Tome Torihama

Tome Torihama (鳥濱 トメ) (June 20, 1902 – April 22, 1992）was the owner of a restaurant called "Tomiya Shokudo" in Kagoshima that served kamikaze pilots before they flew off to war.

When the Chiran Airbase opened in 1942, the Tomiya Shokudo became the designated dining hall for the soldiers living on the base.

[2][3] After the war ended, the Supreme Commander of Allied Powers requested to patronize Torihama's restaurant, but she refused.

However, when the town had a welcome party for the SCAP at the Tomiya Shokudo, Torihama became close with the American soldiers, some of whom called her "Mama-san".

[4][5] In 1952, Torihama opened the Tomiya Ryokan for family members visiting graves of fallen Japanese soldiers.