As Seoul froze in the winter of 1944–45, Korean families were told to share kitchens and bathe together to save coal for Imperial Japan’s war effort

This 1945 Japanese newspaper article presents a seemingly grassroots roundtable of Korean housewives from all walks of life gathering in Seoul to discuss wartime fuel shortages. On the surface, it reads as a sincere community discussion. But read between the lines, and it becomes clear: this is colonial propaganda, carefully scripted so that the Korean housewives' ideas and proposals align with the authorities' agenda.

The so-called “discussion” follows a familiar formula — women voice carefully framed complaints about unfair fuel distribution, and then gradually “propose” solutions that just happen to align with state policy: communal cooking, shared baths, and mutual sacrifice. These are not grassroots ideas, but regime talking points delivered through the mouths of colonized women to manufacture consent and compliance.

The authorities then step in, paternalistically “listening” to the women, offering vague reassurances, while praising their endurance and promising to work harder. This performance reinforces the narrative of a benevolent Japanese state and loyal Korean subjects pulling together in wartime.

Despite the heavy propaganda, this article provides a rare glimpse into how the residents of Seoul heated their homes in the winter of 1944-45. We learn that most of them used coal, while a select few had access to natural gas. These women, ranging from widows to factory workers’ wives, shared frank frustrations about the unfair fuel distribution, regional disparities, and how even basic warmth had become a struggle. Some families had to heat a single room for survival, while others received triple the allotment. There were even reports of people dismantling fences and water tank lids to burn for heat.

The communal cooking and shared baths were arranged by the Patriotic Groups (aegukban), or neighborhood cells comprising a few households each which formed the most basic governing unit of the colonial regime. The Patriotic Groups were not grassroots associations but surveillance tools embedded in every neighborhood, responsible for tasks like monitoring loyalty, organizing labor, enforcing rationing directives, holding Japanese classes, arranging marriages, and organizing mandatory State Shinto prayers and shrine visits. They were the local level organizations of the Korean Federation of National Power (国民総力朝鮮連盟, 국민총력조선연맹), which functioned as the one and only political party of Korea. Based on the article, the patriotic group leaders had broad authority to order families to share their kitchens or bathtubs with other members of the neighborhood cell, revealing the deeply coercive nature of Imperial Japanese colonial governance at the most intimate levels of daily life. 

The news illustration shows a man walking out of a house with a sign saying "風呂当番" or "bath duty", indicating a shared bath. He says to his neighbors, "ヤマ、お先に", meaning "Oh, go ahead".

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 30, 1945

Roundtable Discussion in Print: Fuel (Part 3)
Bathing and Cooking Done Communally
Large Disparity in Rations by District

Voices of sincere housewives striving to rebuild a resilient wartime lifestyle, offering suggestions such as “What if we try this?” or “What about that?” under limited living conditions, overflow with a strong will to endure that has been forged through managing their kitchens. In the harsh winter months, fuel concerns have emerged as one of the most pressing issues, second only to rationing overall.

．．．．．．◇．．．．．．

Yoshiko Kataoka (Company Employee's Wife):
There are significant regional disparities in fuel distribution that still have not been corrected, and this is troubling. I do not expect full provisions, but we need at least a minimum guaranteed amount, or we cannot manage life in this cold.

Chito Matsumura (Company Employee's Wife):
I have heard that the eastern part of the city has received relatively more briquette rations, but in places like Yongsan and Misaka (present-day Huam-dong), people are treating even a single briquette as something precious.

Masuyo Umemura (Widow):
The distribution seems to differ significantly depending on house size, but for both cooking and heating, the minimum fuel needs should not vary so much.

Misaki Asō (Patriotic Group Leader):
Even for large houses, if there are more family members, a minimum standard of warmth could still be maintained by heating just one or two rooms.

Take Hirose (Midwife):
Distribution limits are set based on number of rooms, household members, availability of gas, and whether a bath is present. But this seems more like an ideal theory. For example, when fuel is distributed in less than the prescribed amount, households deemed to require the minimum get so little they have no sense of how to use it effectively. Even if the distribution is not perfectly equal, the gap should be narrowed more.

Nobuko Nakashima (General Store Owner's Wife):
There is a large house nearby with a family of four. My house is smaller, but we are a family of five. When briquettes were distributed, they received three boxes, and I received only one. That large house is only heating two rooms, while I, with more people, am also heating two rooms. The actual fuel consumption should be similar, but I cannot make sense of this distribution no matter how I think about it.

Asō (Patriotic Group Leader):
Fuel is distributed by patriotic groups, so in such cases, instead of sticking strictly to the rules, neighbors should adapt to circumstances and share. Since we are a people at war, a mutual spirit of patience and cooperation could resolve these issues.

Sachiko Takenaka (Distribution Shop Owner's Wife):
That is very true. Even with the gas nowadays, while it is supposed to be available for each household, it produces no flame at all. When we use it, rice does not cook, which is very frustrating (laughter). If it cannot be used properly, perhaps it would be better to centralize gas usage by patriotic groups and ensure stronger gas output, using it jointly. On top of that, homes that have gas receive lower fuel rations, even if their gas is not functioning properly.

Tomoko Shirakawa (Factory Worker's Wife):
This might sound like a complaint, but as you know, houses in the Korean peninsula mostly use ondol heating. At my house, we only warm one room, and the whole family eats and sleeps there. But with constant movement between cold and warm rooms, my grandmother and children have fallen ill. Unheated ondol floors are freezing cold, as if summer and winter switch places instantly.

Fusae Nakamura (Government Official's Wife):
Meanwhile, some households are still taking daily baths.

Asō (Patriotic Group Leader):
If it takes ten units of wood or coal to heat a bath for one household, that is one hundred units for ten homes. But if neighbors used one home’s bath collectively, it could be done with fifty units or even just thirty, depending on the number of households involved. In every patriotic group, there should be at least one or two homes with baths, so if people pool fuel or take turns heating, significant savings could be achieved.

Umemura (Widow):
That is true. Whether it is communal cooking or communal bathing, discussions often stall due to personal preferences, but if the authorities gave a clear directive and guidance, I believe implementation would go surprisingly smoothly.

Kataoka (Company Employee's Wife):
This might be inappropriate to say, but most households are securing fuel outside the rationing system. There are also shops openly selling expensive fuel on the streets. If all of that could be rerouted into the official distribution, we could ensure a minimum standard of warmth for all.

Nakamura (Government Official's Wife):
Using such expensive fuel drives our monthly fuel costs up to nearly 200 yen, not just 100 yen. If we could get by on rations alone, we could actually save money.

Asō (Patriotic Group Leader):
I am drying and using any combustible waste from the kitchen or trash, but it is only a small amount, and while it helps morale, it does nothing for warmth (laughter).

Matsuyama (Company Employee's Wife):
In places like Seoul, half the year is winter, so the fuel issue is extremely serious. Even things like fence panels and water tank lids are disappearing, probably because someone is using them for warmth somewhere (laughter).

Koku Irie (Company Employee's Wife):
We sometimes hear unpleasant stories about how fuel passes from retailers through the patriotic groups to households. Could the town councils make fuel quantities and allocations more transparent? Even if supplies are short, clear information helps us endure hardship with a better attitude.

---

Response from the Authorities

Efforts Will Be Increased for Distribution

◇ Regional disparities in fuel allocation occurred because distribution was carried out sequentially according to availability. For districts like Mapo and parts of Seodaemun, which have not yet received supplies, firewood cut from city-owned forests and shipments from Siheung are being redirected. Firewood stockpiled in Gwangju had been delayed due to transportation issues, but it will soon arrive to meet general demand.

Smokeless coal, which is the primary fuel, is now being urgently prioritized to areas with previously low distribution rates. Firewood and charcoal for the New Year were distributed equally to all households, and future fuel will be allocated based on designated distribution limits. While it is said that large and small houses do not differ much in consumption, allocations are assessed primarily by number of family members, with number of rooms also considered, and the differences are not as great as people imagine. This can be confirmed by looking at the distribution limit charts held by each patriotic group leader.

If there are any concerns about the fuel distribution, residents are encouraged to report them directly, and the government will respond appropriately.

We deeply appreciate the cooperation and fuel conservation efforts being made under such difficult circumstances. The city office, in coordination with relevant agencies, will strive even harder to fulfill the expectations of the people.
(Mr. Nishiwaki, Head of Economic Affairs, Seoul)

---

Appreciation for Growing Awareness of Communal Living

◇ Not only for the sake of fuel conservation, but the very fact that ideas like communal cooking and communal bathing are emerging spontaneously from housewives is truly heartening. The Korean Federation of National Power, Seoul Branch will work to support this growing enthusiasm and turn it into action.

As a form of wartime lifestyle, communal living is one of the most practical approaches. After a comprehensive survey, we will work quickly to develop concrete plans to realize these public proposals and transform them into a unified national effort.
(Mr. Inoue, Head of Total War Mobilization Division, Seoul)

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月30日

紙上井戸端会議 燃料（３）
お風呂も炊事も共同で
地区的にとても配給量に差

こうもしたら、ああもしたらと限られた生活環境のなかから逞しい決戦生活の再建を目指す真摯な主婦の声は、台所を通じて会得された勝ち抜く強い生活意欲が頼母しくもほとばしっているが、冬季生活の燃料問題は配給問題に次いで熱心な話題が提供された。

．．．．．．◇．．．．．．

片岡よし子（会社員夫人）：燃料の配給が地区的に随分相違があって、今もって是正されず困ります。充分にとはいいませんが最低量だけは確保して頂かねば低温生活も手がつけられません。

松村チト（会社員夫人）：府内の東部は比較的煉炭の配給が多かったように聴きますが、龍山、三坂の方では一個の煉炭を拝むように使ってます。

楳村増代（未亡人）：家の広さによって随分配給が違いますが炊事用にしても暖房用にしても最低限度からいえばそう相違のあるはずがないし．．．

麻生ミサキ（愛国班長）：どんなに広い家でも世帯人員が多くなれば最低温生活は一室乃至二室位を暖めることによって、それで切り抜けられるのではないでしょうか。

広瀬タケ（産婆）：配給限量が間数、人員ガスの有無及び浴場の有無によって違いますが、これは単に理想的な考え方のようです。たとえば現実に配給限量以下の量が配給されてる時、最少限の査定を受ける家庭は燃料使用の目安さえつきません。均等でなくても配給量の開きをもっとせばめて頂きたいものですね。

中島信子（雑貨店主婦）：近所で随分大きな家がありますが家族は四人です。私の内は小さい家ですが家族は五人。そこへ煉炭の配給があった時大きな家では三箱、私の方は一箱でした。その大きな家では二部屋しか暖房していません。私の方も家族が多いため二部屋全部を暖めています。こんな場合消費する燃料の量は違いはないと思うのですが、どう考えてみても解しかねます。

麻生:燃料は班単位の配給になっていますから、そうした場合規則にばかりにとらわれず実状に応じて譲り合ったらよいのですね。大きな戦争をしてる国民同志ですから、お互いに不便を忍び合う気持ち一つで解決されるのではないでしょうか。

竹中幸子（配給店主婦）：本当ですわ。最近のガスなんかも各家族で使用出来る代わりに少しも焰がでずガスを使ったときは御飯が出来そこないで困ります。（笑声）まともに使えない位なら班単位に一ヶ所位にしてガスの出を良くし共同で使ったらまだ良いのではないでしょうか。おまけに出ないガスでもガスのある家は燃料の配給も少なく査定されるんですからね。

白川友子（工員夫人）：不平のようになりますけど、御承知の様に半島の家は温突ばかりです。家では一間だけ暖めて家族一同寝起きしていますが、他の部屋との出入りで祖母と子供が病気になりました。炊かない温突はとても冷たくて夏と冬が瞬間に入れ替るのですからね。

中村房江（官吏夫人）：そうかと云えば毎日入浴している家もあります。

麻生：一軒の家でお風呂は沸すのに薪やその他の石炭が十要るとして十軒で沸せば百になりますが、それを一軒の風呂へ近所の人が入りにくるとしたら計算は五十以下三軒で沸かす分位の燃料で足ります。どこの愛国班でも少なくとも一ヶ所や二ヶ所の風呂のある家がありますから燃料を持ちよるとか廻りもちで沸かせば随分燃料が節約になると思います。

楳村：そうですね。共同炊事にしても共同浴場にしてもどうしても個人的な考え方から話がまとまりませんが、当局の方でこうしろとはっきりい指令され指導して下すったら案外すらすらと実現するのではないでしょうか。

片岡：こんなこというのは変ですが、どこのご家庭でも配給以外の燃料を確保していますし、公然街で高い燃料を販売しているところもありますが、あれを全部配給に廻して頂けたら低温生活の最低限度は確保出来るのではないでしょうか。

中村：高い燃料を使えば月の燃料費は百円どころか二百円近くもかかります。配給だけでやれたら貯蓄もぐんと出来ます。

麻生：塵芥や厨芥のなかから可燃性のものは出来るだけ乾燥させて使っていますが、その量はほんの僅かな量で、精神上は効果はありますが、さっぱり温かくはありません（笑声）。

松山：京城など一年の半分が冬ですから燃料問題は痛切ですわ。塀や水槽の蓋がなくなりますが、あれなど皆どこかでそれこそ本当に温められて仕舞うらしい（笑声）。

入江コク（会社員夫人）：燃料の小売商から班を経て各家庭へ廻る経路にときどき不愉快なことを耳にしますが町会などから班配給の数量、割当などをもっとはっきり明示して頂けないでしょうか。足らなければ足らないでも明るい気持ちで耐乏生活に打ち勝ってゆきたいと思います。

当局の答
今後は配給に一層努力

◇地区的に配給量の差があったが、これは入荷に応じて順次配給したためで、麻浦、西大門区の一部の未だ配給していない地区には府内の私有林を伐採した〇〇棚や始興から入荷の〇〇棚をふり向けている。また広州に山と積まれた薪炭は足の問題で行き悩んでいたが近く入荷し、一般の需要に応じられる。

主燃料たる無煙炭は現在配給率悪かった地区へ優先的に緊急配給を行っている。正月用薪炭の配給は各戸均等に行ったが、今後の燃料配給は定められた配給限量で行うが、広い家も小さな家も大して消費量は違わないというが、実際には家族数に重点を置き、間数量も考慮に入れて査定したもので、一般に考えるほどの差はない。これは各班長の手許にある配給限量表を見て頂けばすぐ解ることで、今後燃料配給に若し不審な点があったら、遠慮なく当係へ申し出て頂けば適宜善処する。

皆さんが乏しいなかから協力し燃料を節約して頂いていることがよく解り感謝に堪えない。府としても関係各庁と連絡の上、今後の燃料配給にはより一層努めて皆さんの期待に副うつもりです。（西脇京城府経済課長）

共同生活の自覚嬉し

◇燃料節約の意味ばかりでなく、共同炊事、共同浴場の説が一般主婦の間から起ったことは誠に喜ばしいことで、府聯盟としてもこうした盛り上がりつつある皆さんの熱意を冷まさぬよう何らかの形で実現するよう努力します。

戦時生活の形態として共同生活は最も簡易な形で、全般的に調査してみてこうした一般の要望は是非実現させるよう早速具体案を練って一つの総力運動としたいと思います。（井上京城府総力課長）

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

February 1945 news report painted Korean passengers as ‘loud’ and ‘unruly’ while praising Japanese as orderly and ‘appreciative’, detailing the broken and lawless overcrowded state of train travel in wartime Korea

 By early 1945, the Pacific War had dragged on for over three years, and Imperial Japan’s war machine was straining under the immense pressure. Nowhere was this more evident than in Korea’s crumbling railway system, which was plagued by overcrowding, resource shortages, and lawlessness. Water mains at train stations were failing, leaving passengers unable to access even basic drinking water. Food was scarce. And yet, rather than focusing on these systemic failures, this Imperial Japanese newspaper article from February 1945 seems to shift the blame onto the passengers themselves—particularly Koreans, whom it portrays as disruptive and inconsiderate.

Grainy news photo of inside of train car.

The article sets up a clear racist dichotomy: Japanese passengers are described as orderly and appreciative, while Koreans are labeled as loud, argumentative, and so selfish that they clog train aisles with oversized luggage in violation of regulations. What it fails to acknowledge, however, is that this so-called "bulky luggage" was later revealed, in an August 1945 report, to have played a crucial role in bringing desperately needed food from the countryside into the starving cities. Meanwhile, Chinese and Manchurian passengers are stereotyped as aggressive and fixated on money, reinforcing Imperial Japan’s racial hierarchy.

Beyond these racist narratives, the article paints a picture of lawlessness aboard Korea’s wartime trains—with rising pickpocketing, undeclared cash smuggling, and travel permit fraud. The unrefined nouveau riche black marketeers, who got rich quick profiting off the inflationary war economy, were seen more and more among the first- and second-class passengers. 

In essence, this article is not just about a collapsing train system—it is about an empire struggling to maintain its grip, both physically and ideologically, as its war efforts falter. What was framed as "passenger misbehavior" was, in reality, the natural outcome of a system breaking under the weight of its own failures.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) February 26, 1945

Decline in Passenger Quality in First and Second Class

Overwhelming Amounts of Luggage Brought Onboard
Sunday Paper Investigation

"Enemy aircraft approaching!" The cabin chief repeatedly shouts. The train is in motion, and by the time the lookout spots enemy planes, it is already too late. What follows is a low-altitude strafing run by the enemy. The train interior is plunged into darkness for a moment. "Where are my leg wraps? Where is my luggage?" Passengers, who had been leisurely sleeping without their air-raid gear, are thrown into instant chaos. Injuries occur one after another. This is what happens when training and discipline break down. This is the tragic reality of train travel in Korea during wartime.

As a reporter, I wanted to investigate the state of these "decisive battle trains", so I boarded Train No. 12, packed with passengers from Seoul, and Train No. 1, which departed Busan carrying mainland Japanese travelers.

Observations on Train No. 12

Train No. 12 was not overly crowded. As the only express train departing from Seoul, it demonstrated a commendable level of self-restraint. At departure, some men had pushed past others to secure seats, leaving women carrying children standing. However, soon after leaving the station, the enforcement of the three-person bench rule restored order.

