The monument of Kaiten
In 1964 the monument was built by the people who had deep respect for the World War 2 lieutenant commander Kuroki who was born in here and designed human torpedo called Kaiten. Kuroki died in an accident of Kaiten which plunged into the bottom of the Tokuyama bay in 1944. His last letter in the sea remains now. The monument lies on Mt. Shinki.
The torpedo was developed in mid 1944, 330 type-1 was made, and 50 type-2/4 made, it used steam-powered propulsion, and had a 1,500kg warhead. Its warhead is twice the usual size. Between November of 1945 and the end of the war, 45 Kaitens were launched in attacks against shipping, with one U.S. oiler, Missisinewa A0-59(tanker), and one destroyer escourt, Underhill DE-682, confirmed sunk by their attacks launched from submarine I-58. Many submarines which carried Kaitens out to sea never came home. So additional sinkings that may have been due to their efforts cannot be confirmed.
The side of the monument of Kaiten, a monument is founded by Tokai Kaiten Kai in 1987, enshrined memories of 144 sailors died in Kaitens for the war.
We have a new understanding for peace in front of it.
KAITEN model-1
Length:14.75m
Total weight:8.30t
Crew:1
Max.diameter:1.00m
Warhead:1.55t
Engine:Engine of type-93 torpedo
Fuel:Oxygen and Kerosine
Power:550phs
Range:78000m/10kt,43000m/20kt,23000m/30kt
