Didn’t bridges collapse during that earthquake? Here we stand before the \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial. It stands as a poignant reminder of the Great Kanto Earthquake. This memorial tells a story of survival against immense tragedy.
The \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial commemorates the devastating Kanto earthquake. It struck on September 1, 1923. The earthquake’s magnitude ranged from 7.9 to 8.2. It caused widespread destruction and immense loss of life.
This tragedy claimed approximately 142800 lives. It devastated Tokyo, Yokohama, and surrounding prefectures. The earthquake triggered fires that quickly spread. Some fires became firestorms. One fire whirl at the Army Clothing Depot incinerated about 38000 people. These people had sought shelter there.
The \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial serves as a legacy. It recalls the events after the Great Kanto Earthquake. It marks the spot where many sought refuge. People fled to the New Great Bridge during the fires.
The memorial’s construction began as an effort to remember. It was meant to pass on the story to future generations. The monument is made of processed Sendai stone. It stands approximately 5.57 meters tall. Its width is about 2.11 meters and its thickness is about 36 centimeters.
The surface of the \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial bears an inscription. It reads “Evacuation Memorial”. This calligraphy is by Yasuya Yorisane. He was a politician from an old Kurume rice clan. The text describes the scene. People desperately sought refuge on the bridge. They fervently prayed for salvation.
The back of the monument lists six initiators. They were residents of Nihonbashi Ward. Over 300 donors are also recorded with their names and contributions. The text conveys the horror of the fires. It describes evacuees seeking divine help.
The New Great Bridge was the only one to survive the disaster. This led to the formation of the “New Great Bridge Evacuation Memorial Association.” They held memorial services every year on September 1. In 1933 the monument was erected to ensure the memory lived on.
Repairs were made to the \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial in 1964. Additional inscriptions were added in 1971. These actions show ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy.
The current location and shape of the monument differ slightly from the original. It is believed to have been rebuilt after 1964. This \u5927\u9707\u707d\u7d00\u5ff5\u7891 Hazard memorial stands not only as a memory. It is a reminder of the past and a lesson for the future. It teaches us about disaster preparedness. It reminds us of the importance of community. It shows the strength of the human spirit.