Wakajishi Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Wakajishi Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Fujinomiya built on the former site of a tank training school and serves as a war memorial. The grounds feature a simple prayer hall, memorial stones, and a displayed Type 97 Chi-Ha tank as the centerpiece, all set in a small but well-kept area.
The shrine was established in the 1960s on the grounds of a former Japanese Army tank school and officially recognized in 1984. It honors young soldiers and students who died during World War Two, particularly in battles on the island of Saipan.
The name Wakajishi means "Young Lion" and represents youth, strength, and courage. Locals visit to remember their ancestors in this quiet space and participate in traditional rituals of remembrance and respect.
The shrine is small and easy to walk through, taking only a short time to see everything, though visitors often spend longer for quiet reflection. The space is especially peaceful early in the morning or late in the afternoon when fewer people are present.
A Type 97 Chi-Ha tank excavated from a canal stands as the centerpiece and bears bullet marks and battle damage from fighting on Saipan. The battered vehicle makes the realities of war tangible to visitors in a powerful way.
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