audio guide program available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese for 200 yen
• A touch-panel display system with English translations of selected pilots' writings
• Three films shown throughout the day, including one featuring Tome Torihama, who ran a local restaurant frequented by the pilots
• A computerized display system allowing visitors to search for information on specific pilots

The museum aims to educate visitors about this chapter of history while promoting a message of peace. Its stated purpose is "to commemorate the pilots and expose the tragic loss of their lives so that we may understand the need for everlasting peace and ensure such incidents are never repeated."

For many Japanese visitors, especially students, the museum serves as a powerful educational tool, prompting reflection on the nature of war and sacrifice. However, the museum acknowledges that only about 5% of visitors are from outside Japan, with even fewer from other Asian countries.

Pilots' Bunkhouse, Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots, Kagoshima

Impact on local community and tourism

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots has become a significant draw for tourism in the Kagoshima region. With over 2,000 visitors per day on average, it has a substantial impact on the local economy. The museum's popularity has been bolstered by several Japanese films featuring Chiran and its kamikaze history, including "The Firefly" (2001) and "I Go to Die for You" (2007).

The museum's presence has also led to the development of related sites in Chiran, such as the Tomiya Inn museum run by the descendants of Tome Torihama, who was a confidant to many kamikaze pilots. Local businesses, like the restaurant run by Torihama's great-grandson, have benefited from and contribute to the preservation of this history.

However, the museum's impact extends beyond tourism. On August 15th each year, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, the site attracts right-wing groups who come to pay tribute to the kamikaze pilots. This annual event underscores the ongoing debates surrounding Japan's wartime history and its modern interpretations.

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots continues to play a complex role in shaping local identity and national discussions about war memory in Japan. While it preserves an important part of history, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in reconciling different perspectives on World War II and its aftermath.

Access - Getting to Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots is located in Minamikyūshū City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Here's how to get there:

Address: 17881 Kori, Chiran-cho, Minamikyushu-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture, 897-0302
Tel: 0993 83 2525

By train and bus:

• From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take a train on the Ibusuki Makurazaki Line to Hirakawa Station (36 minutes)
• Then take a bus to Tokkou-Kannon-iriguchi bus stop (32 minutes)
• The museum is a five-minute walk from the bus stop

By direct bus:

• There are direct buses from Kagoshima Chuo Station to the museum
• Depart from bus stop no.16 at the station
• Look for buses displaying "特攻観音入口" (Tokko Kannon Iriguchi)
• The journey takes about an hour

By car:

• The museum is about 34 km (21 miles) southwest of Kagoshima City
• It's advisable to combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Chiran samurai district

Admission to the museum costs 500 yen. While most displays are in Japanese, the museum offers a free 22-page English booklet and a 75-page English book titled "The Mind of the Kamikaze" for 500 yen.

For more information, visit the museum's official website: www.chiran-tokkou.jp

The Chiran Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots offers a unique and thought-provoking experience, providing insight into a complex and controversial aspect of World War II history. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of war and peace, or simply curious about Japan's past, this museum offers a powerful and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression.