Japanese Children

Written by a girl of sixth-year pupil at an elementary school

I feel so sad to listen the story from a storyteller.

I am ashamed to today's way of life myself.

I am worried with such a little thing, and it looks like to be foolish.

I'd like to live more preciously. I'm glad to visit here.

Written by a junior high school student

Before I visit here as a school trip, I had a terrible quarrel with my parents, and came here like running away from them.

I was thinking a foolish thing that I need not my parents any more, and they should die.

However, looking at the testaments and letters written that "for filial devotion to my parents", I realized for the first time what a stupid thing I thought.

Written by a high school student

I visited Chiran as the graduation trip. Until now, I have visited many museums such as Hiroshima and so on, but I did not know Chiran, here, was the "Last Place" for (Army) tokkō pilots.

I was so impressed with the many kinds of the precious relics, and especially, the testaments written by young pilots who were the same age of us. The boys have called mother as "Mom Mom" and they left the word "Please don't cry". I was very impressed that the existence of Mother took root on the heart of them. I thought that Mother is great to all ages.

Today, in Japan, the junior high school students are leading disordered lives and making a desperate effort for their own egocentric lives.

Though the appearance like earnest men who believed the prosperity of country will be miserable results but their intensity of strong will for lives cannot compare with us today.

To wish the true peace, I think we must more and more know such soldiers thought and must learn not to repeat the tragedy of war again.

I don't want to waste the death of young men who continue to pray for the hapiness of their family until they died. I will try to consider the responsibility of life once more.

Foreign Visitors

Written by a South African

I didn't know much about Kamikaze until I visited this peace museum.

I don't understand Japanese, but seeing all those pictures of young men was enough to help me understand. It's sad so many died and helped me see WWII in a different light. And I'm happy that people can come here and understand why so many men died why. I'm living in Germany now and many people feel guilty and coming here. It was interesting to see the experience of the war from Japan side. I didn't understand the many letters underneath the picture of the pilots, but many people were crying after reading them. I think many pilots might have had regrets or been afraid. But I think many were also serious about their task and felt pride. So it's strange, all these emotions together in one exhibit. I don't know any more if I can say who were "the bad guys" in WWII. Everyone lost. I'm also glad that this hall is dedicated to peace, so that those pilots who had regrets can help us in the future by understanding how complex war really is.

Written by a Japanese/American

One of most touching aspects of this Kamikaze operation displayed are the variety of wills and letters preserved, sent to loved ones. Surprisingly, so many had positive attitudes, wishing happiness to their lives and to have the past (and their death) behind. They talk about truly believing in a heavenly place to help them for their bravery and patriotic service. Along with these beautifully and tragic-filled letters, all from different situation and individuals, I find this museum to be an excellent place to enlighten the oblivious of this side of the war. May all sacrificed soldiers rest in peace and say survivors live in a peaceful life.