However, the luggage blocking the aisles was unacceptable by any standard. Until the train reached Busan, these bags remained a persistent obstacle for passengers. Though the quantity was not excessive, the luggage itself was often too large. The official luggage size limit of 1 shaku 1 sun cubic (approximately 33 cm per side) is not an empty regulation. To enforce this, all baggage should have tags clearly displaying length, width, height, and volume, and oversized items should be rejected at ticket gates.

Inspecting the train’s first-aid kit, it contained wound medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and stimulants, making it well-equipped. However, bandages and gauze were in short supply. Passengers must carry triangular bandages or personal bandages as an absolute necessity.

When inquiring about fire extinguishers, the response was that none were available. Immediate installation of simple extinguishers is necessary. Compact fire suppression lamps using hydrochloric acid coal solution, "Kwajalein" soda solution, or sodium carbonate powder would be effective in enclosed train compartments.

I gave the cleanliness of the train an evaluation score of about 70 points out of 100 thanks to cooperation between passengers and staff. However, in one or two cars, windows were grimy with soot and dirt and the stench from toilets spread throughout the cabin.

Observations on Train No. 1

After leaving Train No. 12, I boarded Train No. 1 in Busan, which carried only mainland Japanese passengers. Upon stepping in, an instant realization struck—"Ah!" The sight was refreshing, and that made me happy. The luggage was neatly arranged, and you could go through the vacated aisle from one end of the train to the other. This was a complete victory over the Korean passengers on Train No. 12.

In terms of attire, two women stood out in flashy kimonos, but considering that some Korean passengers still wore traditional chima skirts, the contest was about even. However, both groups scored about 80 points out of 100 in adherence to air-raid gear regulations.

The dining car was overcrowded, with passengers unable to enter. When I finally managed to speak with the head steward, he explained:

"Our meals are wartime rations, as you can see, but compared to the past, the number of customers has increased tenfold. At peak times, we make an effort to alleviate these difficulties by serving meals for 400 to 500 passengers. Considering that Manchuria and China trains only serve about 50 people per session, we should be recognized for our efforts."

I asked about the water supply situation: "Recently, passengers cannot get water at stations, so they bring water bottles and come to the dining car requesting water. Can anything be done about this?"

The head steward, responded, "As you pointed out, the number of passengers has increased and the water pipes fail at the train stations, so the water tank in the dining car is always running low." 

I asked about crowd control: "Can anything be done to deal with passengers who push forward in a disorderly way?"

"They push forward with a herd mentality, so the passengers often turn become unruly. It is a real problem."

Classification of Passengers Based on Behavior

It is said that selfish passengers tend to fall into three broad categories:

1. Japanese mainland passengers – demanding but appreciative once served.
2. Korean passengers – loud, argumentative, and full of complaints.
3. Manchurian and Chinese passengers – rough, aggressive, and focused on money.

Crime Trends and Passenger Quality

I managed to speak with a traveling police officer on board the train, and I asked him about crime trends and the quality of the passengers. He confirmed:

• Pickpocketing has increased. Most thefts occur in the crowds at dining car entrances or when people while buying bento meals, which are places where people get distracted.
• Fewer passengers are carrying cameras or watches for resale.
• A significant number of passengers from Manchuria and China are smuggling in undeclared cash in violation of regulations.

He also noted a decline in the quality of first- and second-class passengers, stating:

"The quality of the first- and second-class passengers has fallen and the number of nouveau riche who profited from the inflationary economy has increased. In the past, second-class passengers were more refined, and first-class passengers carried themselves with dignity. Even we felt intimidated by them. However, today, first-class passengers have clearly lost their former prestige."

A train officer confirmed:

"Yes, the quality of upper-class passengers has definitely declined. However, overall, we see a stronger shift toward the wartime mindset. Ticket fraud has decreased significantly. However, many travel permits, while valid in form, seem suspicious in content. Recently, we caught someone carrying 30 pre-stamped travel permits, all ready for immediate use. That was really surprising. Naturally, they were confiscated without question. Another common issue is passengers claiming, 'I was pickpocketed and lost all my money—please help me!' Some long-serving train staff have lent out a total of 500 to 600 yen in such cases, but less than a third of it has ever been repaid."

[Photo: Inside the train cabin]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年2月26日

一、二等の客質低下
夥しい荷物の持込み
日曜紙上査察

『敵機来襲』車内班長の連呼。列車は進行中で見張員が敵機を見つけた時はもう遅い。続いて敵機の低空射撃だ。車内は一瞬消灯、真暗になる。巻脚絆はどこだ？荷物はどこだ？防空服装をぬいでのんびり寝て居た客は忽ち大混乱。負傷者は相つぐ。これが一たび訓練統一を失ったもの。鮮内列車の喰わねばならぬ惨状だ。

記者は京城からの客を満載した十二列車と釜山から内地の客を吸い込んだ一列車に乗り込んで決戦列車の実態をみた。十二列車は混んでいない。京城唯一の始発急行列車としては見事な自粛ぶりだ。尤も発車当時は男が他を押し分けて坐り込み、子供を負んぶした婦人が立っていたりしたが、発車後間もなく三人掛けの励行で皆落ちついてしまった。

ところが通路を塞いだ荷物はどんなに贔屓目に見ても感心できない。結局釜山に着くまで通行者の徹底的な邪魔物で改善されなかった。箇数は多くないが概して大きすぎる。荷物は最大一尺一寸立方の規定は決して形式的な空文ではない。規定を励行させたいならば今後は手荷物の長さ、幅、高さとその体積を一々荷物に大きく明示した紙片を貼付させ、大きなものは改札口で拒絶することが必要だ。

車内の救急箱を見せてもらう。外傷薬、胃腸薬、覚醒剤など一通りは揃って立派なもの。しかし繃帯とガーゼは心細い。これはぜひ乗客自身において三角巾か繃帯を携帯することが絶対必要だ。ついでに消火器を訊ねたら無いとのこと。簡易消火器の備付は至急に望ましい。塩酸石炭液やクエゼリン曹達液或は炭酸曹達粉末を主体とする小型消火灯は列車の様に密閉した小室に威力を発揮する。車内の清掃は乗客乗務員協力のものとして成績は七〇点と言うところ。窓口には垢と煤煙が溜まり便所は悪臭を車内まで漂わして居るのが一二輌あった。

十二列車に別れ内地客ばかりの一列車に釜山から乗り込んで内地の空気を吸ってみる。一列車には実の所『あっ』と思った。嬉しくなったのだ。荷物が整然として通路が一直線に全列車を貫いているさまは全く胸がすく総観だ。これは鮮内客側の完全な敗北だ。服装では婦人の派手な着流し二人が目立ったが、これは鮮内にもチマがまだチラつくのと睨み合わせて勝負は五分というところ。だが双方防空服装は先ず八十点、食堂をのぞくと押しかけ大食客で中に入れない。やっとのことで給仕長を据えると『料理は御覧の通りの決戦食ですが、昔い比べて十倍近い人数で多いときは四、五百名の食事を扱って弁当難緩和に努力しています。満支が一回五十人ぐらいしか扱わないのに比べて努力を大いに買ってもらいたい所です』

『近頃駅では水がもらえぬので客が水筒を持って食堂車にたのみにくるようだが何とかならぬものか』

『今言った通り客が殖えたのと駅水道が故障だったりするので食堂車の水タンクはいつも欠乏している』

『無統制に押しかける客を何とかして整理出来ぬか』

『群集心理で押しかけるのだからとかく粗暴になり勝ちで全くの所困っている』

ところで、わが儘な乗客にも大体三種類あるとのこと。即ち内地からの客は難しいが感謝して喰ってくれる。鮮内の客はうるさくて理窟ぽい。満支からの客は粗暴で金銭主義と色分け出来るそうだ。

丁度乗合せた移動警官に乗客の質、犯罪の傾向を聴くと、『近頃スリが増えた。掏られるのは大抵食堂の入口の混雑とか弁当買出しのときの油断に決まって居る。売買目的の時計写真機等の携行は減った。満支から規定を破った現金を持ち込む者も相当に多い。又一二等客も質が下ってインフレ景気の俄成金が殖えた。昔は二等客といえばもっと上品で、一等客は威風堂々として自分らも気押されしたものだが、近頃は一等客も確かに格が落ちている』

乗客専務も『近頃上級車の客が確かに質が下っていますが、全体としては決戦体制へ向った感じです。乗車券の不正などはぐっと減りましたが、しかし旅行証明書は形だけ整っても内容の怪しいのが多いようです。先だっても一人で三十枚もの旅行証明書用紙に印を捺して全部すぐ使えるようにして持っていたのがいましたが実に驚いたものです。こんなのは文句なしに没収です。次に多いのは「財布をすられて無一文になったから何とかしてくれ」というの手合いです。長年勤続の給仕の中にはこんなとき貸した金が五、六百円にもなっているのがいますが、三分の一も返送して来ません』

【写真＝列車内風景】

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Forgotten Korean Suicide Attacker ‘Hero’ celebrated by Imperial Japan: Park Gwan-bin (박관빈, 朴官彬) charged into an Allied machine-gun nest clutching an anti-tank explosive during the Burma Campaign in Dec. 1944

In the annals of forgotten history, few figures exemplify the complex and tragic reality of Korean soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army quite like Park Gwan-bin (朴官彬), who is featured in the following propaganda news articles from January 1945 that are translated and transcribed below. 

