Bandō prisoner of war camp facts for kids
The Bandō prisoner of war camp was a special place that existed in Japan during and right after World War I. It was a camp for soldiers captured during the war. This camp was open from 1917 to 1920. It was located in a city called Bandō.
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What Was the Bandō Camp?
The Bandō camp was home to about 1,000 prisoners. These prisoners were part of a larger group of 3,900 soldiers captured by Japan in 1914. They were taken during a battle in Tsingtao, China. What made Bandō camp unique were its very fair and open rules.
Why Was Bandō Camp Different?
Many of the prisoners at Bandō were not career soldiers. They had other jobs before the war, like being musicians, bakers, or teachers. The camp's commander, a man named Matsue Toyohisa, understood this. He decided to treat the prisoners with great respect and allowed them many freedoms.
What Freedoms Did Prisoners Have?
The prisoners at Bandō were allowed to do many things that were unusual for a prisoner of war camp. They could take classes to learn new skills or improve old ones. This helped them prepare for life after the war. They could also enjoy sports and cultural activities.
The First Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Japan
One of the most amazing things that happened at Bandō camp involved music. A prisoner named Hermann Richard Hansen was a talented musician. He led a choir and an orchestra made up of other prisoners. Together, they performed Beethoven's famous Ninth Symphony. This was a huge event because it was the very first time this symphony was ever performed in Japan, and even in all of Asia!
What Happened When the Camp Closed?
The Bandō camp closed its doors in 1920. After the war ended, most of the prisoners returned to their home countries. However, a surprising number of people, 63 prisoners, chose to stay in Japan. They had found a new home and new opportunities in the country where they had been held during the war.
