Imperial Japanese Navy Submarines Combined Fleet I-400 Class Submarine Just a few of links about the Japanese Submarines of WW2.
Giant Japanese submarines 1-400, 1-401 and 1-14 alongside a US Navy tender in Tokyo Bay after the Japanese surrender in August 1945. The catapult tracks and cylindrical hangars for floatplanes can be seen. These large submarines found no use, and after the war were scuttled by the Americans.
The Japanese No.69 was a second-class submarine based on a Vickers design and the Royal Navy 1’ class. From 1940 she was used for training purposes.
In the video linked here, Japanese submariners are seen apparently pouring a shot of sake in each eye before battle. Does anyone know the origin of the custom? Was it just for submariners?
That nifty little glass is specifically for washing eyes, don't see too many of them now-a-days. Doesn't look like a sake flask/bottle. Probably some solution thought to clear the eyes for those going on watch, but, no, not sake. Pouring wine into your eyes is not a very good idea, as I a certain the Japanese were aware.
Alcohol in your eyes produces immediate and sharp stinging. Can't imagine that'd be good for lookouts.
I remember those eye-wash things. It came in a blue glass bottle, and the screw top had the eye cap on top. You'd fill the cap, put your eye against it, and tilt your head back. The motion was a bit like taking a shot of booze. "That was the beginning of my drinking problem" - Robert Hays, Airplane!
Exactly, that is what I remember from my Grandmother's house . . . the glass that is. I imagine an optician type friend would be horrified at the thought of washing one's eyes with sake. Especially since sake is best served hot.
