Gunkanjima

Gunkanjima, also known as the "Floating Fortress," is a historic Japanese warship that served as a floating battery during the Meiji Restoration in 1868. It was constructed by the British firm of John Scott Russell & Company in London and was the first iron-hulled warship built in Japan. The ship was designed to provide naval support to the Meiji government's forces during the Boshin War, which was a civil war between the Meiji government and the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Gunkanjima was launched in 1867 and arrived in Japan in 1868. It was equipped with a variety of weapons, including cannons, mortars, and machine guns, and was capable of carrying a crew of around 100 men. The ship played a significant role in the Battle of Aizu, where it provided crucial artillery support to the Meiji forces. After the war, Gunkanjima was decommissioned and eventually scrapped in 1874.

Gunkanjima is notable for its historical significance as the first iron-hulled warship built in Japan and for its role in the Meiji Restoration. It is also a symbol of Japan's early efforts to modernize its military and naval capabilities. Today, Gunkanjima is remembered as an important part of Japan's naval history and is often featured in historical reenactments and exhibitions.