Understand

During the final period of the war, when Japan sent countless young pilots on kamikaze missions, Tome Torihama operated a military eatery where many of these brave souls had their last meals. Tome's love and care for these pilots became legendary, with numerous stories written about her acts of compassion. One particular incident stands out among them. In the company of Tome and her daughter, Sgt. Saburo Miyagawa dined at the restaurant on the eve of his suicide mission. As they walked afterward, they encountered fireflies. Suddenly, Miyagawa expressed his desire to visit them the next day, promising to return in the form of a firefly at 7 pm. He asked them to sing for him when he came back, and they made the heartfelt promise. The following day at 7 pm, Tome and her daughter were sitting in the dark restaurant, listening to war reports on the radio. Tome stepped outside and discovered a firefly hovering just outside the door, as though patiently waiting to enter. The firefly flew in and swiftly reached the highest point of the building, flickering rhythmically. "It's Saburo-kun. He's come back!" Tome exclaimed. In the darkness, she and her daughter sang an old war song for the young sergeant. Then, the firefly flew away into the night, disappearing. This touching story, shared in a book by Tome's granddaughter and depicted in the semi-fictional film "Hotaru," has sparked a surge in Japanese tourism to Chiran, where the eatery was located. Experience the poignant history and indomitable spirit of Chiran through this remarkable tale.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing