“The Yamato was around the same length as the RMS Titanic, only wider, heavier, faster, and packed with cannon shells instead of chandeliers.”

Client: Deep Kure, an online guide to Kure City in Hiroshima, Japan.

Project Description: Interview a surviving former crewman of Battleship Yamato (built in the Kure Naval Yard), and write up a historical piece detailing the vessel, its construction, and fate.

A Quote

“The Yamato was around the same length as the RMS Titanic, only wider, heavier, faster, and packed with cannon shells instead of chandeliers.”

The Inside Scoop

I built the Deep Kure website back in 2018 as an online quick guide to Kure City here in Hiroshima Prefecture. But recently they’ve been interested in developing some long form content, and asked me if I wouldn’t mind interviewing a former Yamato crewman for an article on their site.

You know, only someone who sailed aboard one of the most famous ships in maritime history.

(Um… Can I please)

Kure is famous for Battleship Yamato, but very few can tell of her firsthand. Aside from having sailed 75 years ago, less than three hundred survived her sinking. So the chance to hear a personal account of life aboard the legend was a rare treat.

One of the things that impressed me most about Kazushi-san, whom I interviewed for the article, was his deep appreciation for peace. Of course his years in the navy had a huge impact on his life, but to him that time was about duty, not glory. He told me, “The best war is no war.” He’s in a position to know.

Sadly, Kazushi-san passed away before the publication of the article.

My Favorite Part

Talking to someone with personal experience aboard one of the most famous ships in maritime history.

See the results:
Legends of the Deep: Interview with a Yamato Crewman