Chiran Tokko Museum

The Chiran Tokko Museum (知覧特攻平和会館, Chiran Tokkō Heiwa Kaikan) offers a powerful and moving insight into the lives of the young kamikaze pilots who flew from this region during World War II. Located on the grounds of a former airbase in Chiran, the museum carefully preserves and displays an array of personal letters, photographs, and treasured belongings left behind by these pilots. Rather than glorifying their missions, the museum focuses on telling the deeply human stories behind the young men who carried out these tragic final flights. Exhibits detail the pilots’ emotional farewells, their personal hopes and fears, and the profound sacrifices they made. Visitors can also view restored aircraft, technical equipment, and detailed models, gaining a deeper understanding of the Tokko-tai (“special attack units”) and the historical context in which they operated.

Next to the Tokko Museum is the Chiran Museum, which highlights the broader history and culture of the Chiran area. By purchasing a combination ticket for a small additional fee (about 100 yen), visitors can explore both museums and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s wartime legacy as well as its everyday life and traditions. Together, these museums provide a meaningful journey through both the personal stories of the kamikaze pilots and the rich local heritage of Chiran.