In the “Three Ship Tragedy”, three Japanese ships were sunk in a Soviet submarine attack off the coast of Rumoi in northern Hokkaido on August 22 after World War II had already ended, and Sakhalin war evacuees lost their lives. The 37th flame ceremony to comfort the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident was held on the evening of August 16 at the Three Ship Tragedy memorial area next to Rumoi City Umi no Furusatokan hall.

The memorial event was held by the “Rumoi Memorial Flame Remembrance Group” (Chairwoman: Yukari Murayama). Red, pink, and white paper were rolled into cylinders representing lotus leaves, and candles were inserted inside approximately 200 of them. Approximately 40 people waited in silence as the sunset gradually faded and darkness began to blanket the area. Chairwoman Matsumura urged participants to, “Join together with your families on August 22 to pray for peace for the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident.”
After this, visitors held their hands up in prayer at the memorial area. Takahiro Nakamura (49) from the town of Obira attended the ceremony with his father (86) and mother (77), and said, “We can change the future if every single person does what they can for peace.”