Only four Shiden-Kai aircraft are known to exist worldwide, and this is the only one recovered from the ocean floor.
The aircraft was identified as part of the 343rd Naval Air Group, led by the renowned ace Minoru Genda.
The recovery operation in 1979 involved local volunteer divers and was a significant community-led historical project.
Despite being submerged for over 30 years, the airframe remained remarkably intact due to the specific conditions of the Bungo Channel seabed.
The Shiden-Kai was designed to counter superior Allied aircraft like the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair.
The Shiden-Kai Fighter Aircraft Exhibition Hall houses the only surviving Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai, a high-performance Imperial Japanese Navy fighter from the final stages of World War II. The aircraft was discovered in 1978 on the seabed of the Bungo Channel, where it had been resting at a depth of 40 meters. It was recovered in 1979 and underwent preservation to restore its frame after decades in saltwater. The exhibition hall is located within the Uw海 (Uwakai) Underwater National Park, offering views of the surrounding coastal geography. The facility serves as a memorial to the pilots who flew these aircraft and specifically honors those lost during defensive operations in the region. The display includes panels detailing the technical specifications of the Shiden-Kai, known for its powerful Homare engine and heavy armament. The museum maintains the fuselage in a state that reflects its recovery condition, prioritizing historical authenticity over cosmetic restoration. It serves as a rare example of salvaged aviation history accessible to the public in a dedicated memorial setting.
The elevated viewing platform that allows for a full-body overhead view of the aircraft fuselage.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kashima Island, which is visible from the coastal area.
Bring a polarized lens for your camera to reduce reflections from the glass partition surrounding the aircraft.
Read the provided museum literature before entering the main hall to fully understand the recovery process.
Do not attempt to touch the aircraft display or breach the safety barriers, as the exhibit is fragile.
Closed on Mondays and during the year-end/new-year holidays.
