Inaugural Survey of the Tsukishima Barge
Inaugural survey was conducted on the presumed barge of the battleship Hiei's motor launch at Tsukishima.On December 15, 2025, The Gunjo Foundation, Inc. (“the Foundation”) and KDC Holdings Co., Ltd. (“KDC Holdings”) commenced a joint investigation of the barge currently moored in Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo. The ship is widely speculated to be a former motor launch of the Imperial Japanese Navy battleship Hiei. The survey team comprised five Foundation representatives, including Director for Maritime Ryota Ikeda. The inspection was observed by Ms. Kano Aoki of the Chuo City Assembly, alongside officials from the Chuo City Environment and Civil Engineering Department and delegates from media organizations including The Asahi Shimbun and Sekai no Kansen (Ships of the World), published by Kaijinsha Co., Ltd.
First Survey Scope
The primary objectives of this survey included dimensional measurements of the bow, 3D data acquisition, and a comprehensive exterior inspection.
Future Outlook
We remains committed to ongoing collaboration with KDC Holdings and regional authorities. Subsequent analyses will focus on establishing the ship’s provenance to confirm its identity as the Hiei’s motor launch, which will serve as the basis for determining appropriate preservation protocols.
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青木かのオフィシャルブログ「月島日記-TSUKISHIMA DIARY-」 月島川の「青い船」～旧日本海軍「比叡」の「内火艇」調査始まる