About
On the banks of the Tama River, a striking vermilion torii gate towers in a spot set apart from the bustle of Haneda Airport. This torii is the symbol of Anamori Inari Shrine, which once stood in Haneda Anamori Town, and despite being buffeted by the tides of time, it continues to maintain its dignity.
In 1929 (Showa 4), this large torii was donated by Keihin Electric Railway (now the Keikyu Group) and erected in Haneda Anamori Town. Later, on September 21, 1945 (Showa 20), in the confusion immediately following the end of the war, the occupying forces ordered the residents of Haneda Suzuki Town, Haneda Anamori Town, and Haneda Edomi Town to evacuate within 48 hours for the purpose of expanding Haneda Airfield. About 1,200 households, more than 3,000 people, were forced to leave the land they had grown accustomed to. (pvhaneda.jimdo.com)
After the residents left, the town was destroyed without a trace, but only this large torii escaped demolition. When the US military attempted to remove it, there were a series of accidents: workers slipped and fell from the top of the torii twice, and a US soldier was killed when caught in machinery. The work was halted. Because of these events, the torii became feared as the “cursed red torii,” and it is said that no one dared approach it. (pvhaneda.jimdo.com)
Later, as the offshore expansion project of Haneda Airport progressed, on February 4, 1999 (Heisei 11), the torii was relocated from the former Haneda Anamori Town to its current location beside Benten Bridge. On July 18 of the same year, a plaque inscribed with the word “Peace” was dedicated, expressing the achievements of Haneda’s forebears and their wishes for peace. This plaque, as a symbol of the strong resolve not to repeat the tragedies of war, is etched in the hearts of many people. (pvhaneda.jimdo.com)
Today, this large torii is affectionately known as the “Great Torii of Peace,” and every year on September 21, the “Haneda Peace Memorial Festival” is held. At this festival, strips of paper bearing wishes for peace are hung on bamboo branches, local people gather, re-examine the history of the past, and share hopes for the future. (pvhaneda.jimdoweb.com)
As you look up at the vermilion torii, buffeted by the wind from the Tama River, you cannot help but feel the thoughts of people passed down through the ages and their prayers for peace contained within it. Those who visit this place will surely engrave in their hearts both the weight of history and hope for the future.