WWII 'Special Attack Unit' Suicide Cave Unearthed in Kenting, Taiwan

A Taiwanese volunteer group has uncovered a hidden cave in Kenting, Taiwan, believed to be the site where 31 Japanese soldiers from the Imperial Japanese Army's "22nd Special Attack Unit" collectively committed suicide at the end of World War II. The group, from the Baotang Hall in Kaohsiung, which previously erected a statue honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, sent a team of 15 volunteers on a arduous three-hour trek through rugged terrain to reach the "Cave of the Special Attack Unit Spirits."

According to Baotang Hall chairman Chang Chi-hsiung, the soldiers chose death rather than surrender upon Japan's defeat. The unit's commander and members allegedly carved the characters "Fen Long" (Angry Dragon) into a large rock before committing seppuku. Afterward, 30 younger members of the unit detonated explosives, perishing in a collective suicide.

During their expedition, the volunteers offered sacred sake from Japan's Yasukuni Shrine to the spirits of the 31 deceased soldiers. They vowed to ensure the soldiers' sacrifice would not be forgotten and plan to establish a shrine in Kenting to permanently honor them. The group has compiled video footage, photographs, and unearthed documents from the site and intends to submit a detailed report to Japan through diplomatic channels on August 14, the eve of Japan's終戦記念日 (End of War Memorial Day).

The discovery highlights a lesser-known chapter of World War II history, brought to light by a private Taiwanese initiative driven by a desire to commemorate the soldiers' wartime sacrifice. The Baotang Hall's actions underscore a sentiment of remembrance and respect for those who died in service, seeking to provide a lasting tribute to their memory.

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absolutely cannot let the warriors who sacrificed for the country be unseen and ignored by the world!