Park Gwan-bin

Park, hailing from a rural village in Wiwon County in northern Korea, volunteered for the Imperial Army and met his death in Burma in December 1944 during the Burma campaign, charging into an enemy position while clutching an anti-tank explosive. His suicide attack destroyed a fortified machine-gun nest, paving the way for his comrades’ advance. The Imperial Japanese press at the time lavishly honored him, painting him as a model of unwavering loyalty and sacrifice as a land-based kamikaze attacker. His heroism was not only a personal achievement but a shared glory, extending to his family, his village, and even his entire county. As the articles show, his nine family members—including his parents, wife, daughter, younger brother, and uncle—were publicly associated with his 'martyrdom', an honor that might have carried tangible social and economic benefits.

The party leader of the Korean Federation of National Power (国民総力朝鮮連盟, 국민총력조선연맹), the monolithic party that ruled Korea under Japanese occupation, also celebrated Park’s sacrifice, tying it to Korea’s collective wartime contribution. The party leader also eulogized Lim Jang-su (림장수, 林長守), a Korean kamikaze pilot who destroyed a U.S. Navy vessel in the Philippines in a December 7, 1944 attack, as well as Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), another Korean kamikaze pilot who also died in the Philippines in a November 29, 1944 attack. In Jae-ung was quite possibly the first Korean kamikaze pilot ever to die in combat. A translation of a brief biographical article about In Jae-ung from the NHK Japanese news service is provided at the end of this post.

Park’s sacrifice was not only a source of honor for his family but also for various stakeholders who basked in his reflected glory. The county governor openly expressed his pride in having such a hero emerge from his jurisdiction, while the director of the training center in Pyongyang, where Park was trained, also took great pride in producing a soldier of such loyalty and valor. Even Park’s squad leader, his student company commander, and the captain who oversaw his training days were drawn into the celebration of his heroism, their reputations enhanced by their association with him. These layers of commemoration indicate that battlefield martyrdom was not merely an individual act but a means to elevate an entire network of people—from local officials to military instructors—who could claim a connection to the fallen hero.

Aside from the two celebrated kamikaze pilots, this article also briefly mentions other Korean “martyrs” in passing, like Lee In-seok, who is known to be the first Korean Imperial Army soldier to be killed in battle during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Unfortunately, other Korean soldiers referenced in the article remain frustratingly obscure, with little to no available information. This is an area where historians could pick up where existing research has failed.

Had Imperial Japan won the war, figures like Park Gwan-bin and Lim Jang-su would likely be Korean national icons today, with monuments erected in their honor, buildings named after them, schoolchildren learning their stories, and their spirits venerated in national ceremonies facing Yasukuni Shrine. They would have been ubiquitous in state propaganda, enshrined as the ultimate symbols of Korean loyalty to the Empire. But in our timeline, they are nearly forgotten, their stories buried in the shadows of history, and uncovering even fragments of their lives is an immense challenge. 

One translation decision that I made in this post was to list his name as Park Gwan-bin, even though the original newspaper articles only referred to him by his Japanized name, Bokumura (朴村). While I do not have explicit evidence that his original Korean name was Park, the fact that his Japanized surname incorporates the Hanja (Chinese character) for Park (朴) makes it a strong assumption. 

Given that different newspaper reports from January 29 and January 30, 1945, list different ages and identities for Park’s family members, discrepancies likely arose due to language barriers—his rural Korean relatives may have struggled to communicate in Japanese or spoken an obscure Korean dialect unfamiliar to reporters.

Another discrepancy that I found is that one article describes that Park grew up in poverty, while another article mentions that his family is well-off. Perhaps his farming family grew wealthy only after he grew older. Alternatively, it may be that the term 'well-off' was relative to the wealth of other farming families in the area, and that, compared to other families in Korea as a whole, their family would still have been considered poor.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 29, 1945
Flesh and Steel—A Path Cleared by Assault
Behold, the Brilliant Military Deeds of Private First Class Park!

As the shining heroic feats of Lieutenants Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean name In Jae-ung, 인재웅, 印在雄) and Lim Jang-su illuminate the Korean peninsula like divine eagles, so too has Private First Class Park Gwan-bin (박관빈, 朴官彬, Japanese surname Bokumura 朴村), a volunteer from the Korean peninsula, fought bravely on the Burmese front. His valiant struggle has led to the ultimate sacrifice, his noble body falling amid the grass, dyed with blood. His luminous individual citation has now been publicly announced.

The esteemed Private First Class Park hails from 84 Gobo-dong (고보동, 古堡洞), Bongsan-myeon (봉산면, 鳳山面), Wiwon County (위원군, 渭原郡), North Pyongan Province. He was among the first class of volunteers trained at the Pyongyang First Volunteer Training School. Assigned to the Itai squad, he displayed remarkable martial prowess on the pestilence-ridden, scorching front lines. In particular, during combat on the banks of the Irrawaddy River last December, he fearlessly led his squad to the forefront, pressing against the enemy position despite sustaining severe injuries. Undeterred, he clutched an anti-tank explosive to his chest and charged into the enemy fortifications spitting fire. In an instant, he obliterated the enemy's fortified machine-gun nest and, in the ensuing chaos, personally stabbed several enemy soldiers to death. His sacrifice paved the way for the advance of our forces, making him a spearhead for the protection of the Imperial nation, perishing with honor on the Burmese front.

This marks the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean volunteer. The boundless spirit of loyalty and self-sacrifice displayed by Private First Class Park, whose valor could stir even the spirits of the fallen, serves as a model not only for his fellow Korean volunteers but also for the elite ranks of the Imperial Army. Just as the names of Privates First Class Lee In-seok and Lee Hyang-su (이향수, 李享洙) who stained the battlefields of Shanxi with their pure blood, shine brightly, and as Sergeant Kaneshiro Yoshiki (金城義輝) received the distinguished honor of a double-rank promotion for extraordinary military achievements, Park’s valor now shines as a bright light in the annals of the Greater East Asia War.

The 26 million people of the Korean peninsula, already filled with burning gratitude and admiration for the divine eagles and soldiers of the sky, must now deepen their resolve and elevate their will to fight. The noble soul of Private First Class Park must serve as an inspiration for all.

A Land-Based Special Attack Unit
A Manifestation of the Spirit of Sacrifice
Testimony from Chief Reporter Nagaya

The Korean peninsula, which has already brought forth the divine eagles, the Special Attack Unit members Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, whose unwavering loyalty and valor will be remembered for eternity, has once again demonstrated its martial spirit. Earlier this year, on the central China front, Privates Second Class Ōyama and Morishige fearlessly engaged in fierce combat, cutting down more than ten enemy soldiers with unrelenting force. Their remarkable bravery earned high praise from General Okamura, commander of the China Expeditionary Army. Now, the Burmese front has seen the emergence of another legend: Private First Class Park Gwan-bin, the first from the Korean peninsula to receive an individual commendation.

Private First Class Park, under the most adverse conditions, bravely pressed forward with an anti-tank explosive in his arms, destroying a heavily fortified enemy machine-gun emplacement and significantly aiding our military operations. His actions exemplify the highest spirit of sacrifice. When he realized his grave injuries would prevent him from rising again, he calmly shouted "Banzai to His Majesty the Emperor!" before embracing death with composure. This act of ultimate loyalty is the very embodiment of the warrior spirit and can be rightfully deemed the equivalent of a land-based Special Attack Unit.

At a time when the Greater East Asia War sees fierce battles against the Americans unfolding on the Philippine front and the vast expanse of China, these Korean soldiers have shattered the enemy’s ranks, demonstrating superhuman feats of courage in both air and land operations to destroy the British and the Americans. Their deeds will surely solidify the 26 million Koreans' unwavering resolve for ultimate victory.

Even now, numerous Korean soldiers fight alongside those from the homeland across land, sea, and air. Without a doubt, further exemplary military exploits will emerge. With the second round of conscription examinations currently underway across all of Korea, these young men, inspired by the shining military exploits of their predecessors, must surely feel the flames of loyalty and devotion burning deep within their hearts. Young Korean men must engrave upon their hearts that military service is the highest honor for a man and the most exalted duty of a subject of Japan. They must strive to achieve glorious military feats so as not to bring shame upon their predecessors. At the same time, they must take to heart the spirit of the young warriors who have demonstrated their resolve to the 26 million people of the peninsula. With unshakable determination, they must unite all their strength to carry out the war to its conclusion and annihilate the British and the Americans.

Graduate of the Pyongyang Second Volunteer Training School

Having fully demonstrated the essence of the Imperial Army, Private First Class Park Gwan-bin fell heroically on the Burmese front, earning an individual commendation. Born in 84 Gobo-dong-84, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, North Pyongan Province, he graduated from Bongsan Elementary School. Initially engaged in farming at home, he was unable to suppress his fervent desire to become a volunteer soldier, so in 1942, he enrolled in the Pyongyang Second Army Volunteer Training School. After completing his training, he served as an assistant instructor at the same school. When he passed the rigorous second screening, he proudly stepped into the ranks of the military.

