Hiji Oga Kaiten Training Base Ruins

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

During the war's final year, Japan engaged in an underwater kamikaze program using manned torpedoes called "kaiten." The Kaiten program used an enlarged Type 93 torpedo with a larger warhead that the standard Type 93 and a cockpit section for its living guidance system. The program began with plans for a pilot-guided torpedo in 1943; in the earliest forms there was an escape mechanism for the pilot to eject before hitting the target. This changed to a pure suicide weapon in August 1944.

The first Kaiten sortie on Nov. 20, 1944 scored a success with the sinking of fleet oiler USS Mississinewa (AO-59) at Ulithi atoll. The total number of Kaiten kills is unknown but only two have been confirmed. A total of 106 Kaiten were launched at targets and 145 pilots died in combat and training. Eight submarines were lost while performing Kaiten operations.

Training was conducted at a handful of specialized bases in the Seto Inland Sea's relative safety. Hiji Town, Oita Prefecture, had one such base and visitors can still explore it's ruins today. At the ruin's memorial park, there's a replica Kaiten and memorial statues for both the young pilots and the mothers they left behind. If you want to learn more, I wrote an article about it here: https://www.wayfarerdaves.com/?p=6328

[Tom Dulski]

 Great blog, the Oba Castle post was particularly interesting.

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Thanks, that one (Oba Castle) was written by my best friend. We both post on the blog.

[fred]

Thanks for sharing - very interesting write-up.

And interesting that there seem to be such a big set of largely untouched tunnels too

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Thanks for sharing - very interesting write-up.

And interesting that there seem to be such a big set of largely untouched tunnels too

I was surprised too; most tunnels are marked 'off limits' or cemented over but here they not only leave them 'as is' but provide a map of the tunnels so you can go in and safely navigate. I would love to go back with a flashlight and waders.