Ogasawara Historical Remains
In the dense mountain forest of the Ogasawara islands, there are many historical remains. Many historical remains around Japan have disappeared over time. They reflected the people’s lives during the war.
Iwo Jima, located in the south of the Ogasawara Islands in renowned for the battlefield, and Chichijima also carries the many scars left behind by the garrisoned forces.
Nakata toured the mountain forest of Chichijima, guided by battle field guide, Zenhachi Tanaka.
Zenhachi Tanaka is a veteran guide that goes by the nickname ”Itacho”, He himself outlived the war and knows about war firsthand. He also interviewed war veterans to hear their stories for research purposes.
Walking in Myoyama at Night
First we headed to Myoyama located in the northern part of Chichijima. Of the many underground trenches, the communication corps headquarters was one of the biggest. One of its entrance supposedly had quadruple doors and people worked inside, tracing bomber planes and acted as a communication center for other islands such as Iojima in the south. Surprisingly, just a short distance away, canons still remain. They have been partially destroyed on purpose to prevent from being used, but it is a vivid sign of the calamity of war.
There is also a tall concrete building which is said to have been the power station for the navy aircraft communication center. There are remnants of a generator. Many have voiced a need to preserve such locations for their historical importance.
Spreading the Word
People of all ages participate in the tours, including people who come to Ogasawara for sightseeing, high school and college students on study tours, and local elementary students on field trips. During the tour, participants walk along cliffs, through bushes, look in the trenches using flashlights, making them wander about the people who had lived there during the war.
Itacho’s style of touring is to introduce the nature and beauty of Ogasawara, and explaining the history and environment of Ogasawara so participants have a full understanding. His son, Shin Tanaka, has begun acting as a battle field guide as well.
Walking around the island on a daily basis, they visit the battle field ruins with the tourist to convey the stories to the next generation.
