Peace Monuments in Japan (Other than Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Okinawa & Tokyo)

Click here for Hiroshima. / Click here for Nagasaki. / Click here for Okinawa. / Click here for Tokyo.
Click here for Japanese peace monuments in the Pacific Ocean. / Click here for Japanese-American monuments.
Click here for notable peacemakers in Japan.
Click here for list of Christian history museums in Japan. / Click here for peace pagodas & stupas.
Click here for an illustrated account of selected military museums in Japan.

Right click image to enlarge.

1893 - Japanese Pavilion, World's Columbian Exposition (Chicago World's Fair), Chicago, Illinois (USA). "A replica of the Phoenix Hall (Hodo), which is the only surviving building of Fujiwara Michinaga's palace [at Uji, near Kyoto], which was converted to a temple, Byodo-in, in 1052." Site is now Osaka Garden (right image), and one stone lantern remains from the 1893 exposition. A permanent replica was constructed about 1970 in the Valley of the Temples, Oahu Island, Hawaii (qv).

1910 - Garden of Peace / Heiwa-en, Hammersmith Park, South Africa Road, White City, Shepherd's Bush, London (England). "Created in 1910 as a part of the great Japan-British Exhibition in which Meiji Japan fully demonstrated her technology & culture to the West for the first time." Restored for its centennial in 2010. "What remains of a much larger garden... the oldest traditional Japanese garden in a public place in Britain... renovated in accordance with the ancient principles & techniques that dictated its creation 100 years has created two new play spaces with a distinct Japanese inspiration." Chick here for story about "an ecstatic Japanese Matsuri-style garden party in the newly restored Heiwa-en (Japanese Peace Garden)" on May 23, 2010.

1935 - Garden of Peace, Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School, 456 South Mathews Street, Los Angeles, California (USA). Inscription on plaque: "GARDEN OF PEACE. A dedication ceremony was held in June 2005 to commemorate the naming of the restored Japanese Garden built in 1996 by Roosevelt HS Alumni and friends. The garden was named "HEIWA-EN", garden of peace, to reflect our hope for future generations. The original garden was build by the RHS Japanese Club students in 1935, led by Shigeo Takayama, Club president. // Through Mr. Saigeo Tskayama's generosity the garden underwent a major upgrade in 2005, designed by Haroo Yamashira, an award winning landscape contractor..."

March 15, 1937 - Nagoya Pan-Pacific Peace Exposition, Minami Ward , Nagoya (Japan). A world's fair held from 15 March to 31 May 1937. Twenty-eight countries were represented, including Canada & USA. Click here for YouTube animation of exposition buildings in Japanese. Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Gardens was opened the same year.

1940 - Peace Tower, Heiwadai Koen / Park, 6146 Koshigasako, Shimokitakatamachi, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki, Kyushu Island (Japan). 37-meter tower erected to promote "the unification of the eight corners of the world under one roof" (hakko ichiu) & celebrate 2,600th anniversary of the mythological foundation of Japan. "Purportedly contains artifacts that once belonged to the first emperor. Pedestal made with stones donated by Japanese expatriates from all over the world. Copper door created with coins donated by Japanese children. It may seem ironic that a peace tower was erected at a time when Japan was busy colonizing much of Asia; [but] the intention was to show that the world could live peaceably, albeit with Japan as leader. Figures on the tower depict the guardians of fishery, agriculture, self-defense, and commerce." Ten Yen note shows Imperial crisantemum (no longer used after WW-II).

1950 - United Nations Memorial Cross, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu Island (Japan). "Standing faced Korea, the soldier of the Allied Forces killed in the Korean War is commemorated." Inscription: "In honor of the fallen heroes of the United Nations erected in 1950 by members of the Kokura General Depot Camp Kokura Kyushu Japan." (Kitakyushu was created in 1963 and includes the old city of Kokura.)

1998 - 3rd International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) in Osaka and Kyoto (Japan). Arranged by a number of Japanese museums. Theme: "The contribution of museums to world peace." 1950 - "The Bell of Banzai for Absolute Peace," Taihei Temple, Uwajima, Ehime, Shikoku Island (Japan). Replaced temple bell seized by military during World War II. Cast (including coins from 26 countries) by Chiyoji Nakagawa [1905-1972], mayor of Uwajima 1959-1967 and 1971-1972. Original peace bell and model for Japanese Peace Bell at the United Nations. Right image is miniature of the real bell.

