Japanese Cave

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Japanese Cave

Japanese Cave. This cave stretches for three kilometres and was the headquarters of the Japanese occupation forces in West Papua during World War Two. An American bomber scored a direct hit on the roof of the cave with an incendiary bomb, collapsing it and buring alive over 3000 Japanese troops. Many artefacts from the war remain and the remaining bones of those killed have been placed in boxes in the cave. There is a Shinto shrine at the entrance to the cave where Japanese nationals come and pay the repsects. Photographed in Biak, West Papua in Indonesia, Asia

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6357557

© MATTHEW OLDFIELD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Biak Cave Geological Indonesia Land Mark West Papua World War Two Japanese Army Shinto

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the haunting beauty of the Japanese Cave in Biak, West Papua. Stretching for an impressive three kilometers, this cave holds a dark and tragic history from World War Two. Once serving as the headquarters for the Japanese occupation forces, it became a target of destruction when an American bomber unleashed an incendiary bomb that scored a direct hit on its roof. The devastating impact caused the cave to collapse, tragically burying over 3000 Japanese troops alive within its depths. Today, remnants of this historical event can still be found within the cave's walls - artifacts from war and even boxes containing the remaining bones of those who lost their lives. At the entrance to this solemn site stands a Shinto shrine, where Japanese nationals come to pay their respects and honor those who perished here. The juxtaposition between nature's serene surroundings and humanity's violent past creates a powerful atmosphere that lingers throughout every corner of this geological wonder. Located in Indonesia's West Papua region, this landmark serves as a reminder of both human resilience and tragedy during times of conflict. As we gaze upon this photograph by Science Photo Library, we are invited to reflect on the complex layers of history etched into our world's landscapes – reminding us never to forget those whose lives were forever changed within these hallowed grounds.

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