Feihu Jiangjun Temple: Enshrining a Japanese Pilot Who Sacrificed His Life to Protect a Village
In Tainan City, southern Taiwan, there is a rare temple that enshrines a Japanese military officer, named “Feihu Jiangjun Temple” (Flying Tiger General Temple). It enshrines a Japanese pilot who is said to have protected a village at the cost of his own life during World War II, a fierce battleground in Taiwan.
In this article, I will introduce the history of Feihu Jiangjun Temple and the touching story behind it, accompanied by photos taken during my visit in October 2023.
1. What is Feihu Jiangjun Temple?
Feihu Jiangjun Temple is a folk temple located in Annan District, Tainan City. Its official name is “Zhen’an Tang Feihu Jiangjun Temple.” Established in 1971, this temple enshrines Ensign Shigemine Sugiura, a Japanese pilot who died in battle during World War II.
Ensign Sugiura was shot down in an aerial battle over Tainan on October 12, 1944. However, realizing that his plane was falling towards a village, he maneuvered his aircraft away from the residential area before bailing out. Tragically, he was strafed by American aircraft while descending by parachute, dying at the young age of 20.
The villagers were deeply grateful for Ensign Sugiura’s selfless act and built Feihu Jiangjun Temple to enshrine his spirit. Feihu Jiangjun Temple not only honors Ensign Sugiura’s accomplishments but also serves as a place to convey the tragedy of war and pray for the importance of peace.
2. The Story of Ensign Shigemine Sugiura
Ensign Shigemine Sugiura was born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 1923. He joined the Navy Air Corps in 1942 and was assigned to Tainan in 1944. Ensign Sugiura was known as an excellent pilot even during his training, possessing high flying skills and a strong sense of responsibility.
On October 12, 1944, Ensign Sugiura engaged in an aerial battle with American aircraft over Tainan. After an intense fight, Ensign Sugiura’s aircraft was shot down. However, realizing that his plane was falling towards a village, he maneuvered his aircraft away from the residential area before bailing out. He was strafed by American aircraft while descending by parachute, dying at the young age of 20.
Ensign Sugiura’s death brought great sorrow to the villagers. At the same time, a deep sense of gratitude arose for his life-saving actions. The villagers built Feihu Jiangjun Temple to enshrine Ensign Sugiura’s spirit and continue to honor his accomplishments.
3. Highlights of Feihu Jiangjun Temple
Feihu Jiangjun Temple is not very large, but it is a tranquil and calming place enveloped in a serene atmosphere. Inside the temple, photographs and personal belongings of Ensign Sugiura are displayed. It is said that many worshippers from Japan visit every year. Additionally, behind the temple, there is a small hill believed to be the site where Ensign Sugiura was killed in action.
4. Access
There is a bus stop within a 10-minute walk from the temple. It takes approximately 20 minutes from the Tainan Station bus stop.
