The editor visited the Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum (Tetsu no Kujira Kan) in Kure City during his vacation.
This is an impressive museum with the decommissioned submarine ex-Akishio (JS Akishio, SS-579) standing on the grounds.
Before visiting, the editor had assumed it was a submarine-specialized facility typical of Kure, a city known for its submarine base.
The museum is a three-story building, with the first floor dedicated to an overview of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the third floor focused on submarines, from which visitors can enter the adjacent Akishio.
However, the second floor was dedicated to mine-sweeping operations conducted by the Maritime Self-Defense Force. Before entering, the editor was unsure what mine-sweeping entailed and had planned to move quickly to the third floor.
However, the experience left a profound impression. At the time of Japan's surrender in 1945, over 60,000 mines remained in Japanese waters, and the task of removing them to resume maritime traffic fell to the remaining ships and personnel of the Imperial Japanese Navy. At that time, the Maritime Self-Defense Force had not yet been established, but mine clearance operations continued with its establishment in 1954.
The exhibition efficiently showcased this history, along with equipment used in mine clearance operations, replica mines, and even the latest FRP-made minesweepers. The outstanding achievements and accumulated technology of the MSDF have also contributed to international cooperation, which is something all Japanese people can take pride in. However, as is typical of the modest MSDF, there was no grand message. In other words, while it may be acceptable that mine clearance operations, which played such a significant role in post-war reconstruction, have not received the spotlight they deserve, it is important to recognize that maintaining peace comes at a cost.
The capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces are unique and unmatched, but it is not widely acknowledged that they are an organization dedicated to preventing war, rather than engaging in it as some critics suggest. Despite the brief visit, it was a thought-provoking experience. For more information on the submarine exhibition, please refer to other blogs or websites.
JMSDF Kure Museum (Nickname: Tetsu no Kujira Kan)
5-32 Takara-cho, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Admission: Free
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:30 PM). Closed on certain days; please check in advance. Access: 5-minute walk from JR Kure Station via the pedestrian deck.
