On February 6, 1944, the sixth Suikubo Maru capsized off the coast of Tarumi Port during World War II, leading to one of the most tragic maritime disasters of the era. To commemorate the tragedy, survivors gathered on February 22 at the Tarumi City Library, hosted by the Tarumi Historical Association and the city’s educational board, to share their stories and reflect on the incident. About 40 attendees listened attentively as the survivors recounted their harrowing experiences.
The discussion featured Masahiko Tajiri, who at 100 years old, was one of the few remaining witnesses to the event. He provided compelling firsthand insight during his talk, detailing the moments from boarding the ship to the eventual capsizing. Tajiri recalled, "The shore was lined with the deceased, covered with mats. Sirens blared, and soldiers rushed from the nearby naval base to administer CPR on those rescued." His vivid recollections painted not just the terror of the sinking, but the chaos and tragedy witnessed on the beach afterward.
Tajiri shared how he managed to swim to the shore, where he was assisted by the captain's wife, who kindly provided him with hot water for a bath. This small act of kindness stood out against the backdrop of devastation and loss. Adding to the narrative, the captain's nephew, Minoru Moriyama, 83, reminisced about the captain's wife, Fude, describing her as a kind person who had largely stayed quiet about the incident within the family for many years.
The sinking of the Suikubo Maru was not merely due to unfortunate weather or navigational errors; it was deeply intertwined with the challenging circumstances of wartime Japan. With many ships drafted by the military and scarce fuel resources, the number of voyages had drastically reduced—from over 10 trips to just four. On the day of the disaster, the ship was overcrowded due to soldiers wishing to visit family members one last time before being deployed, leading to over 700 passengers boarding the vessel, more than double its intended capacity.
Accustomed to managing such pressure, the crew unfortunately miscalculated the ship's stability as they set out to sea. Shortly after departure, when attempting to change the rudder, the vessel capsized under the weight, leading to tragic consequences for all on board. It is estimated approximately 540 souls lost their lives.
Remembering such occurrences is pivotal; these gatherings serve to honor the memories of those who perished. Reflecting on the significance, Harumi Yamashita, one of the organizers from Kagoshima City’s storytelling group, emphasized the duty of the living to relay these harrowing accounts, stating, "It's imperative we keep these stories alive so future generations understand the reality of war and those who suffered its consequences."
The annual remembrance held at the Tarumi City Library every February aligns with the exact date of the tragedy, fostering discussions about not only the sinking but the broader experiences endured during the war. The gathering recalls not just the victims but the resilience of the survivors, highlighting how collective and personal histories intertwine at such commemorative events.
Attendees have expressed gratitude for these gatherings, often filled with mixed feelings of sorrow and gratitude for survival. Sharing their experiences allows them to reconnect with remarkable and painful moments, providing much-needed catharsis. The testimonies shared serve not only as historical accounts but as poignant reminders of the human cost of war.
The saga of the sixth Suikubo Maru remains one of Japan’s somber maritime history pieces, offering lessons on preparedness, human resilience, and the necessity of remembering our past. Each story shared at these gatherings strengthens the connection between the past and the future, ensuring such tragedies are neither forgotten nor repeated.
Reflecting on the losses suffered and the perseverance of those who survived echoes beyond mere remembrance, compelling us to contemplate the importance of peace. The Suikubo Maru disaster remains etched not only as a historical event but as part of the collective consciousness of the community, one they promise to carry forward for generations to come.