#Japan #World War II #Tachikawa #Historical Exhibition

Revived Historical Exhibition in Tachikawa City

This summer, the historical exhibition related to the Tachikawa City History project is being held once again due to popular demand. This event highlights significant historical documents and artifacts from the late stages of World War II, particularly focusing on the area of Sugawara Village and Tachikawa City in 1945.

A Glimpse into the Past

Tachikawa's history dates back to 1922 when the Tachikawa Airfield was established as a base for Imperial Army aviation units. By the time World War II began, the region had developed into a military city, with various military facilities and munitions factories emerging around the airfield. This development, however, also made Tachikawa a target of U.S. air raids.

In the latter part of the war, particularly in 1945, the area faced numerous air raids—over a dozen attacks that devastated local infrastructure, schools, homes, and even shrines as the air raids targeted military production facilities, such as the Tachikawa Aircraft Factory.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will run from August 5 to October 20 and will be held at the Sugawara Learning Center, open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM (closed on the second and fourth Monday of each month). Attendees are not required to register in advance for this free event, which will display similar materials as the one held at the city hall earlier this year from February to March.

Key Highlights

Visitors can expect to see a wealth of materials on display, including:

• - Documents related to land leases for the evacuation of aircraft, exemplifying local cooperation with military efforts.
• - Data on urban development such as the Tachikawa drainage construction, highlighting the rapid urban adaptation during wartime.
• - Valuable artifacts documenting the aftermath of air raids, including condolence letters and information about funerals held for military plants impacted by the bombings.

Featured Artifacts

Some noteworthy items in the exhibition include:
1. Sugawara Village Office Inauguration Ceremony commemorative document from 1925 (Taisho 14).
2. Official Seal of the Eastern Division 13331 from November 1944 (showing the use of code names for intelligence purposes during the war).
3. A condolence letter addressed to the mayor of Sugawara Village from the mayor of Nakano, written shortly after an air raid in April 1945, documenting the heavy losses suffered by local residents.
4. Land lease directives from the Imperial Army regarding Tachikawa Airfield, depicting the urgency of war-related adaptations.
5. A map camouflaged as a mulberry field depicting the Tachikawa Airfield—an image from June 1944.
6. A comprehensive map from November 1940 showing the layout of Tachikawa Airfield.

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the historical context of this region during World War II and understand how the community responded to the challenges posed by war.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the Tachikawa City Cultural Sports Department, City History Compilation Office at 042-523-2111 (extension 4046) or via email at [email protected].

Don’t miss this chance to explore Tachikawa's fascinating history and its resilience during wartime!