Key Facts
• In 1945, a U.S. B-29 bomber crashed on Mount Honzan, Akita, Japan.
• The crash occurred on August 28, two weeks after WWII ended.
• The B-29 was delivering aid to a POW camp in Ōdate City.
• Of the 12 crew members, 11 died; one survivor, Norman Martin, was rescued.
• In June 2025, explorer Daisuke Takahashi discovered a 184 cm-long landing gear part.
• The part was identified as a central axle from the B-29 by U.S. museums.
• The crash site experienced significant fire damage, leaving the area barren for years.
• Martin revisited the site in 1990 to thank local residents for saving his life.
• Takahashi has been investigating the site for six years to preserve war memories.
• The discovery highlights the importance of preserving WWII history for future generations.
Summary
In 1945, a U.S. B-29 bomber crashed on Mount Honzan, Akita, Japan, while delivering aid to a POW camp. Of the 12 crew members, only Norman Martin survived, rescued by local residents. In June 2025, explorer Daisuke Takahashi discovered a 184 cm-long landing gear part from the aircraft, marking a significant find in preserving WWII history. The part was confirmed by U.S. museums as a central axle of the B-29. Takahashi has spent six years investigating the site to honor the memory of the war and its impact. The discovery underscores the importance of preserving historical artifacts to connect future generations with the past.