At home, his family consists of five other members including his father, Il-chan (일찬, 一賛)  (39 years old), his mother, Jik-ok (직옥, 直玉) (42 years old), his younger brother, Seong-bin (성빈, 星彬) (13 years old), his younger sister, Seon-bin (선빈, 善彬) (4 years old), and his uncle, Park Byeong-chan (병찬, 炳賛). The family is well-off, owning extensive farmland.

A Flower Always Adorned His Instructor's Desk
A Story from His Training School Days

[Pyongyang Telephone Report] Though Private First Class Park was a fearless warrior who struck terror into the hearts of the enemy, he also had a gentle side, as recently recounted in a cherished tale from his days at his training school in Pyongyang.

One day, while in training, he happened to notice that his instructor's desk held an empty vase. Finding the sight lonely, he thought, "Even in a training school, it would not be inappropriate for a vase to hold flowers." From the following morning, beautiful flowers mysteriously began appearing in the vase each day. After two or three days, the instructor, curious about the benefactor, discovered that the kind-hearted Park had been placing them there.

Beyond this anecdote, Private First Class Park worked tirelessly to improve the capabilities of Squad 38, of which he was a part, supporting the squad leader to make it a model unit within the school.

Follow This Loyal and Heroic Example!
Statement from the Chief of the Korean Federation of National Power

"At this moment, having learned that Private First Class Park has distinguished himself on the Burma front with remarkable military achievements, serving as a noble foundation for our Empire’s inevitable victory and living on in eternal righteousness, I am overwhelmed with emotion. He has been awarded a commendation from the army commander and, furthermore, has had the great honor of being reported to His Majesty.

Inspired by the eternal brilliance of the loyalty, courage, and valor of Second Lieutenants Matsui and Lim, as well as Sergeant Kanehara, we are now further moved by the unprecedented honor bestowed upon a Korean for the first time. This news is an immense source of pride for the Korean Peninsula, and we must widely extol his military achievements. At the same time, we must also remain steadfast in our sincerity, burn with an unshakable conviction in the defense of the Empire, and strive to align ourselves with the Imperial Will.

Now, as the realities of the war situation grow ever more severe, there is no room for cheap optimism. This autumn, when the entire hundred million must truly rise up and devote themselves fully to supplying the front lines, we must take to heart the spirit of Private First Class Park, who seized the enemy position in a life-or-death charge. We must renew our resolve to follow his path of loyal and heroic sacrifice."

The Deep Emotion at the Volunteer Soldier Training Center

[Pyongyang – Telephone Report] The deep emotion surrounding the heroic Private First Class Park has also spread to the Second Volunteer Soldier Training Center, where he trained. Former director Colonel Kamizumi Ryōkichi, student company commander Captain Wakamatsu Yoshinosuke, and squad leader Corporal Shiratani Masato each shared their heartfelt thoughts:

"It is truly an honor for our training center to have produced such a devoted Imperial soldier as Private First Class Park. We are simply overwhelmed with emotion. Private First Class Park was raised in a relatively wealthy household, and his parents were highly understanding people. A home that fosters such understanding naturally produces outstanding Imperial soldiers. We hope that all families will take this moment to deepen their understanding of the Imperial Army. Park was a gentle, serious man with exemplary conduct and a strong sense of responsibility. He was not only the pride of his family but also of our training center, and we cannot contain our joy."

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 30, 1945
The Character of Private First Class Park
A Man of Strong Willpower
Top of His Class in School

[Sinuiju Telephone Report] On the 28th, just as our spirits were still stirred by the heroic kamikaze attack of Second Lieutenant Lim Jang-su, we received news of another honor—the first-ever individual commendation for a Korean soldier, awarded to Private First Class Park Gwan-bin. All the people of the province, and indeed the entire Korean peninsula, reflected upon his brilliant military exploits and honor and resolved, with unwavering sincerity, to offer their own lives in service of the Emperor by destroying the enemy. The following is an account of Private First Class Park’s character:

Park was born in a poor farming household in Gobo-dong, Bongsan-myeon, Wiwon County, about 4.5 ri (approximately 18 kilometers) from Wiwon town. His strict father, Mr. Park Il-chan, was known as the most diligent farmer in the region. Growing up in this simple and honest environment, young Gwan-bin naturally became a quiet, gentle, and sincere individual.

By the time he graduated in March 1940 from Dongjang Public Elementary School (sixth graduating class), he had developed a strong physique and had gained a reputation as a determined young man who never gave up once he set his mind on something. He was expected to become a pillar of the village’s youth community.

Despite his family’s poverty, he studied diligently. He consistently ranked at the top of his class, astonishing those around him.

It was during this time that he resolved to enlist as a special volunteer soldier in the Imperial Army. Despite opposition from the villagers, he persisted and was finally accepted into the Pyongyang Special Volunteer Soldier Training Center in the summer of 1942. With a heart filled with excitement, he donned his training uniform and devoted himself entirely to the path of a true Imperial soldier.

He completed his training in December of that year. Afterward, he served as an assistant instructor at the Bongsan Youth Special Training Center, where he trained recruits with an unyielding spirit. He was a man of action, leading by example rather than mere words.

His courageous final act—charging into the enemy lines with explosives in hand—was the ultimate expression of his resolute will.

In a later month, he formally entered military service and gave his life in glory on the Burma front.

His surviving family members include his father Il-chan (41 years old), his mother Jik-ok (46 years old), his wife Ok-kin (24 years old), his four-year-old daughter, his younger brother’s wife, two younger sisters, and cousins—a total of nine relatives.

A Great Honor for the County
Statement from the Governor of Wiwon County

[Sinuiju – Telephone Report] Mr. Harada Keisei, the governor of Wiwon County, who had traveled to attend the Provincial Governors’ Conference on the 30th, expressed his profound emotion upon learning of the first individual commendation awarded to a Korean soldier:

"The unprecedented honor of this individual commendation is not only a supreme distinction for Private First Class Park himself but also an incomparable honor for all 40,000 residents of our county.

Previously, we had the honor of producing the late Second Lieutenant Lim, and now we have given rise to yet another heroic soldier, Private First Class Park. There is no greater pride and joy than this.

Thinking of the fact that such divine soldiers have emerged from my jurisdiction, I cannot remain still. The only way to truly repay the heroic deeds of these soldiers is to dedicate ourselves to increased wartime production.

Now is the time for all 40,000 county residents to follow in the footsteps of Private First Class Park!"

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月29日
肉弾・拓く突撃路
ああ武勲燦たり朴村上等兵

半島の神鷲松井、林両少尉の偉烈燦と輝くときビルマ戦線に勇戦奮闘、壮烈草染む屍の栄光に殉じた半島出身志願兵朴村官彬上等兵に対する輝く個人感状が発表された。

誉れの朴村上等兵は平北渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四の出身、平壌第一志願兵訓練所一期生だ。板井分隊に属して灼熱瘴癘の戦線に武功をうち樹て、とくに昨年十二月イラワジ河岸の戦闘には分隊の最先頭に立って敵陣に肉薄重傷を受けるも届せず、破甲爆雷をしっかと胸に抱き敢然として火を吐く敵陣に突入、一瞬にして敵掩蓋重機陣地を爆砕すると、共に周章狼狽の敵数名を刺殺。友軍進撃の途を拓いて壮烈ビルマ戦線に皇国護持の尖兵と散ったのである。

半島出身志願兵に対する栄の個人感状はこれが最初であり、朴村上等兵のその鬼神を哭かしむる尽忠殉国の赤誠は半島出身志願兵は勿論、皇軍精鋭の亀鑑ともいうべく、さきに山西の戦野を純血に染めた李仁錫、李享洙両上等兵をはじめ、武功抜群二階級特進の栄誉に浴した金城義輝兵長らの勲と共に大東亜戦史に燦たる光芒を放ったものである。

二千六百万はさきに神鷲、空の神兵に捧げた燃え沸ぎる感謝と感激をさらに一段と深めて戦う士気を昂揚。この朴村上等兵の芳魂に続かなければならない。

恰も陸の特攻隊
これぞ犠牲精神の発露
長屋報道部長語る

忠烈万古に薫る特攻隊員松井、林両少尉の神鷲を出し、その声価を中外に輝かした半島は今年はじめ中支戦線において敵兵十数名を刺殺し獅子奮迅の活躍をして岡村支那派遣軍司令官からいたく激賞された大山、森重二等兵をはじめ今またビルマ戦線に於いて半島出身初の個人感状の栄に輝く朴村官彬上等兵を出したことは唯々感激のほかなき次第である。特に朴村上等兵は最も困難なる状況のもと敢然身に破甲爆雷を抱き肉薄中掩蓋重機陣地を粉砕。味方の作戦を容易ならしめた行為は真に尊き犠牲精神の発露であると共に重傷の末再び起つ能わざるを知るや、天皇陛下万歳を唱え従容死につく。これ一死以て国に報ゆる尽忠精神のあらわれにして真に軍人精神の亀鑑であり陸の特攻隊というべきである。

今や大東亜戦争は比島戦線をはじめ支那大陸、熾烈な日米決戦が展開されているとき、これら半島出身兵が空に陸に体当たりを以て米英撃滅に鬼神を哭かしむる武勲を樹てたことは半島二千六百万をして勝ち抜く決意を一層新たにしたことであろう。

