Former Radio Station of the Japanese Navy in Fengshan

 Address:Geographical location : Shengli Rd.,, Fengshan Dist., Kaohsiung City Longitude : 120.373945277846, Latitude : 22.6301189365239
 Subject:AssetClassification : Historic Monument, AssetsLevel : National Historic Monument, Asset Type : Military Facilities

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【Introduction】

The development of radio communications and their extensive use in war began approximately sometime after World War I. The need for Japanese naval warships to expand their range of activities increased demand for large-scale radio stations. After carrying out various surveys for about a year, the Japanese chose to establish radio stations in three locations: Funabashi near Tokyo, Fengshan in Taiwan, and Hario in Kyushu. Fengshan Radio Station began construction in 1917, and became operational in May 1919. It was also a landmark in the arrival of long-distance military radio communications as well as a testament to the expansion of Japanese naval power. Fengshan Radio Station was built on a circular base measuring 300 meters in diameter and surrounded by walls on all sides. Of the original buildings, a large blockhouse, a small bunker, a cross-shaped signal station, a cylindrical water tank, and an office still remain. The large blockhouse features a nearly rectangular with its roof and sides covered with earth to prevent bombings from the Allies during World War II. The bomb-proof windows on the front and back are built with concrete clad in a steel framework. Both the windows and the use of high-strength concrete are good examples of the military engineering technologies of the time. Unfortunately, the rapid progression in radio communiations led to the replacement of long-wavelength technologies by short-wavelength and satellite communications. After World War II, the Nationalist Chinese Government recommisioned the radio station for use as a military prison and renamed it the Fengshan Detention Center. In 1962, it became the Mingde Discipline Training Center and was where the navy set up its training and education center until it was vacated in 2001. Although it is currently unused, the station remains a landmark of important historical significance.

 

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