Japan hosts some of the most monumental places in history, alluring tourists from all over the world. One such mysterious spot is located on the coast of Nagasaki in the East China Sea.
Hashima Island is a must-visit in every Japan itinerary. The abandoned Island has been opened as a tourist attraction, resembling a battleship due to the skyline of tall buildings and massive warehouses in the middle of the sea. Hence, it is widely known as “Gunkanjima” or “Battleship Island.”
The island’s exact location is 15km (9 miles) from Nagasaki in Southern Japan. The Island has been accessible again after being abandoned for 45 years. But the ruins reveal a dark history of the country. Let us explore Hashima Island.
What Is the Story Behind Hashima Island?
For the first time, Japan hit the jackpot with initial traces of coal in 1810 on a tiny island,
From 1880 onwards, coal mining became the nucleus of the Island, and soon established massive factories on the Island. Subsequently, residential areas were set up for the employees, workers, and their families. Within a few years span, the Island was bustling with urban galore and self-sufficiency with schools, hospitals, residences, shops, other infrastructure, etc.
In 1890, the Island was bought by Mitsubishi Goshi Kaisha and attained all the legal rights for production and mining.
However, banking on coal had limitations— by the 1970s, Japan had switched its primary energy source from coal to petroleum. Consequently, production slowed down, factories were shut down, and by 1974, the Island was completely abandoned.
But in between the chronological lines, there was more story to it than meets the eye.
Did Anyone Survive Hashima Island?
The ugly repercussions of World War II have impacted every country, but Japan was one of the key players. The country suffered through the final few years of the war.
But that was the only highlighted aspect; history reveals far more atrocious events. Imperial Japan was claiming other Asian countries in hopes of expanding its empire. Although, it resulted in a complete disregard for the value of human life.
After the war erupted, around 41000 Chinese people were forcefully kidnapped and shipped to Japan. Of them, 3765 were sent to Hashima Island and forced to work in the coal mines.
Without proper accommodation, food, clothing, or medical assistance, these workers were left malnourished, working in scorching dark mines all day.
One of the survivors, Sun Zhongwu, narrates their horror– “If we failed to finish our daily tasks, we would be treated as slaves.”
The island perimeter was secured with massive concrete fences. It did seem like a concentration camp or Alcatraz. It was nearly impossible for the laborers to escape the Island, as several drowned in the sea while jumping off the boundary walls.
Others resorted to su*c*de in despair of living in these hellish conditions.
As World War II was coming to an end, the laborers might have seen a ray of light. But that soon turned into a barbaric nightmare when Japan tried to sweep its actions under the rug. Around 722 Chinese and 1442 Korean laborers were subjected to gruesome torture and killed on the Island. The Japanese government claimed they were shutting down the cola mines as they focused on petroleum, but the true intentions were dug in the grave.
These events are not yet verifiable since Japan maintains that no such atrocities were done and there was no “forced labor” on the Island.
What Happened to Hashima Island in Japan?
Hashima Island was completely abandoned, with no traces of any civilization. But in 2009, the Island opened again as a tourist spot, albeit only a small fraction was allowed to be accessed. The rest of the 6.5 hectares of land was sealed.
In 2006, Japan applied to include Hashima Island as a world heritage site with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Although, for some untold reason, UNESCO did approve this petition in 2015, it created a massive uproar among China and Korea.
The Koreans raised 200 million Won and produced a documentary called “The Truth Of Hashima” to expose the darkest days of Japan’s history.
What are your thoughts on the history of Hashima Island? Do you think Japan should pay in remuneration to China and Korea for exploiting their people? Do you believe in Japan’s claims that there was no forced labor?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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