Genkai 118th Shin'yō Special Attack Squadron Monument
Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture
An inlet named Hokawazu-ura was the site of a Japanese Navy base with
shin'yō
explosive motorboats to be used in suicide attacks against American ships in the
event of an American invasion of the Japanese mainland. The former squadron
commander and other former squadron members erected a monument in 1985 at the
shin'yō base site in the fishing town of Genkai.
The monument has engraved the words "prayer toward peace." The monument base
has a metal plaque with the following history:
Here in the Chikagawachi area of Genkai Town in May 1945 in preparation
for the defense of Genkai, 189 members of a Shin'yō Special Attack Squadron
with 25 boats under Squadron Commander Lieutenant Junior Grade Kageyama
freely volunteered and vowed to serve as a foundation for that defense. They
lodged in storage caves, stone-cut huts, and private houses. They, together
with area residents, burned with love for their homeland. Transcending life
and death as their very warm friendships went beyond feelings for their
immediate families, they trained hard day and night at this memorable place
and resolved to carry out body-crashing attacks of one boat against one ship.
In May 1984, 39 years later, former squadron members who visited here had
an emotional reunion with area residents as we relished the joy of living in
our peaceful homeland. As we prayed for the souls of all those who became
a cornerstone of peace in various battlefields, we erected here this
monument of "prayer toward peace" filled with gratitude toward area
residents who gave us their love long ago.
November 24, 1985
Hokawazu Association, Former Kageyama Squadron
Chairman Shiro Kageyama and other interested individuals
After the above history, the plaque lists the names of the 189 members in the
118th Shin'yō Special Attack Squadron.
The back of the monument has engraved the 118th Shin'yō Special Attack
Squadron's poem:
In the rolling waves
Of Genkai
Even if we get blown to bits
Disappearing as we give our lives
We will bloom as cherry blossoms
The monument stands in the parking lot of a construction firm
along Hokawazu-ura with pipes stacked up right next to the monument. The metal plaque
on the monument base has rusted quite a bit, but the inscription is still
legible.
Genkai Shin'yō Monument
with Hokawazu Bridge in background
Story about Genkai Shin'yō Base written by Toshio Ōta, former
member of 118th Shin'yō Special Attack Squadron:
Shin'yō Special Attack Squadron
|