現在尚多くの半島出身兵が陸、海、空に内地出身兵と共に活躍中であるが、必ずや赫々たる武勲が続々と現れることを確信している。いま全鮮に亘り第二回目の徴兵検査が実施されているが、これらの若き壮丁は武勲輝く先輩の忠烈に対し胸奥深く尽忠の焰を燃えたぎらせていることであろう。

兵役は男子最高の名誉であり、日本臣民として崇高な義務であることを銘肝し先輩の名を恥かしめないよう立派な手柄を樹てることを切望すると同時に半島二千六百万に対し身を以て示した若き勇士の心を心として米英撃滅に向って飽くまで戦争遂行に総力を結集することを望んで止まない。

平壌第二志願訓練所の出身

皇軍の真髄を発揮しビルマ戦線で壮烈な戦死を遂げ個人感状授与に輝く朴村官彬上等兵は平北道渭原郡凰山面古堡洞八四に生れ凰山国民学校を卒業。一時家庭にあって農事にいそしんでいたが志願兵への熱望おさえがたく昭和十七年平壌の第二陸軍志願者訓練所に入所訓練終了後、同訓練所の助手として勤務しているうち第二次銓衡に見事合格、勇躍晴れの軍門を潜ったのである。

家庭には父一賛氏（39）、母直玉さん（42）、弟星彬君（13）、妹善彬さん（４つ）に叔父の炳賛氏の五人がおり、大農家である。

教官の机上、常に花あり
床しい訓練所時代の挿話

【平壌電話】敵陣に向っては鬼をもひしぐ勇猛果敢な朴村上等兵の優しい一面を物語る『朴村生徒の花』の逸話が、いま新たに平壌の予備訓練所で語られている。

訓練所入所中の或日、朴村生徒はふと教官の机上をみた。そこには花瓶あれど花なし、淋しさであった。訓練所とはいえ花瓶に花の風情はあっても差支えなかろう、と考えた。

恰度その翌日から毎朝その花瓶に美しい花が挿されるようになった。二日、三日は教官も黙していたが、毎日続く『花』に一体誰が挿してくれるのか、と不審に思い花の主をさがしたところ、朴村生徒の優しい心尽くしであることが判った。このほか朴村上等兵は当時編入していた三十八班の素質の向上を考え班長と共に尽力し同訓練所でも模範的な班に仕上げた功績も残している。

この忠烈に続け！
韓聯盟総長談

只今ビルマ戦線において赫々たる武勲を樹てて皇国必勝の尊い礎として悠久の大義に生きた朴村上等兵に対し、軍司令官より感状を授与せられ更に畏くも上聞に達せられたる光栄に浴したことを知り心からなる感激に咽んでいる次第であります。

裏に松井、林両少尉並に金原軍曹の萬世に輝く忠勇義烈に感動した我等は今又半島人としてこの最初の無上の光栄に浴したる報道に接したことは半島にとって絶大なる誇りとしてその武功を大いに宣揚すべきであると共に我等又至誠一貫、皇国護持の大信念に燃え、大御心に副い奉らねばなりません。

今や戦局の現実は愈々深刻となり安価なる楽観を許さず一億真に奮起、戦線への補給に最善をつくさなければならぬこの秋、我等は決死敵陣を占領した朴村上等兵の心を心として忠烈に続く決意を新にしなければなりません。

志願兵訓練所の感激

【平壌電話】神兵朴村官彬上等兵を出した当時の第二志願兵訓練所所長上住良吉大佐、生徒隊長若松吉之助大尉、区隊長白谷正人伍長は訓練所の名誉でもあるとそれぞれ次の如く感激談を語った。

わが訓練所から朴村上等兵の如き尽忠に燃える皇兵を出したことは実に有難い。只々感激している次第である。朴村上等兵は相当裕福な家庭に育ち両親が非常に理解ある人でした。理解ある家庭を持つことがかかる立派な皇兵を生み出すものと思う。

一般の家庭もこの際皇軍に対する理解を深めて貰いたい。朴村上等兵は日頃柔順で真面目、品行方正で責任感の強い男でした。本人はもとより一家一門の誉れであるが、わが訓練所としても喜びに堪えない。

京城日報 1945年1月30日

朴村上等兵：人となりの記
強い実行力
学校は首席で押通す

【新義州電話】神風特攻隊林長守少尉の壮烈なる体当たりに我ら神風魂に決戦の新なる決意と感激まだ醒めやらぬ二十八日、又も朴村官彬上等兵（渭原郡凰山面古堡洞出身）に対する半島初の個人感状授与と殊勲上聞の栄誉をきく全道民はもちろん半島民衆はその輝かしい武勲と栄誉を偲ぶと共にただただ滅敵の一死奉公の誠を固く誓った。以下は朴村上等兵の人となりの記である。

この朴村上等兵は渭原邑内から約四里半も離れた凰山面古堡洞の貧しい農家に生れた。厳父一賛氏はこの地方切っての精農家で純朴な生活環境は少年官彬をそのまま無口で温厚篤実なものへと育み上げて行った。

昭和十五年三月東場公立国民学校（第六期生）を修了する頃には頑丈な体格と何かやり出せば最後までやり通す頼もしい青年となって部落の中堅青年として嘱望されていた。貧しい家庭の中にあってよく勉強し、学校ではいつも首席を占めては人々の舌を巻いたのもこの少年であった。

陸軍特別志願兵へと志願したのもこの頃で、村の人々の反対を押し切って到頭昭和十七年の夏、平壌特別志願兵訓練所に入所訓練服に胸躍らせつつ只管神兵への道にいそしんだ。

同所を同年十二月に修了。その後凰山青年特別錬成所に指導員の助手として元気で訓練生と共に血の出るような訓練生活を重ねた。常に口でいうよりも自分が身をもって実戦して行った爆雷を抱いて敵陣に突撃した壮烈な魂もこの身を以て挺身した実行力にあった。

〇〇月に晴れて入営ビルマ戦線に護国の華を散ったものである。なお遺族には父一賛氏（41）、母直玉さん（46）、妻玉キンさん（24）、長女（４つ）、弟の妻、妹二人に従兄弟など九名がいる。

郡の名誉
渭原郡守談

【新義州電話】三十日開かれる府尹郡守会議に出席のため上道した渭原郡守原田桂成氏は朴村上等兵の半島人初の個人感状授与の知らせを知って左の如く感激談をなした。

半島初の個人感状授与の破格の名誉は本人のみならず四万郡民のこの上もない名誉である。さきに故林少尉を出し又も朴村上等兵を出したことはこの上もない誇りであり喜びだ。これは自分の管内に神兵を出したと思うとじっとしていられない感じた。

この感激を増産につぎ込むことこそ神兵の武勲に応える唯一の道である。今こそ四万郡民は朴村上等兵に続くべきだ。

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Matsui Hideo (松井秀雄) (Korean Name: In Jae-ung)

• Age at Death: 20 years and 6 months
• Place of Death: Leyte Bay, Philippines
• Date of Death: November 29, 1944
• Place of Origin: Korean Peninsula
• Military Rank: Army Corporal
• Training: 13th Class of Youth Aviation Cadets
• Unit: Army Special Attack Unit, Member of the Yasukuni Unit
• Aircraft: Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa"
• Cause of Death: Killed in Action

Early Life

Matsui Hideo, originally named In Jae-ung (인재웅, 印在雄), was born on May 3, 1924, as the second son of a businessman. He had two younger sisters. At the age of 12, he moved to Kaesong with his mother and sisters. He attended Kaesong Public Commercial School before volunteering as a youth aviation cadet in the Imperial Japanese Army, where he became a pilot of the "Hayabusa" fighter aircraft.

Military Service and Death

On November 29, 1944, as a member of the Army Special Attack Unit (Kamikaze) known as the Yasukuni Unit, he launched his final sortie in a Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa" and perished in Leyte Bay, Philippines.

His death was widely publicized in a local Korean newspaper, which printed a headline in Hangul reading, "A Yasukuni Divine Eagle from the Peninsula." His story was used to bolster wartime morale among the Korean population. Following his death, at least 16 other young Korean men are known to have perished in similar special attack missions.

Postwar Controversy

A longstanding rumor suggested that In Jae-ung had survived as a prisoner of war and later returned to the Korean Peninsula after the war. However, his surviving sisters have denied these claims. Furthermore, no records of him have been found in U.S. military prisoner records.

Source: Translated from NHK Archives 特攻＞特攻隊員4000人の記憶＞陸軍靖国隊　印　在雄さん｜戦争｜NHKアーカイブス

Imperial Japan celebrated a Korean boy’s angry blood vow to sun goddess Amaterasu offering up his life as a fighter pilot to avenge the U.S. bombing of Ise Shrine in 1945

The following article serves as a tragic testament to the extent of Imperial Japan’s propaganda and its devastating impact on Korean youth during the colonial period. It tells the story of a 15-year-old Korean boy, Yoshiyama Kakei, who became enraged after hearing news of a U.S. air attack on the Ise Jingu shrine—one of the most sacred Shinto sites in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine, located in Ise, Mie Prefecture, was likely strafed during the Bombing of Nagoya on January 14, 1945.

