Saturday, February 18, 2017

Japan Imperial Navy Base Entrance, Right After WW-II 国威顕彰 記念塔

















The monument, inside the circular fence, is called "Koku-I Ken-Sho Kinen-To" 国威顕彰 記念塔 ) --- Its meaning is something like: "Monument Honoring Japan's National Prestige."

It was erected in the late 1930's, and was officially established/opened on 27 MAY 1938,
which was "Navy Day" (also anniversary of the Battle of Tsushima Strait, where the
Japanese won a great victory over the Russian Fleet in 1905.)

The main design of the monument was based on the shape of the superstructure and
bridge of the Takao-class heavy cruiser...




This monument symbolized Japan's abandonment of treaties and cooperation with the U.S.
and UK, and emphasized the intent to "go it alone, and win against the odds"...

Japanese sailors entering the Navy Base, were supposed to look at it and be reminded
of the serious international challenges Japan was facing, and the Imperial Navy's 
crucial role in leading things towards a successful result.  

The monument has now been moved to a boundary area in Verny Park.

Originally, there was a "Yatagarasu" (mythical 3-legged crow) statue/ornament on
the very top, but it was removed sometime after WW-II, and its current status
and location is unknown.
















FYI --- the Yatagarasu is also used on the emblem of the Japanese national soccer team:




















Several panels, which apparently showed scenes of past Japanese naval heroics, 
have been stripped off of the monument, leaving it with a sort of forlorn aspect... 
  


日本語:ここです。

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