Bandō prisoner-of-war camp

The compound contained numerous wooden barracks, administrative buildings, and recreational facilities spread across a large area near Tokushima City.

The camp operated from 1917 to 1920, housing approximately 1,000 German prisoners captured during World War I at the Chinese port of Qingdao.

German prisoners established their own orchestra, performing classical music including the first complete rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Japan.

The museum at the former camp site exhibits photographs, documents, and personal items from German prisoners, opening daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Prisoners constructed a wooden bridge using German engineering techniques, which remains preserved at the site as a testament to their craftsmanship.

Location: Bandō

Inception: 1917

GPS coordinates: 34.15000,134.50000

Latest update: May 26, 2025 21:45