I - 124 JAPANESE SUBMARINE memorial Plaque 

On January 20 1942, Japanese Submarine I-124 sank into the Darwin ocean with the all 80 crew. 
They all still lay at the bottom of the sea waters 96kms north west of Darwin.
Descendent families requested a salvage of the submarine and it was attempted after 1972. However, the Japanese Consulate in Australia advised the salvage company that as the Japanese Government considered the I-124 submarine a war grave permission was not given.
AJANT have appreciated the support of Dr Tom Lewis OAM, decedents families in Japan and Japan Maritime Self Defence Force throughout the project planning of this memorial plaque as well as the grant support from both NT and federal government. In 2017 we were able to erect the memorial plaque here align with the 75th Bombing of Darwin Commemoration. 

I-124 Japanese Submarine memorial plaque has being set up at Dripstone Cliffs in Darwin, Australia.

I-124 Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony

Monday 18 February 2019 at the Dripstone Cliffs
In February 2019, the day before the commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin, we planted this tree, commonly known as pongamian tree which is native to both Australia and Japan and a healing plant with its seeds used over the years in traditional remedies.
This tree planting ceremony was attended by many dignities including Administrator of the Northern Territory, the Consulate General of the United States of America, Ambassador of Japan to Australia and a descendant family of one of the I-124 submariners, Mr & Mrs Chiba and more.
Our sincere hope is for continued peace, reconciliation, friendship and unity to go on between Australian and Japan.
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Wreathlaying at the I-124 Japanese Submarine Plaque

Saturday 17 November 2021 at the Dripstone Cliffs 
In November 2018, Japanese Prime Minister Mr Abe and NT Chief Minister Mr Gunner visited this plaque and lay the wreath to pray for the Submarine crew. This news spread around the world and the decedents in Japan appreciated.

Plaque Unveiling Commemoration for the I -124

Friday 17  February 2017 at the Parliament House
画像AJANT president (2016) and the I-124 submarine decedents.
Many times throughout history people have said what a terrible thing war is. The outcome of war for all sides involved is a legacy of profound loss: the loss of lives, of property, of boundaries and of identity.
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 A life lost in war has been given in the service to their country and over many centuries and many wars, millions have done so. But every single person who has ever died in combat or as a civilian shared the unique bond that we all share as human beings. The frailties, strengths, weaknesses, talents, kindnesses, humour that link us.
 
In 1942 the Japanese were advancing towards Australia and the place was right here in Darwin. The crew of I-124 submarine were torpedoed and sunk by the Australian naval ship the HMAS Deloraine. 80 submariners were either killed outright by the depth charge or drowned. The final hours of those who survived the impact,  who may have desperately been trying to survive against the odds is a sad and tragic one indeed. Not too far from where we live, their souls are resting as they have been for 75 years.

We at the Australian Japanese Association the Northern Territory agreed with Dr Tom Lewis that timely and appropriate for those submariners to have some recognition and remembrance. We appreciate Dr Lewis’s support, encouragement and assistance throughout the project planning. We are grateful to The Territory Remembers project who approved our request for the plinth grant; the Department of Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Defence, who funded the plaque. 

We hope that the plaque will bring some comfort for those who lost relatives in the I-124.  We also hope that its placing can bring some reconciliation for the people of Darwin who were affected so adversely by the bombing of Darwin by Japanese forces.  Many people suffered and many still carry the painful memories of that terrible time.
Our sincere hope at AJANT is for continued peace, reconciliation, friendship and unity to go on between Australia and Japan. 

We respectfully remember 80 Japanese submariners who lost their lives on the I-124 Submarine on January 20th1942. Men who lived, loved, laughed, cried, and had dreams of their own. Men who did service and duty for their country and died doing it. May they rest in peace.

Australian Japanese association of the Northern Territory

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