2023.04.20 The Byakkotai (White Tiger Brigade)
This brigade of around 300 members fought in the Boshin War. It was primarily made up of boys aged 15–17 who had been students at Nisshinkan before the war interrupted their education. During one battle, 20 members of one unit found themselves near Mt. Iimori, cut off from the rest of their troops. After climbing the mountain, they saw smoke rising from the town below. Although this smoke was coming from houses nearby, the boys thought it meant Tsuruga Castle had fallen to the imperial forces. They ultimately chose to take their own lives rather than surrender to the enemy. One boy survived after being rescued by a passing woman. The graves of these teenage fighters are situated on Mt. Iimori.
This English-language text was created by the Japan Tourism Agency.