Description
Explore the compelling narrative of 'The Bone Man of Kokoda,' a gripping account of Kokichi Nishimura, a Japanese soldier from the 2nd battalion, 144th Regiment of the Japanese Imperial Army. In 1942, Nishimura fought valiantly during the Kokoda Campaign, a pivotal battle in World War II aimed at capturing Port Moresby. As the only survivor from his company, he made a solemn promise to return and bring his fallen comrades home for a proper burial in Japan.
Spanning 288 pages and published in 2009 by Pan Macmillan Australia, this brand new, B-format paperback dives deep into Nishimura's extraordinary journey over the next 25 years as he dedicated his life to fulfilling that promise. Living on the rugged terrain of the Kokoda Track, he utilized a metal detector, a mattock, and a shovel to painstakingly search for the remains of his brothers-in-arms. His harrowing quest offers readers an invaluable perspective on the aftermath of war and the emotional scars it leaves behind.
This poignant military history challenges prevailing narratives and provides an intimate look at the human cost of conflict. It is not just a powerful book about war; it reflects on loss, remembrance, and peace. Whether you are a history buff, a veteran, or simply seeking an inspiring story of dedication and love, 'The Bone Man of Kokoda' will resonate with you deeply.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780330424844
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2009
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Pages: 288
Description:
Kokichi Nishimura was a member of the 2nd battalion, 144th Regiment of the Japanese Imperial Army. In 1942 he fought along every foot of Kokoda as the Japanese attempted to take Port Moresby. He was the only man from his company to survive the campaign. As he was evacuated to safety he made a promise that one day he would return to his comrades and bring them home to Japan for proper burial.
After the war, Nishimura prospered. But under the surface, the driving ambition of his life was to fulfil his promise. In 1979, he shocked his family by returning to New Guinea to search for the remains of Japanese soldiers. For the next 25 years, Nishimura lived alone along the Kokoda Track. Armed only with a metal detector, a mattock and a shovel, he searched for his dead comrades. Over the years he found hundreds of them – some he was able to identify and return their bones to their families; others were unknown, and their remains were sent to Japan's official shrine for its war dead in Tokyo.
In 2005 Nishimura, now in his mid-eighties and seriously ill, was forced to return to Japan. His story is an incredible adventure that gives us a radically different viewpoint on a battle that has become part of our national myth. Nishimura's life and quest above all offer a poignant reminder of the futility of war.
Spanning 288 pages and published in 2009 by Pan Macmillan Australia, this brand new, B-format paperback dives deep into Nishimura's extraordinary journey over the next 25 years as he dedicated his life to fulfilling that promise. Living on the rugged terrain of the Kokoda Track, he utilized a metal detector, a mattock, and a shovel to painstakingly search for the remains of his brothers-in-arms. His harrowing quest offers readers an invaluable perspective on the aftermath of war and the emotional scars it leaves behind.
This poignant military history challenges prevailing narratives and provides an intimate look at the human cost of conflict. It is not just a powerful book about war; it reflects on loss, remembrance, and peace. Whether you are a history buff, a veteran, or simply seeking an inspiring story of dedication and love, 'The Bone Man of Kokoda' will resonate with you deeply.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780330424844
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2009
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Pages: 288
Description:
Kokichi Nishimura was a member of the 2nd battalion, 144th Regiment of the Japanese Imperial Army. In 1942 he fought along every foot of Kokoda as the Japanese attempted to take Port Moresby. He was the only man from his company to survive the campaign. As he was evacuated to safety he made a promise that one day he would return to his comrades and bring them home to Japan for proper burial.
After the war, Nishimura prospered. But under the surface, the driving ambition of his life was to fulfil his promise. In 1979, he shocked his family by returning to New Guinea to search for the remains of Japanese soldiers. For the next 25 years, Nishimura lived alone along the Kokoda Track. Armed only with a metal detector, a mattock and a shovel, he searched for his dead comrades. Over the years he found hundreds of them – some he was able to identify and return their bones to their families; others were unknown, and their remains were sent to Japan's official shrine for its war dead in Tokyo.
In 2005 Nishimura, now in his mid-eighties and seriously ill, was forced to return to Japan. His story is an incredible adventure that gives us a radically different viewpoint on a battle that has become part of our national myth. Nishimura's life and quest above all offer a poignant reminder of the futility of war.