June 8, 1954 - Japanese Peace Bell, West Court Garden, Secretariat Building, United Nations (UN), New York City, New York (USA). Cast (including coins & metal from about 60 UN member countries) by Chiyoji Nakagawa [1905-1972] on October 24, 1952, at "the Tada Factory" (Japan). Gift to the UN from the UN Assn. of Japan. Rung on the Vernal Equinox and on 21 September to coincide with the opening of the UN General Assembly and the International Day of Peace. Click here for Wikipedia article. Entry #756 in the "Peace Movement Directory" by James Richard Bennett (2001). Click here for Japanese website about the bell.

1955 - World Peace Prayer Society, founded in Japan by Masahisa Goi [1916-1980]. "The World Peace Prayer Society was incorporated in New York in 1988 as a nonprofit organization, and in 1990 it was recognized as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) associated with the Department of Public Information at the United Nations." See World Peace Sanctuary (1991).

1966 - Monument to Eternal Peace Between Japan & China, Hanaoka, Nagano Prefecture (Japan). "In the 1950s, the Japan-China Friendship Association (Nit-Chu Yuko Kyokai) excavated remains of the forced laborers who died in Hanaoka, sent them to the People’s Republic of China, and built a monument to remember the victims and atone for the atrocity." This is inconsistent with other Hanaoka monuments described in "The Wages of Guilt" (p. 290).

July 1968 - "No More War Betwen Japan & China" Monument, Arashiyama Park, Arashiyama, Kyoto (Japan). Has lettering by Ryoei Onishi, head priest ot Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. Money for monument collected by "Kyoto Committee for No More War Between Japan and China."

1970 Japanese Peace Bell from United Nations in New York City is displayed for six months in the UN pavilion at Expo '70, now Expo Memorial Park, Suita, Osaka (Japan). The bell is rung every day at Noon. Click here for another webside about Expo'70.

1970 Tower for World Peace, Church of Perfect Liberty (PL), Osaka (Japan). "Reaching to 180 metres (590 feet) in height,..the symbol and quintessence of the most sophisticated contemporary technology (sprayed concrete). It can be seen as far away as Kobe City. The unique shape, originally designed in clay by PL's late Second Founder. It's unique pointing finger-like shape symbolizes the Second Founder's revelation that 'the truth is one'– an understanding that's basic to realizing the desire for the eternal peace and welfare of humankind."

1975 - Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, Chiran, Kyushu Island (Japan). On site of the former Chiran Air Base.

1977 - Kyoto University of Art & Design, 2-116 Uryuzan, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto (Japan). "One of the largest art universities in Japan with 10,000 students enrolled... Has 'Peace Building by Art' as the academic philosophy." One of 3 institutions hosting 6th International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) in October 2008. One of 9 Japanese institutions described in brochure for 6th International Conference of the INMP in 2008.

1978 - Memorial for those lost on the Ukishima-maru, near Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture (Japan). Memorializes the 524 Korean forced laborers and 25 Japanese who were killed by the explosion of the Ukishima Maru on August 24, 1945.

April 1979 - Zhou Enlai Stone Monument, Kameyamakoen Park, Arashiyama, Kyoto (Japan). Honors Zhou Enlai [1898-1976] who studied in Japan in 1919 and, on his way back to China, visited Arashiyama and Maruyamakoen Parks in Kyoto and was moved by cherry blossoms and fresh green of mountains to write four poems in Chinese which were later engraved on this monument. Image shows the poem "Arashiyama in the Rain" and commemorates the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China. Zhou Enlai's widow attended the unveiling ceremony." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao layed flowers on April 13, 2007."

December 1985 - Osaka Jinken Hakubutsu-kan / Osaka Human Rights Museum (Liberty Osaka), Osaka (Japan). "Relaunched in December 1995. The first general museum dedicated to human rights in Japan. Focuses on the history of the struggle against discrimination experienced by the nation's minority ethnic groups; the burakumin, the Ainu of Hokkaido, the Ryukyuans of Okinawa & Japan's communities of Korean and Chinese descent. There are also exhibits dedicated to discrimination issues affecting women, gays & lesbians, the physically challenged & the survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki (the Hibakusha)."

June 1988 - World Peace Bell #1, Peace Park, Soya Misaki / Cape Soya, Wakkanai, Hokkaido Island (Japan). Extreme north end of Japan.

November 6, 1989 - Grass Roots House Peace Museum, 9-11 Masugata, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Island (Japan). "A grass roots approach to peace education and environmental issues." Privately owned by an association of 600 members. Annual exhibiltions on the Kochi air raids. Member of International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP).

