Soviet Assault of 80 Years Ago Continues to Haunt 103-Year-Old Survivor
In the picturesque city of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan, a 103-year-old man named Shoichi Takahashi resides, sharing tales of a past that spans over a century. Before joining the Imperial Japanese Army, Takahashi was a fisherman in Otaru.
Takahashi's military service took him to the strategically important Chishima Islands (Kuril Islands) in the North Pacific. Three days after Japan's official surrender in World War II, he found himself stationed on one of these islands, only to witness a sudden Soviet attack.
Born in Aomori Prefecture, Takahashi moved to Otaru at the age of 19. His early years were spent as a fisherman before he was called to serve his country. His military career, however, was marked by hardship, as he was later subjected to harsh detention in a Soviet labor camp in Siberia.
Today, Takahashi speaks out strongly against war, emphasizing that "war is simply unacceptable." His life story serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace. As a living witness to these pivotal historical events, he continues to share his testimony, hoping to deter future generations from the devastating consequences of war.
Prior to his service, Takahashi was initially assigned for service on Attu island, a westernmost isle of the Aleutian group. However, he was subsequently sent to Shumshu island of the Chishima chain in March 1943. While on Shumshu island, Takahashi's duties mainly consisted of digging trenches.
It's worth noting that the Battle of Attu occurred before Takahashi was sent to Shumshu island. The Attu garrison that Takahashi was to join ended with a banzai charge, a suicidal charge with the intention of causing maximum casualties to the enemy. However, Takahashi was not part of this charge. The banzai charge resulted in the garrison's defeat, with the remaining Japanese troops being evacuated.
U.S. fighter planes prevented Japanese troops from landing on Attu island, ensuring the victory for the Allied forces. The Imperial Japanese Army, in which Takahashi served, is now defunct.
Takahashi's experiences during World War II, including his service on both Attu and Shumshu islands, have left a deep impact on him. His view on war is unequivocal: it is "unacceptable." His life story serves as a powerful testament to the human cost of war and the importance of peace.
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