What makes this article particularly striking is how it illustrates the depth of indoctrination under the Japanese colonial regime. The boy, from a rural area in Goseong County in Gangwon Province, expressed his outrage not merely as loyalty to the emperor but as a personal sense of spiritual violation. His reaction shows that Koreans were systematically taught to feel a connection to the broader pantheon of Shinto deities, not just the emperor himself.

In his desperation to atone for what he saw as a grave offense against the divine, this young boy wrote a letter pledging his life for vengeance—using his own blood. His willingness to volunteer as a fighter pilot reveals how deeply Imperial Japan’s wartime propaganda and the state Shinto religion had permeated the minds of the most impressionable Korean youths.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 25, 1945

"Goddess, I offer up my blood in apology"

A Young Aviation Soldier’s Fiery Blood Petition

Enraged by the report of despicable enemy aircraft violating the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu Shrine, a young Korean boy, Yoshiyama Kakei, solemnly swore vengeance and submitted a blood petition to become an aviation soldier.

15-year-old Yoshiyama Kakei from 2-617 Dong-ri, Goseong-eup, Goseong County, Gangwon Province, graduated from elementary school last year. As a trainee at the Goseong South Youth Training Institute, he has been undergoing rigorous preparation to become an Imperial soldier. However, upon hearing the Imperial Headquarters’ announcement on the 14th that the despicable B-29 bombers had attacked the sacred grounds of Ise Jingu—worshiped by 100 million people—and destroyed the Saikan and Kagura-den, he was enraged by the sheer arrogance and brutality of the enemy Americans.

Unable to allow even a moment’s delay, his young blood boiled with fury, and he made a firm vow of vengeance. He resolved to take to the skies and fight, writing in blood:

"Amaterasu Omikami, please forgive me. I offer my blood in apology in place of my own body. Transcending life and death, I dedicate myself to annihilating the enemy Americans."

Burning with fiery, pure determination, the young boy also enclosed the following letter dated January 24th, addressed to the commander of the Japanese Korean Army, applying to become an aviation soldier. Below is the content of his letter, revealing his heartfelt resolve:

"(Omitted introduction) In this sacred era of Showa, how can we ever apologize to the gods, to our ancestors, and to our descendants for allowing the divine grounds of the Grand Shrine of Ise to be defiled? When I think about this, my heart aches with such sorrow that I cannot even cry. Clenching my teeth and tightening my fists, I swore that I myself would avenge this outrage.

There is no time left to hesitate. Right now, the soldiers on the frontlines believe in us, enduring harsh battles with unwavering determination. When I think of their struggles and the spirit they carry within their hearts, I am filled with nothing but profound gratitude.

I, too, must take to the skies of decisive battle as soon as possible and dedicate everything to His Majesty. That is the most important duty we bear. Please, grant me this wish and allow me to take revenge. I humbly beg you."

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月25日

神様・お詫びに僕の血を

少年飛行兵に烈々血書で熱願

醜翼伊勢神域を侵す報に憤激、断乎復仇を誓う半島少年の飛行兵血書志願。

江原道高城郡高城邑東里二区六一七吉山河圭君（１５）は昨年国民学校を卒業。高城南青年訓練所生として皇兵への練磨を続けているが、去る十四日醜翼B２９が一億崇拝の伊勢神宮神域を爆撃し斎館、神楽殿を破壊した大本営発表を聞き敵米の余りの不逞暴虐ぶりに憤激。もはや一刻の猶予もならず、と若き血潮を憤激に沸らせ断乎この復仇を誓って空征く決意を固め、『天照大神様、お許し下さい。僕の身に代って血でお詫び致します。死生を超越し敵米撃滅にこの身を捧げます』と血書。

これに烈々火と燃ゆる少年の至純な決意を綴った次の如き手紙を添えて二十四日朝鮮軍司令官宛に少年飛行兵を志願して来た、以下同君の決意を披瀝した手紙の内容：

「（前略）この昭和の聖代に皇大神宮の神域を汚したこと神様に先祖に子孫に何とお詫びしましょう。そのことを考えます時、私は泣くにも泣けない思いで胸を痛めました。そして歯を喰いしばり拳を握り、きっとこの仇を自分の身で討つと誓ったのです。

も早一刻の猶予も許されません。今日前線の兵隊さんは私たちの来ることを信じて苦しい戦闘に耐えつつ頑張っておられるのです。その兵隊さんのお姿、その心中をお察しいたします時、私たちはただただ感謝に堪えません。そして私たちも一刻も早く決戦の大空に続きすべてを大君に捧げ奉ることが最も大切な任務であると思っています。どうかこの希望を叶えて仇を討たして下さい。お願いいたします。」

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브

Imperial Japanese cartoon from 1943 shows how Koreans were forced to bow to the Emperor every morning, speak Japanese, and accept poverty without complaints

This 1943 propaganda cartoon depicts an idealized portrait of life as model Korean subjects under Imperial Japanese rule. It shows a soldier reading a letter from his mother written in Japanese in Katakana, mother and child making their daily mandatory morning bow towards the Imperial palace, a "cheerful village that does not complain", two older Korean women speaking Japanese with joy, and a Korean mother sitting with her son reading a war propaganda story about a fighter pilot.

The translated text is as follows.

Frame 1: 母の手紙はカタカナばかり
Translation: "Mother's letter is written entirely in Katakana."
Context: The scene depicts a young soldier holding a letter and thinking of his mother. The fact that the letter is written only in Katakana suggests that his Korean mother is not fully literate in Japanese. 

Frame 2: 東に向かって朝の遥拝
Translation: "Morning worship facing east."
Context: This frame depicts Koreans performing 宮城遥拝 (Kyūjō Yōhai), the mandatory daily bowing towards the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. This ritual, imposed at 7 AM each morning with loud sirens, was meant to instill loyalty to the Japanese Emperor. It was part of the larger effort to erase Korean identity and enforce subjugation through cultural and religious indoctrination. 

Frame 3: 不平を言わない明るい部落 （平和里入口）
Translation: "A cheerful village that does not complain." (Peaceful Village Entrance)
Context: The “cheerful village” was often, in reality, a buraku—a shantytown where Koreans were often forced to live under poor conditions. By claiming that the village “does not complain,” the cartoon sends an overt message of compliance and submission, discouraging any dissatisfaction with their hardship. The name 平和里 (Peace Village) is deeply ironic, as these settlements were known for their substandard housing, lack of infrastructure, and poverty. The propaganda intent here is clear: to depict forced displacement as harmonious and orderly.

Frame 4: 下手でも国語で話す嬉しさ （あれあれ、あれがねえ～）
Translation: "The joy of speaking Japanese, even if spoken poorly." ("Well, well, that is…")
Context: This frame encourages Koreans to speak Japanese, reinforcing the Imperial policy of 国語常用 (Kokugo Jōyō), or mandatory use of the national language. Speaking Japanese was a requirement in schools, workplaces, and public life, with the use of Korean strongly discouraged or punished. The forced language shift was part of Japan’s broader assimilation campaign.

Frame 5: 本が読めて良いお母さん （荒鷲の勇ましいお話です）
Translation: "A good mother who can read books." ("This is a valiant story about an Arawashi fighter pilot")
Context: This frame glorifies military propaganda, depicting a mother sitting in front of her son and reading a story about 荒鷲 (Arawashi), or Wild Eagle, a reference to Imperial Japan’s fighter planes.  The scene emphasizes the idealized role of a “good mother” as someone who educates her children with militaristic narratives, preparing the next generation to be loyal to Imperial Japan. 

The アイウエオ行進曲 cartoon strip was part of a larger four-page supplement published in the November 18, 1943 issue of Maeil Sinbo (매일신보 / 每日申報), the last remaining Korean-language newspaper during the Imperial Japanese colonial period. By 1940, all other Korean-language publications had been shut down, and Maeil Sinbo, under strict Japanese control as a tool for Imperial propaganda, became the last operational Korean-language newspaper in Korea.

This supplement was written in basic Japanese, primarily using Hiragana and Katakana, to make it accessible to Koreans with limited Japanese literacy. But it was not just a language learning aid - it also doubled as a war propaganda medium.

One of the most telling features of this supplement was its vocabulary column, which defined common Japanese words for Korean readers. This particular edition introduced words that started with い in Japanese, such as ‘house’ (家) and ‘dog’ (犬), making it appear like a simple educational tool. However, the section entitled「復習、国語の近道」(Review: The Shortcut to the Japanese language) reveals the true intent behind the supplement.

At first glance, this section provides simple definitions of Japanese words in Korean, such as:

• 今月 (kongetsu) - This month
• 二十日 (hatsuka) - The 20th day

However, when these vocabulary words are strung together in context, they form a war propaganda sentence:

"卒業生もできるそうですね。今年職についてなるべく特別志願兵制。今月二十日迷ってる、間に合わない。"
("It seems that even graduates can do it. This year, as much as possible, join the special volunteer soldier system. If you hesitate past the 20th of this month, it will be too late.")

This sentence was a direct push for young Koreans to volunteer for the Imperial Japanese Army, reinforcing the recruitment drive for Korean soldiers under the 特別志願兵制度 (Special Volunteer Soldier System). This “voluntary” system was anything but voluntary—Koreans were heavily pressured, and by 1944, forced conscription was officially enacted.

