Kaiten: An Untold World War II Story on Ozushima near Hiroshima

Step onto Ozushima, an island shaped by history and reached by a short ferry ride from Tokuyama Station on the Shinkansen, just 30 minutes from Hiroshima. Explore the legacy of the Kaiten, Japan's human torpedoes of World War II, through a tour designed and led by a local university student deeply engaged in preserving this history. As a site connected to wartime tragedy, the experience reflects what is often described as dark tourism, inviting visitors to engage thoughtfully with difficult history and remembrance. Over lunch, learn about a renowned spatial design duo who relocated to the island and are dedicated to its revitalization. Enjoy a traditional “kamishibai” storytelling session, led by a local resident, Chieko Matsumoto. This is not only a historical tour, but also a rare opportunity to connect wartime memory with the people shaping the island's future.