Location
The Japanese War Memorial at Rabaul is located on the west side of the Namanula Road atop a ridge with panoramic views of Rabaul and Simpson Harbor. Also known as simply the Japanese War Memorial or Japanese Peace Memorial. Between 1884 until September 1914 part of
Deutsch Neu Guinea (German New Guinea). Prewar and during the Pacific War part of the Territory of New Guinea. Today located in East
New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Also known as "White Haus" by locals as the memorial is painted white and the rectangular shape appears to be a house.
Postwar, this memorial was constructed by the Japanese as
a peace memorial and monument to those who lost their life
in and around Rabaul. The memorial is made of concrete and resembles a fortification. At the
center of the memorial is rectangular dais with a hole that allows a single ray of sunlight
to shine downward. The back wall of the memorial is a map of the Pacific with Rabaul on New Britain at the center. To each side of the memorial is a stylized alcove that resembles the entrance to a bunker.
After the unveiling, controversial to the Australian Administration that viewed the memorial as a symbol of the Japanese
occupation. Over the years, the memorial has been defaced with graffiti or neglected. Japanese veterans or visitors to Rabaul often come to this location to conduct Shinto ceremonies and say prayers.
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Last Updated
June 28, 2023
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