1990 International Friendship Pavilion, City of Osaka Pavilion, International Garden and Greenery Exposition (also known as Hana-haku, ''Flower Expo'' and Expo '90), now Hattori Ryokuchi Park [sic], Osaka (Japan).

March 1990 - World Peace Bell, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park [sic], Osaka (Japan). Installed & dedicated during International Garden and Greenery Exposition (also known as Hana-haku, ''Flower Expo'' and Expo '90). Visited by the Emperor & Empress on April 23, 1990.

1991 - Osaka International Peace Center (Peace Osaka), 2-1 Osaka-jo, Chuou-ku, Osaka (Japan). Three primary themes: The Osaka air raid, the 15-Year War & Aspiration for Peace. One of 9 Japanese institutions described in brochure for 6th International Conference of the INMP in 2008. Member of International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP).

May 18, 1992 - Kyoto Museum for World Peace / Daigaku Kokusai Heiwa Myujiamu, Ritsumeikan University, 56-1 Kita-machi, Toujiin, Kita-ku, Kyoto (Japan). "World's first peace museum established in a university." Founding director was Prof. Ikuro Anzai. One of 3 institutions hosting 6th International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) in October 2008. One of 9 Japanese institutions described in brochure for 6th International Conference of the INMP in 2008. Member of International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP).

T R E E

About 1992 - Live Oak Tree from the Alamo, Nagashino Castle ruins, Nagashinojou (Japan). "A living symbol of the friendship that links the Japanese & American peoples." "A grassy field is all that remains where the castle once stood."

M A R K E R

September 1914 - Japanese Monument to the Heroes of the Alamo, Alamo, San Antonio, Texas (USA). "Shigetaka Shiga [1863-1927], a Japanese geography professor, presented the monument to the Alamo. Etched on its face is a poem he composed that compares the Alamo & its heroes to a famous incident in Japanese history, the Siege of Nagashino Castle. Fought in 1575, the siege involved circumstances similar to those that took place at the Alamo in 1836."

July 14, 1993 - Casting of the International Friendship Bell for Oak Ridge, Tennessee (USA), by Sotetsu Iwazawa at his foundry, Kyoto (Japan). Photo courtesy of Herman Postma.

1994 - Jin Do No Oka / Hill of Humanity Park, Yaotsu-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture (Japan). A memorial to Shiune Sugihara [1900-1986], a Japanese diplomat who helped thousands of Jews leave the Soviet Union while serving as consul of the Empire of Japan in Lithuania. Across the street from the museum.

1994 - Sakai City Peace & Human Rights Museum (Phoenix Museum), Sakai City Education & Cultural Centre (Sophia Sakai Planatarium), 1426 Shimizucho, Fukaishimizu-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture (Japan). Celebrates Sakai City's Declaration for Protecting Human Rights (1980) & Non-Nuclear Peace Declaration (1983).

August 26, 1995 - "Prayer for Peace" Monument, Side of Mt. Sobo, Takachiho, Kyushu Island (Japan). Marks site of crash on August 30, 1945, by B-29 attempting to drop relief supplies at Miyata POW Camp #12.

1996 - Himeji Historical Peace Centre, 475 Nishi-nobusue, Himeji, Nyogo Prefecture (Japan). Depicts World War II desruction and subsequent restoration of Himeji Castle (1580).

Date? - Wadatsumi-zo, Stairway, Kyoto Musuem for World Peace, Kyoto (Japan). "The centerpiece of the museum's art collection. Created by Shin Hongo [1905-1980] to depict the 'Sighs, Anger and Pain' of college students drafted into the armed forces during the student mobilization of October 1943."

2005 - Mutchan Peace Sculpture, First Floor Lounge, Kyoto Musuem for World Peace, Kyoto (Japan). "Mutchan was a young girl who starved to death in an air-raid shelter where she had been quarantined because she had tuberculosis. A newspaper article about her death evoked a huge response. Funds poured in for Heijin Murakami to make the sculpture and place [the original] in a park in Oita City."

May 2003 - International Children's Peace Sculpture, Kyoto Musuem for World Peace, Kyoto (Japan). Model of a sculpture made by Kyoto HS students after "Travis, a junior HS student from New Mexico," said at a peace seminar in Hiroshima that he'd like to see such sculptures erected all over the world. Man in photo is Prof. Ikuro Anzai, founding director of the museum.

Date? - "Firebird--Past and Present," First Floor Lounge, Kyoto Museum for World Peace, Kyoto (Japan). "Two figures from the anime series Hi no Tori / Firebird (or Phoenix) by Osamu Tezuka [1928-1989], Japan's most famous cartoonist. The Firebird series was Tezuka's means of expressing the horror of war and his strong desire for peace. Thus, we feel his Phoenix is a fitting symbol for the Museum's strong yearning to learn from the terrible lessons of war."

