A Shidenkai fighter formerly operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy, recently salvaged from waters off Akune City, Kagoshima Prefecture, was publicly displayed on February 2 at a temporary storage site in Izumi City, also in Kagoshima.
The aircraft is currently immersed in water for desalination, with both wings and its engine clearly visible to visitors. This is part of the ongoing preservation and restoration process for this historical artifact.
This Shidenkai is believed to have seen service during the Pacific War and crashed into the sea. The salvage and display aim to preserve a piece of historical heritage and provide the public with an opportunity to learn about a significant chapter in Japan's military aviation history.
It is expected that after completing the desalination and initial preservation stages, the aircraft will be moved to a museum for long-term exhibition and further study.
