Japanese Tourists Worship In Biak

Biak (Antara Bali) - Fourteen tourists from Japan arrived in Biak, Papua, on Wednesday to pray at local historical sites where Japanese forces fought against the Allies in World War II.

Over a period of two days, the Japanese tourists will visit historical attractions such as the Japan Cave and the World War II monuments situated in Paray/Anggraidi and kamoung Ibdi villages.

During the middle of World War II, in 1942, Japanese soldiers used the caves in Biak for protection and weapons storage while fighting the Allied forces led by the United States.

A cave, now known as the Japanese Cave, provided strong defence because it was difficult to penetrate. However, due to the relentless onslaught of the Allied forces, thousands of Japanese soldiers were killed in the cave.

Historical attractions that have become a favourite among Japanese visitors include the Japan Cave in Sumberker village, the Lima Kamar Cave in Ibdi village, and the World War II monument in Paray/Anggraidi village.

An increasing number of tourists from Japan are visiting Biak to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died there during the war.(*/T007)