Hashima facts for kids
Hashima (端島), also known as Gunkanjima (軍艦島) or "Battleship Island", is a small island in Japan. It is about 1.2 square kilometers in size. Hashima is one of many islands in Nagasaki Prefecture, which is part of the larger island of Kyushu. This unique island is currently being considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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A Look Back at Hashima's Past
Hashima Island was once a very busy place where people mined coal. Miners and their families lived on the island for many years, from 1887 until 1974.
In 1890, a large company called Mitsubishi bought the island. They wanted to dig for coal from tunnels deep under the sea. Mitsubishi built Japan's first big concrete building on the island. It was nine stories tall!
The Island's Difficult History
Hashima Island is also known by sadder names, like "The Prison Island" or "The Island of Hell." This is because many young people, some as young as 13 to 15 years old, were forced to work in the coal mines there. These young workers often arrived without knowing they might never see their homes again.
They had to work in very tough conditions. They often wore only underwear in the mines and were not paid for their hard work. For meals, they sometimes had to eat leftovers from making bean oil. This part of the island's history is a sad truth that many people remember.
Since 2005, Hashima Island has been part of the city of Nagasaki.
Where is Hashima Island?
Hashima Island is located near the entrance of Nagasaki harbor. It is about 19 miles (or about 30 kilometers) away from the center of Nagasaki city.
Hashima in Movies
The island has even appeared in movies! Hashima was one of the places shown in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.
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