Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum

In short

The Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum was established in 1988. It was built to convey to the present day the fact that many victims were claimed on Okunoshima Island, to convey the misery of poison gas manufacturing, and in the hope that poison gas weapons will be eliminated and a peaceful world will be built. From 1929 until the end of the war, an Imperial Japanese Army poison gas factory was located on the island.

• ​Items Used on the Island​​: Items actually used on the island, such as notebooks and work clothes kept by factory workers, and parts of equipment used to produce liquid poison gas, are displayed alongside photo panels
• ​Videos Conveying Testimonies​​: In the seminar room, videos compiling testimonies from people who took part in poison gas manufacturing are also available
• ​Memorial Monument​​: Near the museum stands the Memorial Monument for the Okunoshima Island Poison Gas Victims, erected in 1985, and a memorial service is held every October

History and Highlights

The ​Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum​ was established in 1988 (Showa 63). It came into being through the understanding and cooperation of Hiroshima Prefecture, related municipalities, and organizations of people suffering from poison gas-related disabilities.

From 1929 (Showa 4) until the end of the war, an Imperial Japanese Army poison gas factory was located on Okunoshima Island, producing toxic gas. Among those who worked at the factory were conscripted workers and mobilized students. Quite a few individuals suffered disabilities or lost their lives after engaging in the dangerous and harsh production of poison gas, or in the post-war disposal of toxic agents. Until it was reported in the media in 1984 (Showa 59), the manufacturing of poison gas by the Japanese military was largely unknown to anyone other than former military-related personnel.

The museum was built to convey to present times the fact that many victims were claimed on this island, to convey the misery of poison gas manufacturing, and in the hope that chemical weapons will be eliminated and a peaceful world will be built. The words it upholds are: "The misery of war, the preciousness of peace, the weight of life."

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Items Used on the Island​​: Items actually used on the island—such as notebooks and work clothes kept by factory workers, and parts of equipment used to produce liquid poison gas—are displayed alongside photo panels. Through these period items, the misery of poison gas production is conveyed.
• ​Videos Conveying Testimonies​​: In the seminar room, videos compiling testimonies from people who took part in poison gas manufacturing are also available. Visitors can connect with the thoughts and feelings of the workers, which cannot be fully conveyed by artifacts alone.
• ​Memorial Monument​​: Near the museum stands the Memorial Monument for the Okunoshima Island Poison Gas Victims, erected in 1985 (Showa 60). A roster of those who passed away from poison gas disabilities is enshrined inside, and a memorial service is held every October.

Walking Tips

Stopping by the museum before exploring the island makes it easier to understand what each remaining ruin on the island was used for. The overall history of the island, the artillery battery ruins, and the storehouse ruins are introduced at the "Okunoshima Island" spot, while the building that supplied electricity to the poison gas factory is introduced at the "Okunoshima Power Plant Ruins" spot. Along with interacting with the rabbits, take some quiet time to confront this history.