The Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum, located in Chikuzen Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s wartime history and emphasizes the importance of peace. Established in 1987, the museum is situated on the former site of the Tachiarai Airfield, once a significant military base during World War II.
Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum 大刀洗平和記念館
2561-1 Takata
Chikuzen, Asakura District
Fukuoka Prefecture 838-0814
+81 946-23-1227
Daily 09:00 – 17:00
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| – – 71-5293 Y2-128 – | Aichi E16A (float) Kyushu J7W Shinden (replica) Lockheed T-33A Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Sen Model 32 Nakajima Ki-27 |
Historical Significance
Completed in 1919, the Tachiarai Airfield rapidly expanded to become one of East Asia’s largest military airfields. During World War II, it played a crucial role as a training ground for pilots and a dispatch point for kamikaze missions. The airfield suffered extensive damage from American air raids in March 1945, leading to its eventual abandonment post-war.
Exhibits and Collections
The Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum‘s design resembles an aircraft hangar, housing a diverse collection of wartime artifacts. Notable exhibits include:
- Nakajima Ki-27 Fighter Plane: The sole surviving aircraft of its type, recovered from Hakata Bay in 1996.
- Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero Fighter Plane: A rare Model 32 variant, distinguished by its squared-off wings.
- Kyushu J7W Shinden Replica: A full-scale model of this unique canard-design fighter, constructed for the 2023 film “Godzilla Minus One.”
Additionally, the Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum displays approximately 1,800 items related to the war, including personal letters, photographs, and equipment, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the era.