May 23, 2025
Keio University
The kamikaze pilot who left the most famous last testament. Why was this testament left behind?
Considering Japan's modernity and war through the unknown history of his family.
What war brought to one family—
Five siblings—three sons and two daughters—lived in Ariake Village, Minamiazumi District, Nagano Prefecture (present-day Azumino City). All three sons, the eldest Yoshiharu, the second Tatsuo, and the third Ryoji, studied at Keio University and all lost their lives in the war. Ryoji is widely known for the last testament he wrote the night before his sortie as an Army kamikaze pilot, in which he stated, "Tomorrow, a liberal will depart from this world." Their parents kept every single one of the three fallen brothers' belongings, leaving behind a complete collection of materials from their lives. This exhibition focuses on the lives of these three brothers, while also paying attention to their father, Torataro, a respected local physician, and their grandfather, Ryozaburo (Sansen), known as a haiku poet and disciple of Shiki who died young. Through this family, we will consider Japan's modernity and war.
Exhibition Information
Dates: Thursday, June 19–Saturday, August 30, 2025
Closed: Sundays, national holidays, and during the summer holidays from Tuesday, August 12 to Monday, August 18
Venue: Special Exhibition Room, Keio History Museum, 2nd Floor, Old University Library
Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Admission: Open to all (free of charge)
*For the latest information, please check the museum's website .
Please see below for the full press release.