TOKYO — A small rooftop room at San-ikukai Hospital, which was heavily scarred by the 1945 Great Tokyo Air Raid, is slated for preservation as a vital testament to the devastating event, despite the looming demolition of the hospital building itself. The decision to safeguard this room comes as a significant triumph for historical preservation advocates, led by the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage located in Koto Ward.
This remarkable room, measuring 4.1 by 4.1 meters and standing at 2.85 meters high, fits snugly on the rooftop of the hospital’s former main building in Sumida Ward. It bears haunting traces of destruction, with blackened walls and soot-covered ceilings, along with charred remnants of wooden structures that vividly depict the horrors of that fateful air raid on March 10, 1945. Amazingly, while the surrounding area was reduced to ashes, the reinforced concrete hospital building itself withstood the onslaught, serving as a poignant reminder of resilience.
Atsuhiro Toya, 47, entrusted with the hospital’s rebuilding plans, revealed that hospital staff have preserved memories of this room as “a place where soot from the Great Tokyo Air Raid remains.” The absence of architectural blueprints and records adds to the mystery of the room’s exact purpose prior to the raid, yet it is clear that its current state is a living history of that era.
Kenta Chiji, a 44-year-old curator from the Center who inspected the room, expressed his amazement at its survival, stating, “It is difficult to really feel the atmosphere of air raids and war. This can be a trigger for people to imagine air raids when we can no longer hear directly from those who experienced them.” Both the Center and the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Sumida Ward are eager to potentially exhibit this room as an integral piece of Tokyo’s historical narrative.
Yumiko Yoshida, 83, who tragically lost her family in the air raid, visited the room and reflected on its significance, saying, “I’m glad it has remained. You can see that the fire was so intense. It must have been hot and painful for my parents and others. I think this will be a great help to convey that the air raid really happened.” Another victim, Setsuko Kawai, echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude towards those who recognized the importance of preserving such historical sites. “I hope it will help people think about what they should do to prevent a repeat of the war,” she remarked.
Following the raid, hospital records indicate it managed to handle 8,579 births in fiscal 1941, suggesting it played a crucial role in the community. The hospital demonstrated resilience, evacuating mothers and children to Nagano and later resuming services despite the destruction. Toya expresses a deep desire to communicate the strength and perseverance of the people who have lived through the war and its aftermath, emphasizing the necessity of remembering the past.
The building’s demolition is set to commence in early 2025, poignantly aligning with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and stirring a sense of urgency in preserving the remnants of a tragic chapter in Tokyo’s history.
### Interview with Kenta Chiji, Curator at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage
### Interview with Kenta Chiji, Curator at the Center of the Tokyo Raids and War Damage
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kenta. Can you tell us about the decision to preserve the small rooftop room at San-ikukai Hospital?
**Kenta Chiji:** Thank you for having me. The decision to preserve this room is historic. It serves as a crucial testament to the Great Tokyo Air Raid of March 10, 1945, which caused unimaginable destruction. This room, despite being only 4.1 by 4.1 meters, encapsulates the story of resilience in the face of disaster. While most of the surrounding area was devastated, this reinforced concrete building withstood the flames, preserving this room as a vital piece of history.
**Interviewer:** That’s remarkable. What specific features of the room make it significant?
**Kenta Chiji:** The room is a haunting reminder of the past. Its blackened walls and soot-covered ceilings tell a story that words alone cannot express. The charred remnants of wooden structures within it evoke the horror and chaos of that night. We often think of history in abstract terms, but here, you can see and feel the impact of that catastrophe.
**Interviewer:** Atsuhiro Toya mentioned that the room has been regarded by hospital staff as a memory of the air raid. How does that personal connection affect its preservation?
**Kenta Chiji:** It adds a profound layer to its significance. The memories held by the hospital staff create a living history around this space. Even though we lack detailed architectural blueprints to determine the room’s original purpose, the recollections of those who worked here during that time enrich our understanding and highlight the importance of remembering this event.
**Interviewer:** Why do you think it’s essential to preserve sites like this one?
**Kenta Chiji:** Sites like this room are not just relics; they are reminders of the fragility of peace and the consequences of war. By preserving them, we honor the memories of those who suffered and ensure that future generations understand the impacts of history. This is a critical part of not just Tokyo’s past but also a global narrative about resilience and recovery.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kenta, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that this effort is not just about preserving a structure but about maintaining a memory of resilience and loss.
**Kenta Chiji:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue. It’s crucial that we continue to remember and learn from our history.
