James Gabriel Martin
Hashima Island (Gunkanjima or Battleship Island), Nagasaki 2017
Hashima Island, also commonly called Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island" (due to its shape resembling a battleship), is an abandoned island 15 kilometres off the coast of Nagasaki. The 16-acre island was a former industrial site for undersea coal mining that was first established in 1887. It drew controversy due to the fact that forced labourers worked there prior to and during WW II, while many skilled workers also lived there with their entire families. It was closed down in 1974 following depleted coal mines, and due to the fact that Japan was making the move to petroleum energy. The island is fascinating to see today, lying in ruin due to the harsh weather conditions and lack of human presence. Wild flowers can be seen sprouting up amongst the rubble, birds of prey circle overhead and fishermen journey there to fish standing on the outer perimeter walls. The island was featured in the 2012 Bond film "Skyfall", acting as the headquarters of Raoul Silva and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
© 2017 James Gabriel Martin All Rights Reserved.
www.JamesGabrielMartinPhotography.com
Hashima Island (Gunkanjima or Battleship Island), Nagasaki 2017
Hashima Island, also commonly called Gunkanjima or "Battleship Island" (due to its shape resembling a battleship), is an abandoned island 15 kilometres off the coast of Nagasaki. The 16-acre island was a former industrial site for undersea coal mining that was first established in 1887. It drew controversy due to the fact that forced labourers worked there prior to and during WW II, while many skilled workers also lived there with their entire families. It was closed down in 1974 following depleted coal mines, and due to the fact that Japan was making the move to petroleum energy. The island is fascinating to see today, lying in ruin due to the harsh weather conditions and lack of human presence. Wild flowers can be seen sprouting up amongst the rubble, birds of prey circle overhead and fishermen journey there to fish standing on the outer perimeter walls. The island was featured in the 2012 Bond film "Skyfall", acting as the headquarters of Raoul Silva and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
© 2017 James Gabriel Martin All Rights Reserved.
www.JamesGabrielMartinPhotography.com