YOKOHAMA — The one present big cargo-passenger ship in-built Japan sooner than World Battle II is moored on this jap Japan port metropolis and now serves as a museum.
The Hikawa Maru, moored at Yamashita Park in Yokohama’s Naka Ward, which boasts splendid sea views, was in-built 1930, and went into service on a route connecting Japan and Seattle within the US.
Though the luxurious cruise ship hosted many notable figures along with Charlie Chaplin, it went out of service amid worsening Japan-US relations all through World Battle II, which broke out in 1939. The Hikawa Maru was requisitioned by the Imperial Navy, and transported many sick and wounded troopers from southern battlegrounds as a hospital ship. After the battle, it was used as a repatriation ship, carrying demobilized troopers. It resumed its operate as a cargo-passenger ship in 1951, and was retired in 1960. At current, the vessel shares its historic previous with company as a result of the museum ship “NYK Hikawa Maru.”
The Hikawa Maru packs a diesel engine, which was fashionable know-how on the time for a cargo-passenger ship, and the within decor is purposeful and fashionable. The engine room, which stays unchanged as a result of the ship was in service, is paying homage to its golden years. The vessel was designated as a nationwide important cultural property in 2016.
The elegant ship that served in diverse roles is in the meanwhile primary a peaceful life on the Port of Yokohama.
(Japanese distinctive by Akihiro Ogomori, {Photograph} and Video Center)
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The Japanese mannequin of this textual content was initially printed on Dec. 20, 2020.
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