The Philippine–Japanese Friendship Tower is a monument in Bagac, Bataan, Philippines.
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| 14°36′20″N 120°23′51″E / 14.60558°N 120.39741°E | |
| Location | Bagac, Bataan, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Height | 27 m (89 ft) |
| Completion date | 1975 |
| Dedicated to | Post-World War II Japan–Philippines relations |
History
editThe site of the Friendship Tower in Bagac, Bataan is located about 200 meters (660 ft) from where the Bataan Death March of April 1942 took place which caused the deaths of 10,000 war prisoners.[1] After World War II, Japan started rebuilding its relations with the Philippines which also saw Japanese nationals doing civic programs in Bataan in cooperation with the local government despite anti-Japanese sentiment in Bataan due to the war.[2]
Risshō Kōsei Kai (RKK), a Japanese Buddhist religious group and locals who later established the Bataan Christian Youth Civic Circle were responsible for raising the monument.[2] The monument was inaugurated on April 8, 1975 and is meant to commemorate the cordial Post-World War II Japan–Philippines relations.[1] On the following day, a bell which was imported from Japan was ceremonially rang by then Bagac Mayor Atilano Ricardo and RKK youth head Rev. Kinjiro Niwano.[3]
Monument
editThe Friendship Tower is a structure which consists of three pillars joined by rings. It has a height of 27 meters (89 ft).[4] The structure also hosts a hanged peace.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b "Friendship Tower inauguration". BusinessWorld. 7 April 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b Baybado, Daryl Angelo (11 July 2015). "Tower of peace". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Friendship Tower in the Philippines". Risho Kosei Kei. Retrieved 7 September 2019.
- ^ "Today in Philippine History, April 8, 1975, the Friendship Tower was inaugurated in Bagac, Bataan". Kahimyang. Philippine News Agency. 7 April 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2019.