Lim Jangsu (림장수, 林長守) was a Korean Kamikaze pilot who died in a suicide attack on US navy vessels in the Philippines on Dec. 7, 1944; he was from Yeomju-eup near Sinuiju

These two Imperial propaganda news articles from January 1945 cover an ethnic Korean kamikaze pilot, Lim Jangsu (林長守), who died in a suicide attack on December 7, 1944, during the Battle of Ormoc Bay in the Philippines. His suicidal assault helped destroy either the USS Ward or USS Lamson, but despite his prominent glorification in wartime media, his name has all but disappeared from history. Access to these news articles became possible only recently with the opening up of the digital newspaper archives of the National Library of Korea.

Lim Jangsu

Jangsu and sixteen other kamikaze pilots were plastered across the front page of the Keijo Nippo on January 25, 1945, the largest newspaper in colonial Korea. Imperial Japan was desperately seeking to manipulate and rally the colonized Korean population to cope with imminent military defeat. Their strategy? Elevating a Korean suicide pilot into a martyr. Whereas the spirit of Isoroku Yamamoto was being promoted in 1943, by 1945, the "Jangsu spirit" was being pushed instead.

Lim Jangsu in the center

Jangsu hailed from Namsi-eup, which is now called Yeomju-eup, a small township a few kilometers east of Sinuiju, in present-day North Korea. His family, including his three younger brothers—one of whom was a provincial police officer—was thrust into the spectacle of wartime Imperial Japanese propaganda. One of the articles describes his parents watching their son's final moments immortalized on film in a Sinuiju theater, overcome with tears as they beheld his image on the silver screen.

Yet, for all this propaganda, why is his name nowhere to be found online? His existence is not even mentioned in Wikipedia or Namu Wiki. Indeed, currently on Reddit, one post about Korean Kamikaze pilots says that the first Korean to die in a Kamikaze attack was Park Dong-hun (Okawa Masaaki) on March 29, 1945.

This story forces us to confront unsettling questions about Korea's place in Imperial Japan’s war machine and how colonial subjects were manipulated, used, and then discarded.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 15, 1945

Earnest Cry of 'Oh, Jangsu!'

Sergeant Lim's Parents Shed Tears of Joy in a Silver Screen Reunion

[Sinuiju telephone report] The second 'Divine Eagle' born on the peninsula, Sergeant Lim Jangsu (림장수, 林長守), and his strict father, Mr. Lim Chunhui (림춘희, 林春煕), experienced a miraculous reunion on the silver screen. Upon seeing the lifelike image of the 'Divine Eagle,' they gasped, 'Ah, it is Jangsu!' Overcome with tears, the entire family gathered to remember the heroic deeds of their departed son in this touching home-front episode.

The 238th installment of Japan News, featuring the Kamikaze Special Attack Unit’s Imperial loyalty Squadron in action, is currently being shown at the World Theater in the city. Upon hearing from others that their son, Sergeant Lim Jangsu, appeared in the film, his father, Chunhui, along with his mother, Dae-nyeo (대녀, 大女), traveled all the way from their home in Namsi (남시, 南市) to Sinuiju on the night of January 11th, their hearts pounding with hope—'perhaps we will see Jangsu…' With bated breath, the couple fixed their eyes on the screen. The film seamlessly portrayed the warriors of the special attack unit, calm and composed, just before their sortie.

One by one, two, three—'Ah, it is Jangsu!' Sergeant Lim, with his tall stature and strong, well-defined features, dominated the screen. Even his mother, Dae-nyeo, who had not shed a tear upon hearing of her beloved son’s self-sacrificing attack, could not hold back this time, as tears gently fell from her eyes—tears of joy. One after another, the Divine Eagle aircraft of the Imperial Loyalty Squadron plunged into the skies over Leyte in their ultimate act of devotion. The couple remained in their seats, unable to look away, deeply moved by the scene before them.

On January 13th, the film was screened in the provincial government conference room. Among the attendees was Sergeant Lim Jangsu’s younger brother, Lim Dalsu (림달수, 林達守) who was employed at the provincial police department. Thanks to the thoughtful consideration of his superior, he was given the opportunity to watch the film. Overjoyed at the sight of his brother on screen, he was filled with excitement and declared with firm resolve, 'I will surely follow in the footsteps of the Special Attack Unit!' Thus, the Divine Eagle film became a powerful and deeply moving topic on the home front."

[Photo: In the center stands Sergeant Lim Jangsu before his attack]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo) January 25, 1945

Carrying on Jangsu's Spirit in Old Age

Parents of Newly Promoted Second Lieutenant Lim Moved to Tears

[Sinuiju telephone report] With a single aircraft, he brought down an enemy warship—Sergeant Lim Jangsu, the Divine Eagle of the Korean peninsula, achieved a fearless and precise strike ramming attack. His valorous feat, along with the distinguished achievements of the entire Loyalty Squadron, was recognized with a commendation from the highest commander of the Southern Front. Furthermore, word has now arrived that this honor has reached the highest levels of the Imperial court, resulting in his posthumous promotion to Second Lieutenant and the awarding of the Fourth-Class Order of Merit and the Sixth-Class Order of the Rising Sun.

At the family home of the late Second Lieutenant Lim in Namsi, his strict father, Chunhui, was moved to tears by the boundless and immeasurable grace of the Emperor. Overcome with emotion, he declared, 'I must dedicate myself entirely to the spirit of the Special Attack Unit, breaking my body and bones if necessary, to repay even one ten-thousandth of the Imperial favor.'

Overwhelmed by emotion, he continued: "The immense grace of His Majesty is beyond words—I am overwhelmed with both awe and gratitude. There is no greater honor for our family. As I am still capable of working, I will push my aging body to its limits, dedicating myself fully to carrying on Jangsu’s spirit. With whatever strength I have, I will devote myself to home-front service, however small my contribution may be, in the effort to strike down the American and British forces. My only concern is how I can ever repay even one ten-thousandth of the Imperial favor."

Likewise, the late Second Lieutenant Lim’s mother, Dang Daenyeo (당대녀, 堂大女), also tearfully expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the sacred honor, saying: "Fortunately, Jangsu has three younger brothers. We will raise them to be as strong in spirit as their late brother, and we are prepared to dedicate them to the nation as well." [Photo: Second Lieutenant Lim]

[Transcription]

京城日報 1945年1月15日

真面目に”おお長守！”

林伍長の両親嬉しい涙の銀幕対面

【新義州電話】半島が生んだ第二の神鷲林伍長と厳父林春煕氏が奇しき銀幕対面に『あっ、長守だ』と生けるが如き神鷲の姿に感涙にむせび、一家を挙げて故人の壮挙を偲んだ銃後の挿話がある。

日本ニュース第二三八号神風特攻隊勤皇隊出撃映画は府内世界館で上映中であり、林伍長の姿が出ると人づてに聞いた父親春煕氏は母親大女さんと共に十一日夜、南市の自宅から遥々来義した若しや長守に会えれば．．．と胸轟かせて夫婦は画面に見入った。出撃を前に悠然落ち着いた特攻隊勇士等の姿を画面は流れるように再現する。

一人、二人、三人『あっ、長守だ』脊高く線の太い特徴ある林伍長の姿が銀幕を圧して映し出される。愛息の体当たりを聞いても涙だつ見せなかった母親大女さんもこの時はホロリと涙した。嬉しい涙一一機又一機レイテの空に突っ込む勤皇隊神鷲機の尽忠の姿にいつ迄も夫妻は席を離れなかった。

十三日には道庁会議室で上映され、ここには林伍長の次弟林達守君（道警察部勤務）がおり、上司の情あるはからいで観覧したが兄の姿に狂喜して喜び『必ず特攻隊に続きます』と決意をもらし、かくして神鷲映画は銃後に大きな感激の話題を盛った。

【写真＝中央が出撃前の神鷲林長守伍長】

京城日報 1945年1月25日

老骨に長守精神を

特進に感涙、林少尉の両親

【新義州電話】一機もって一艦をよくぞ屠った半島の神鷲林長守伍長の必死必中の体当たり武勲は、勤皇隊全員の偉勲と共に南方方面最高指揮官より感状を授与され、いままた畏くも上聞に達し、少尉に特進、功四旭六の恩命に浴したという報に接した南市の故林少尉の生家では、厳父春煕氏は皇恩の鴻大無辺さに感泣『粉骨砕身、特攻精神に徹し皇恩の万分の一にでも報い奉らねば』と感激を語った。

「皇恩の鴻大なることひたすら恐懼感激に堪えません。家門の名誉またこれに過ぐるものはありません。私は未だ働き得る身でありますから、老骨に鞭打って粉骨砕身長守の精神を受け継いで米英撃摧に微力ながら銃後奉公に邁進する覚悟であります。如何にして皇恩の万分の一にでも報い得るかが心配であります」

なお故林少尉の母堂大女さんも聖恩の忝きに感泣しながら、

『幸いに長守も弟が三名おりますから、兄に負けないように精神を錬成してお国に捧げる覚悟であります』と語った。【写真＝林少尉】

Source: 키워드 검색 - 신문 검색 - 대한민국 신문 아카이브