Australian-Japanese Association NT holds memorial for 80 fallen submariners

Sand from the ocean floor where 80 Japanese submariners remain entombed has been spread at a Darwin memorial in the ongoing journey toward peace.

Territorians have gathered at the Dripstone Cliffs to commemorate the 81st anniversary of a WWII wreckage.

The Imperial Japanese Navy I-124 submarine sank in 1942 with 80 crew members on board, and was the first wreck in Australia to be protected under the Commonwealth Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976.

Australian-Japanese Association of the NT president Kathleen Bresnehan said it was important to remember each aspect of the Territory’s history.

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“As time has progressed, we realise that conflicts have happened in the past, and war,” she said.

“With a passive time, you realise that with our common humanity, we need to work towards a journey of peace and reconciliation.”

Ruth Jones, Administrator of the Northern Territory Professor Hugh Heggie PSM, Mariko Tokuda, and Consul-General of Japan Shuichi Tokuda attended the I-124 submarine memorial. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Reflecting on the war history of Australia and Japan, Consul-General of Japan Shuichi Tokuda said both countries had roles to play in reconciliation and cooperation.

“Today, Japan and Australia are working together with other like-minded nations for peace and prosperity,” he said.

“On this day, let us remember and renew our determination for this course.”

Marine Archaeologist David Steinberg presents Takenobu Hamaguchi with sand from the vicinity of the Japanese WWII wreck of I-124 submarine as a dive expedition returns from a Heritage documentation trip. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In an effort to offer the fallen submariners’ families closure, archaeological divers retrieved a container of sand from the wreck site in November 2022, that was later delivered to Japan.

Some of the sand was spread at the site of a memorial plaque at the Casuarina Coastal Reserve – alongside a wreath – on Saturday night.

Guests were also invited to make offerings of flowers and incense.

Administrator of the Northern Territory Hugh Heggie attended the sombre service, as well as Captain Tomoyuki Amanuma on behalf of the Embassy of Japan.

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Originally published as Australian-Japanese Association NT holds memorial for 80 fallen submariners