Hakkoda Mountains Tragedy

In January 1902, the Japanese Imperial Army faced a tragic disaster during a training exercise in the Hakk?da Mountains. The mission aimed to prepare soldiers for potential warfare in cold, mountainous regions, considering the rising tensions with Russia. Two regiments, the 31st and the 5th, were chosen for the exercise. The 5th Regiment, under Captain Bunkichi Kannari's leadership, faced numerous difficulties, such as adverse weather and difficult terrain.

The soldiers struggled with dragging heavy sleds through deep snow, and as temperatures dropped, the situation worsened. Despite the difficulties, Captain Bunkichi pressed on, attempting to reach hot springs as part of the training. However, they encountered blizzards, frozen equipment, and exhausting climbs. The soldiers faced hypothermia, frostbite, and starvation. The situation escalated when they lost their way, leading to fatal falls, confusion, and desperate attempts to find shelter.

As the conditions became increasingly dire, Captain Bunkichi Kannari and his remaining troops faced a grim reality. Many soldiers succumbed to the extreme cold, with some experiencing paradoxical undressing-a phenomenon where the body, fooled by the extreme cold, perceives overheating and prompts individuals to remove clothing. Leadership faltered, and panic set in, resulting in further casualties. Ultimately, the disaster claimed the lives of 199 soldiers, leaving a devastating toll on the 5th Regiment.