Have you noticed the towering pagoda before us? That is the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 in Fukuoka. It stands as a solemn reminder of the past. It is a tribute to the souls of soldiers.
The \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 is located in Fukuoka Prefecture in Kurume City. It is specifically in Kokubu Town. You will find it at number 395. A large tower stands deep within a grassy plaza. To its left is a bicycle racetrack. On the right are playground toys.
Interestingly there is parking nearby. Restrooms and a roofed休憩 area offer convenience.
Let me share some insights about the stone monument before the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854. It is inscribed with the words “Monument of Peace Prayer”. It speaks to the numerous wars of the past. These wars took countless precious lives. They left survivors with deep sorrow.
The monument expresses a firm resolve. “We must never repeat the horrors of war”. Each of us must remember this vow. We must pass it on to future generations. Kurume City promotes peace through memorial services for war dead. It strives to create a society. All citizens can lead fulfilling lives. Here we offer our sincere condolences to the war dead. We pray for eternal peace.
Did you know that the base of the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 serves as a charnel house? The tower’s bright exterior contrasts with the dark walls of the charnel house. It creates a striking visual juxtaposition. The grounds surrounding the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 are lined with cherry trees. Imagine how beautiful it is in spring.
Now let’s uncover the origin of the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854. It enshrines the spirits of over five thousand war dead. These individuals came from various prefectures. Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita and Okinawa are among them. They were part of the former Kurume City regimental district. They included soldiers, sailors and civilians.
The tower stands seventeen meters tall. The inscription \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 was written by Lieutenant General Watanabe. Construction began in 1939. It took two years and nine months to complete. The project cost two hundred and twenty-five thousand yen. This was financed by eleven thousand two hundred citizens.
The \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 was completed in April 1941. The dedication ceremony was grand. It was attended by eight thousand people. This included city officials and representatives from Fukuoka and Saga prefectures.
The construction was led by several key figures. Major General Toyonaka Shido. He headed the construction奉賛 society. 常一佐 高柳 of the Kurume veterans association. 中佐 蒲池安太郎 dedicated themselves to directing the construction. 岩吉中山, a 大尉工兵, also played a crucial role.
Let us honor those who sacrificed their lives. May their martial spirit be praised forever.
Behind the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 stand two stone monuments. One large stone monument is covered in soil. It is about one meter tall. It is believed to be a tombstone from the Yamakawa Army Cemetery. The mound is surrounded by stones. White stones are scattered on top.
The \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 is a central facility within the Army Cemetery. The tower is seventeen meters tall. It is three meters wide. It is made of granite from 덕산. The inscription \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 was written by Watanabe Masao. He was a Lieutenant General. The charnel house stands six meters tall. It is eight meters wide and twenty-three meters long. The exterior is adorned with granite.
Four thousand and thirty pillars were moved. They were from the old Yamakawa-cho 旗崎 Army Cemetery. One thousand and eighteen new pillars were added. In total five thousand and forty-eight pillars are housed in the charnel house. The tombstones from the Yamakawa Army Cemetery are buried behind the tower. The plaza in front of the \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 was once a gravel field.
The hand-washing basin. It is on the left side of the entrance. It was brought by war vehicle. It came from 水縄村 羽犬塚 (now 筑後市田主丸). As we stand before this monument. Let us remember the past. Let us honor the sacrifices made. Let us strive for a future of peace. The \u5fe0\u970a\u5854 is a symbol of remembrance.