Hitachi holds memorial for workers killed in WWII bombing to mark 80 yrs since war's end
HITACHI, Ibaraki -- Industrial giant Hitachi Ltd.'s factory here held a memorial service on June 10 for workers who lost their lives during air raids in the final stages of World War II.
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the war this year, the firm invited surviving family members to a large-scale ceremony for the first time in about three decades. Hitachi President Toshiaki Tokunaga and other company executives also attended the memorial.
On the morning of June 10, 1945, more than 100 U.S. B-29 bombers flew over Hitachi. Over 500 one-ton bombs were dropped on the company's coastal factory -- a major military production facility at the time -- killing 634 employees who were either caught up in the bombing or buried alive in collapsed air raid shelters. The attacks continued into July, when naval bombardments and incendiary bomb raids took many additional lives.
Every year, the production site observes June 10 as "war damage day," holding a moment of silence throughout the plant starting at exactly 8:51 a.m., the time when the air raid began. The facility's executives also regularly pay their respects at the "martyrs' monument," erected on the site of an air raid shelter. This year, the firm additionally organized a major memorial event at a hotel in Hitachi, establishing a special altar for the victims. About 200 people, including families of the deceased and company personnel, offered prayers amid Buddhist chanting.
In an address at the event, Tokunaga reflected, "I myself was born and raised in Hitachi, and since childhood have often encountered records and remnants of wartime destruction that happened in this city." He continued, "Even now, wars still relentlessly break out around the world. But we will continue to pause and remember the precious sacrifices of those we've lost, commit to sharing their stories with future generations, and renew our resolve to contribute toward the peaceful development of the world."
Katsumi Yashiro, 89, vice chairman of the Hitachi City bereaved families association, lost his father Michio -- then head of the Ose electrical manufacturing section -- in the bombings. Yashiro said Michio was buried alive when an air raid shelter collapsed and was found dead several days later.
"My father's steel helmet was found covered in dirt. I imagine he was desperately digging to try to escape and survive," he said. "Every year I've seen news reports showing current employees paying silent tribute to the fallen workers at the memorial ceremony, and each time I'm moved to tears. I would deeply appreciate it if the company continues passing down the memory to future generations."
(Japanese original by Takahiro Tauchi, Hitachi Local Bureau)
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