Pagodas in Japan's Shikoku preserve memories of Burma front veterans

Matsuyama, located in western Japan's Tokushima city, is home to a unique pagoda modeled after those found in Burma. This pagoda was built in 1958 by Japanese military veterans who had fought in Burma during World War II. The pagoda was constructed to honor the war dead and promote peace.

Takeo Miki, a former Japanese prime minister from Tokushima, played a crucial role in obtaining Buddhist relics enshrined within the pagoda. The pagoda's presence is deeply rooted in the hearts of those who returned from the war, as stated by Shochi Kimura, honorary chief priest of Zenpukuji, a temple near the pagoda.

The pagoda's influence extended to other prefectures of Shikoku, resulting in the erection of similar pagodas in Zentsuji, Ishiteji, and Gyukoji. These pagodas enshrine wooden statues of war dead around a Jizo Bodhisattva statue.

For veterans like Masanori Hatakeyama, the Kochi pagoda served as a reminder of their comrades who died in Burma. However, as many of these veterans pass away, and the bereaved families continue to age, fewer people visit the pagodas. The maintenance of these structures has become increasingly challenging.

In Tokushima, the original pagoda was transferred to the Tokushima Buddhist Federation in 1989, anticipating difficulties in maintenance. The federation announced plans to disband in 2028. Meanwhile, Ehime and Kagawa prefectures have decided to disband their respective Burma associations.

Despite dwindling worshippers, the pagodas remain a symbol of peace and commemoration of the war dead. Efforts are underway to preserve these structures, ensuring they continue to serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II.