This memorial was constructed by the Japanese after the war as
a peace memorial, and a monument to those who lost their life
in and around Rabaul. It is located above the town, with a beutiful
view of the area that was once occupied by thousands of Japanese
Navy and Army personel.
center of the memorial is an alter with a hole that allows a single ray of sunlight
down onto the dias. The back wall of the memorial is a huge map of the Pacific,
with New Britain and Rabaul in the center.
The memorial was very controversial when it was built. The massive
map is also the map of Japanese conquests during the war. Also, to each side of
the memorial are stylized "bunkers" . This was particulary disturbing
to the Australian Administration who saw this memorial that symbolizes the Japanese
occupation, and not peace.
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