About
At the center of metropolitan Tokyo’s transportation hub is Tokyo Station, an immense terminal linking 18 railway lines and housing several shopping malls. It's also home to Ekibenya Matsuri and Intermediatheque among others. It’s an extremely lively station, with over 200 thousand people coming and going every day, and its century-old main building is known for its gorgeous red brickwork. However, the building also has a dark past.
While everyone passes by it unknowingly, and even walks over it, a marked spot on the floor near the Marunouchi-side ticket machines stands out from the rest of the decor. This is where Hara Takashi, the 19th prime minister of Japan, was assassinated in 1921 after being stabbed by a dagger. The assailant was Nakaoka Kon'ichi, a 19-year-old railway worker. He is said to have been influenced by his boss, who had antagonistic feelings towards Hara, but not much else is known about his motives.
Another similar marking can also be found not far away. Among the ordinary grey tiles lies a distinct plate commemorating the site of Osachi Hamaguchi's assassination, which took place on the platform right above the marked point. The 27th prime minister of Japan, Hamaguchi was shot by a right-wing militarist on November 14, 1930, at Tokyo Station. He died not long afterward.
Know Before You Go
The spot where Hara was stabbed to death is located next to the ticket machines in the Marunouchi South Exit dome. To see the marking of Hamaguchi's assassination, enter the station through the gate and it can be located between the chuo-dori street and the shinkansen (bullet train) entrance. If you're not getting on any train from the station, you'll need to pay 140 yen as an entrance fee to see the latter.
Community Contributors
