yTown & Gourmetz@ Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of the end of the war (2023) (Tokyo pref.)

This year (2023), August 15th has arrived once again. Around this date, various media and commentators begin to engage in lively discussions about the various aspects of Japan's national defense.

I believe that having diverse opinions and the ability to express them is fundamental to democracy, and therefore a good thing.

Personally, my thoughts are that "Japan is my home country is important" and "I want my family and friends to live in peace." Well, it's quite vague, isn't it?

Regarding the last war, I vaguely think that "we must never forget the many lives lost" and "it is the duty of all humanity to continue thinking about how to maintain peace."

Normally, I just enjoy walking and driving, but on this day , I try to think about these things a little more seriously. @(Nihedon @ KesaranPasaran Lab)

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” Yushukan Museum

This is the Yushukan Museum located within Yasukuni Shrine. While admission is free around the gift shop, the area containing the vast collection of exhibits requires an entrance fee.

Unfortunately, We cannot show you photos as photography is prohibited in most of the paid area. However, it displays photographs of those who died in the war, letters to their families, and other artifacts. I sincerely hope that many people will have the opportunity to see it.

This is the "Ohka," a manned aircraft designed to carry bombs and ram its target.

Considering the large number of young men who had to sortie knowing they would die, I'm left with complex feelings that can't be explained by sadness or anger alone.

This is the Kaiten (human torpedo). It was a manned aircraft designed for suicide attacks too. I wonder what the circumstances were like when such a weapon was conceived. It's truly heartbreaking.


” Showa Museum is nearby.

"Sen-nin-Bari"(Thousand-Stitch): Soldiers' families and loved ones would have many people (aiming for a thousand) embroider a cloth, hoping it would deflect bullets. They would then give it to their family or loved ones heading to the battlefield, praying for their safety.

” A family before and after the war

The boy with a hearty appetite on the far right is the main character of this illustration collection. Are the figures in the foreground his older brother and his father?

The head of "Dad" on the front right is also showing noticeable signs of age.

The "boy with a hearty appetite" is gone. He has been sent off to war.

The war is over, and the boy has returned home safely! The family's surprised expressions are depicted. The father is nowhere to be seen; has he already passed away?

The world has settled down completely, and the "boy" has grown into a fine young man. The woman in the back right is probably the "boy's bride." It looks like they've had a baby. And so, peace has returned to Japan!

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ACCESS :

”Yasukuni shrine & Showa-kan MuseumF
JR Senseki Line: Sendai ? Ishinomaki (54 minutes at the fastest)^ Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Ishinomaki Station


Yasukuni shrine Offcial site

Showa-kan Museum Offcial site

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