This painting of Admiral Togo Statue with the Battleship Mikasa in the background by Chanako was was donated by the Japanese Coordinating Committee. After the Japanese surrendered in September 1945, the Russians tried to demand that the Mikasa memorial be destroyed to eliminate the reminder of their humiliation at the hands of Admiral Togo during the Battle of Tsushima Strait in 1905. Nimitz's actions to protect the memorial contributed to increased cordiality between the Japanese and American people, which ultimately led to the creation of the Japanese Garden of Peace at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Exhibit Artifact
Mikasa Memorial Painting
On View:
Japanese Garden of Peace
This section examines the relationship between Admirals Togo and Nimitz which led to the creation of the Japanese Garden of Peace.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz had great respect and admiration for the Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo, the hero of the Battle of Tsushima Strait during the Russo-Japanese War. As a young man, Nimitz had the opportunity to meet and speak with Admiral Togo, and he gained an even greater appreciation for the Admiral’s personality and leadership skills. When Togo died in 1934, Nimitz attended both the public and family funeral services.
Mikasa Bridge Painting by Tojo Shotaro
After World War Two, Admiral Nimitz helped to ensure the preservation of the Mikasa, Togo’s flagship during the Russo-Japanese War. The Russians wanted this reminder of their defeat destroyed, but Nimitz posted guards to prevent vandalism and fought to protect the ship as a memorial to the great Japanese admiral. This gesture meant a great deal to the Japanese people, who were anticipating humiliation at the hands of their former enemies. Instead, Nimitz donated the first funds towards creating a memorial to the greatest naval hero in Japanese history.
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Mikasa Memorial Painting
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Mikasa Memorial Painting
