Tojinbaka, Bilingual War Monument & Kannondo Temple, Ishigaki Okinawa

Tojinbaka is a lavishly ordained grave dedicated to over 300 Chinese laborers who died in a mutiny in 1852. Headed for California on American ships to work in mines, Chinese Coolies rebelled after being treated like slaves. The ship ran a ground on Ishigaki-jima and many of the workers where shot dead by the pursuing British Navy, the remaining few ran into the mountains where they starved to death or committed suicide. A few of the Chinese survived after being protected by locals and the Royal government.

Also in the area is the new (2001) bilingual monument dedicated to the three U.S. Airmen shot down over Ishigaki Island in the last days of World War Two. All three Americans were killed in gruesome ways and this monument acknowledges that such atrocities are not in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Besides remembering the soldiers who lost their lives this monument is dedicated to long lasting peace between two former enemy nations.

Down the road from Tojinbaka is a small Buddhist Temple called Kannondo Temple that is worth a visit while in the area. All three monuments are located near the road to Fusaki Beach.

From Ishigaki Airport: Approx. 15 min. by car
Parking: Available
Address: Arakawa, Ishigaki city, Okinawa 907-0024
Phone: 0980-82-1535