Memorial Preservation Through Community Contributions: 80 Years of Recalling Wartime Experiences Using Hometown Funding
The Chiran Peace Museum in Minamikyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture, has recently unveiled a revamped 3D diorama of the Chiran airfield and its surroundings. This update is a testament to the success of a crowdfunding-style appeal launched by the city under the hometown donation program.
The fundraising drive, which started last November and lasted for about three months, aimed to raise 5 million yen. Despite the challenging goal, the campaign managed to collect 4,065,000 yen, falling just short of its target but still a significant achievement.
The hometown donation program, a common practice in Japan, enabled the city to collect funds from people living beyond the prefecture. Out of the 126 donors, a staggering 109, or nearly 90%, lived outside the prefecture where the museum is located. This demonstrates the nationwide appeal and interest in preserving World War II history, particularly the tragic events and experiences documented at the Chiran Peace Museum.
The Chiran Peace Museum focuses on preserving and displaying the history of the World War II era, with a special emphasis on the young pilots who flew from the Imperial Japanese Army's largest suicide attack base in the closing months of World War II. The museum uses digital technology to enhance and modernize its exhibits, such as the 3D diorama of the Chiran airfield and its surroundings, which was newly redesigned in 2015.
Initiatives to preserve World War II history are underway in certain regions, using digital technology to renovate exhibition facilities and produce documentary footage. These efforts are aimed at educating younger generations about World War II history, a crucial aspect of the Chiran Peace Museum's exhibits as well.
Most of the donations made under this appeal were deductible from resident and income taxes, making it an attractive option for prospective donors. The broader hometown donation program allows people to donate to any local government, not just their hometown, further expanding the reach of such fundraising efforts.
The updated exhibit at the Chiran Peace Museum was opened on July 31, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical memories for future generations. The museum continues its mission to educate and inform, ensuring that the sacrifices and experiences of the past are never forgotten.
