Over any other place associated with the tragedy of Okinawa, the Himeyuri no Tō cult prevails. It has inspired multiple films as well as a recent manga by Machiko Kyō. Needless to say, there were numerous other student corps but none have entered the popular imagination as much as the Himeyuri girls. After all, the majority of the students perished and it was probably the largest corps of its kind. Plus we are suckers for wartime stories involving kids.
Today the Himeyuri no Tō is a sacred place. The monument is built at one of the caves in which the Himeyuri students served. The cave remains, a gaping, weird mouth into the bowels of the earth. In other circumstances it would be a natural curiosity — but surely formidably fenced off in fastidious Japan where any hint of danger is always unduly signposted — if not for the way it was utilized seventy years prior. And so the pit signals emptiness, a hole of hell. Flowers are purchased at the entrance, to be laid at the cave mouth like a religious offering. There is now a museum and various surrounding cenotaphs and monuments, added incrementally in the post-war period. One was unveiled in 1975, the same year as the Okinawa Expo.
Message on card:
Hello. Greeting from Japan, and many sports competition are held. In my town there was a 100 km. marathon yesterday. I participated and finished the race. Today, it's painful with muscle pain.
"Designed by Amina/Nepalese Handmade Paper"
Greetings from Japan. I'm Midori. I live in Kobe. Kobe is a beutiful port city and well-known for Kobe beef. I love to travel and read mystery novels. I'm currently into Scandinavian mysteries. Hope you enjoy the coming autumn. Best wishes, Midori
606. Mt. Hakkoda, Japan
Hello, Chris!
Now I have been injured right hand (dominant hand). I cannot write the letters neatly. Please allow me to send a postcard with print my message.
This is the view of the beautiful spot, Hakkoda Mountain Range, Aomori Prefecture. Aomori is the popular sight-seeing area with beautiful nature. Hakkoda Mountain Range is one of the most popular spots in Aomori. There are many beautiful forests and waterfalls in this area. A lot of tourists visit this area from around the world.
I hope you will be glad to see this postcard.
Sheluna
539. Happiness Express from Japan
My name is Erika, and I'm 24 y.o. I'm from Taiwan. I study Japanese in Tokyo City, Japan. Hope you will like the postcard. I wish you all the best. Take care, Erika Oa
530. Saitama, Japan
Dear Chris, Hello! Greetings from Japan. My name is Miki. I live in Saitama with my husband and son (two months old). I like doing yoga, shopping and traveling. September 19 is Respect for the Aged Day, which is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly people. Many people spend time with their grandparents. I wish you all the best. Miki
461. Tokyo, Japan
Hello chris, Greetings from Tokyo! So, this address in PA is what you call "the east coast" where you spend the summer...hope this card will be received in due course. As for GOTOCHI cards, Ihave plenty, but they are hard to buy, expensive to send, so I normally enjoy swapping in the Forum. Wish you good luck to received on from a broad minded postcrosser!
Best, Asami
448. GOTOCHI Card: Saitama, JAPAN
Hello! (konnichiwa)
My name is Kaori. Greetings from Japan. I live in Saitama next to Tokyo. This is a Gotochi card of Saitama. The Time Bell Tower was built 400 years ago. It's a symbol of Kawagoe in Saitama.
28 June 2016
arrived in an envelope
377. Japan
Hello! I am an engineer of bridge construction. Terrible earthquake has occured in Kumamoto, Kyushu. We always fear Tsunjami. TAK 16/05/19
appy postcrossing!!
301. Hirokoji Street Vicinity of Sakaecho Crossing, Nagoya City, Japan
24 April 2016
Hello, Chris!
I'm Maasa in Nagoya city, Japan. Nagoya is located in the middle of Japan. There is a venue for the 2005 World Expo, Aichi. There is now has become a large park. Have a nice postcrossing. Maasa
1 comment:
It's by Keisai Eisen 1790–1848 :)
Post a Comment