Soldiers

They left their families and went to fight for their country, risking their lives to fulfill their duties and enduring great hardship.

Detainees in Siberia

They endured brutal forced labor, inadequate food rations, and appalling living conditions in Siberia and other Arctic areas of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia, even after the war.

Postwar repatriates

They had been living overseas and were dispossessed after Japan’s defeat in World WarⅡ. They endured terrible conditions and physical danger as they made their way back to their homeland.

These displays are designed to help ensure that the memory of the suffering of Japan’s World War II soldiers, detainees in Siberia, and postwar repatriates is passed down to future generations who have never experienced war. They include historical materials, graphics, videos, and dioramas.

Soldiers Zone

The displays in this zone show a draft order, military uniforms, diaries, letters, and other items that communicate the hardships of the soldiers.

Draft Order Known as Akagami, or “red paper”
Army Manual
Army Signal Corps Telegraph Key
Waistcoat with Prayer for Protection against Bullets

Detainees in Siberia Zone

The displays in this zone show includes a model of a gulag, or Soviet forced labor camp, as well as tools used in forced labor, handmade eating utensils, and pictures drawn by those who experienced gulag life.

Sleeveless Padded Overcoat (the sleeves were exchanged for black rye bread)
Prisoner-of-War Post Card
Handmade Socks
Handmade White Birch Eating Utensils

Postwar Repatriates Zone

The displays in this zone show documents issued at the time of repatriation, a model of the repatriation ship, and photographs of children.

Child’s Dress Made from the Diapers of a Baby Who Died
Certificate of Repatriation
Diary of Confinement
Handmade Rucksack

    Visitor Information


    ●Hours

    9:30 to 17:30 (admission until 17:00)

    ●Admission

    Free

    ●Closed

    Mondays

    If a national holiday or its substitute falls on a Monday, the Museum is open. and is closed on the following day.
    The Museum is open on Mondays during the summer season.
    Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4)
    When the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building is closed

    ●Access

    3-minute walk from Tochomae Station (Toei Oedo Line)
    7-minute walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (JR, Odakyu and Keio Lines)

    33rd floor, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building
    2-6-1, Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-0233
    Tel. +81-3-5323-8709 Fax. +81-3-5323-8714

    平和祈念展示資料館 (総務省委託)