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Hashima Island (Battleship Island)
An abandoned coal mining island that once had the world's highest population density. Forced laborers died here during WWII. The concrete ruins sit empty. UNESCO World Heritage Site—and ghost island.
1887 - Present
Nagasaki, Japan
1000+ witnesses
Hashima Island is Japan’s most haunting abandoned place.
The History
According to historical records:
Hashima Island:
- Coal mining island
- 1887-1974
- Highest population density ever
- Abandoned overnight
- Now UNESCO site
The Population
At its peak:
- 5,259 people
- On 16 acres
- Dense concrete apartments
- No escape
- Mining community
The Dark History
During WWII:
- Forced laborers
- Korean and Chinese
- Worked to death
- Hundreds died
- Never acknowledged properly
The Abandonment
In 1974:
- Coal no longer needed
- Everyone left
- Within months
- Left everything
- Ghost island since
The Ruins
What remains:
- Crumbling concrete
- Seawall breaking
- Buildings collapsing
- Nature reclaiming
- Eerie beauty
The Hauntings
Visitors report:
- Figures in buildings
- Mining sounds
- Voices in tunnels
- Overwhelming sadness
- Presence of workers