April 11 - Kagoshima, Japan

Today we ported in Kagoshima and then headed to Chiran and the Peace Museum. It is dedicated to kamikaze pilots.

Kamikaze means divine wind. And there were 1475 pilots that pledged allegiance to the Japanese emperor and agreed to die for their country. The title of divine wind comes from the fact that Japan had fought many a battle, and most were won when a typhon hit, sending there assailants back to their natives lands. 1036 pilots died however, 439 pilots survived because of equipment malfunctions or other reasons and those felt deep remorse, guilt and dishonor. However, they are the ones who started the Museum.

Nakajima Ki-84/Hayate (army type-4 fighter aircraft)


Pilots were away from their families so matronly women, in town, would open their homes as gathering places. Here is one


They have erected 1036 stone lanterns all over town, to commemorate each of the individuals that died. Their name is inscribed on the lantern and also on the plaque at the museum


There were statues dedicated to the pilot and mournful mother or wife.

Monuments to peace

Temple of peace


Barracks of the pilots 



Chiran is also known as 'Little Kyoto'. You can find a prior Samurai residence area there. The Samurai way of life during the Edo period, however their influence lives on in both Kyoto and Ryukyus (Okinawa's old name).
Here is the last standing original thatched house

People still live here, although the Samurai were defeated in 1867, some share their gardens with the public

#1 Saigo Keiichiro's Garden

#2 Hirayama Katsumi's Garden

#3 Hirayama Ryoichi's Garden

#4 Sata Mifune's Garden

#5 Sata Tamiko's Garden

#6 Sata Naotada's Garden

#7 Mori Shigemitsu's House and Garden





Paths to the different houses and sights along the way



Green Tea bush that are used for hedges

And as always, Residences


Nice Views

Cool Structures - The rocket is just a display (Hmmm). Nippon is Japan, in their language.


And of course coffee and soda machines on every corner

Coy fish, in the street side waterways


Green Tea fields

And our ship with volcano Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcano in the background

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