Imphal Peace Museum in India Celebrates Third Anniversary

The third anniversary of the Imphal Peace Museum was observed in a ceremony held in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur on June 22 in the presence of Indian and Japanese dignitaries.

The museum opened in June 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal－regarded as one of the fiercest battles of World War II－between the Japanese army and Allied Forces.

Supported by The Nippon Foundation in collaboration with the Manipur Tourism Forum under the theme of “Peace and Reconciliation,” the museum is located at the foot of historic Red Hill, 20 kilometers south of downtown Imphal, the state capital.

Speaking at the ceremony, Manipur Governor La Ganesan said: “Today, the Imphal Peace Museum has become the hallmark and testimony of the strong historical connection, which the people of Manipur have with Japan.

“I believe that this can be an event to make Manipur known to many parts of the world and to make Manipur a World War II heritage site, attracting tourists from across the globe especially those countries, whose citizens’ lives are laid down here.”

Also participating in the celebration were Founder President Dr. Thangjam Dhabali Singh of the Tourism Forum, President Krishnan Singh and Director Haobam Joyremba as well as Mr. Kunihiko Kawazu, minister and deputy chief of mission of the Japanese Embassy in India, and Mr. Atsushi Sunami, president of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

In a video message I recorded for the event, I said: “The Imphal Peace Museum today plays a very important role as a bridge between the past and the future and between Japan and the State of Manipur. It is the dedication and efforts of all of you that have made this possible.”

I went on to say that the friendship that developed between The Nippon Foundation and Manipur through the establishment of the museum is what led the foundation to send oxygen concentrators and other needed medical equipment to the state for treating COVID-19 when India was in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We would be most happy if we have been of assistance to you in any small way,” I said.

The museum is a living memory of this tragic battle of World War II, exhibiting artillery shells and other artifacts, and valuable personal notes and photographs donated by survivors, family members of those who died in the fighting, and others.

Also on display is a calligraphy panel presented by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe displaying the characters for “Heiwa” (Peace) that he wrote on New Year’s Day, 2019.

According to Mr. Joyremba, nearly 29,000 people have visited the museum since its opening. It was closed for more than eight months from March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

I sincerely hope that many more people will visit, and not only from India and Japan, to learn more about the history of this cruel battle and the value of the peace we now share today.

The text and video of my message on the third anniversary of the Imphal Peace Museum can be seen here.