Date? - Naoetsu Peace Memorial Park, Joetsu, Niigata (Japan). "Used to be an Australian Prisoner of War Camp & contains a memorial to the 63 Australians who died during their internment. The small museum comprehensively documents the efforts made by the Japan-Australia Society [of Joetsu] to establish the park & the problems they’ve encountered." /// "On the site of a POW camp 200 miles northwest of Tokyo, Yoshikazu Kondo hopes a dark chapter from Japan’s past will lead to a brighter future. “We have to understand that war makes everybody unhappy and sometimes cruel,” said Kondo, 57, an architect who oversees a park here, commemorating the Naoetsu prison camp where more than 600 Allied captives lived & 60 died. “We need to refresh our memories of World War II. I think it is our duty to pass along this information to young people.”Backed by supporters & attacked by protesters, this park reflects this nation’s ambivalence about 'The Pacific War.' In the United States, World War II is widely seen as an honorable 'good war' that ended in triumph nearly 70 years ago. But in Japan, the conflict ended in defeat - and still retains an immediate & explosive power. Across this prosperous & peaceful island nation, citizens continue to debate the war, why it was fought, what should be remembered & who should be mourned. "

1998 - 3rd International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) in Osaka & Kyoto (Japan). Arranged by a number of Japanese museums. Theme: "The contribution of museums to world peace."

1998 - Bell of Peace ("Hirarillon"), Okahigashi Cho Park, Hirakata?, Osaka (Japan). Carillon (Western-style bells) and monument depicting the legend of separated lovers, the stars Vega and Altair (right image).

1998 - Fuji Sanctuary, Byakko Shinko Kai, Asagiri Plateau (Japan). Byakko was founded in Tokyo by Masahisa Goi [1916-1980]. Its headquarters at Hijirigaoka / Holly Hill, Tokyo, were moved in 1998 to the Fuji Sanctuary, and all of the Tokyo structures were removed.

July 2000 - Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall & Museum, 1071 Yaozu, Yaotsu-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture (Japan). Shiune Sugihara [1900-1986] was a Japanese diplomat who helped thousands of Jews leave the Soviet Union while serving as consul of the Empire of Japan in Lithuania. The musuem is his birthplace.

May 13, 2001 - Narita Peace Pagoda, (Japan).

2002 - Hiroshima Flame Monument, Hoshino, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu Island (Japan). "Image shows Takudou Yamamoto displaying a flame that has been burning continuously since the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and was brought to the western Japanese village of Hoshino by his father Tatsuo, who kept it personally for more than two decades."

After 2002 - Peace Pagoda, atop Mount Momomnataki (Japan). "First Nipponzan Myohoji Peace Pagoda." Near sacred waterfall where Nichidatsu Fujii spent seven days praying and fasting and received his inspiration for the chant "NaMuMyoHoRenGeKyo." Under construction as of 2002.

August 15, 2005 - Peace Marker Japan, Point of Peace #5, "Bells of Peace" Plaza, Hitbachi, Ibariki Prefecture (Japan). One of eight Worldwide Peace Markers. Image shows "Bells of Peace" Plaza.

September 11, 2005 - World Peace Bell, Motohama Ryokuchi Park, Amagasaki, Hyougo Prefecture (Japan), near Osaka. Images courtesy of WPBA.

October 6-10, 2008 - 6th International Conference of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) at the Kyoto Museum for World Peace (Ritsumeikan University), Kyoto University of Arts and Design, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

December 14, 2011 - Peace Monument, near the Japanese Embassy, Seoul (South Korea). Inscription: "This peace monument reflects people's genuine desire to learn from history and remember the past on the occasion of the 1,000th weekly protest against Japan's atrocities by comfort woman forced into sexual slavery." "Marks the 1,000th demonstration of the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan which has staged rallies in front of the Japanese embassy on Wednesday of every week. The council demands that the Japanese government apologise for & pay direct compensation to the victims, euphemistically called 'comfort women.' Japan has acknowledged that its wartime military used sex slaves but refuses to directly compensate the victims individually, arguing that the issue was settled by a 1965 normalisation treaty with South Korea."

April 15, 2016 - monument to dead beef cattle, Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture (Japan). "About 170 cattlemen gathered here to dedicate a monument to beef cattle that died from starvation or had to be euthanized as a result of the Fukushima nuclear disaster [in March 2011].