Nissyo Maru

Nissyo Maru

Japanese Hellship of World War II

Nissyo Maru was one of the many Japanese merchant ships used to transport Allied prisoners of war during World War II. Like other “hellships,” it carried POWs under brutal and overcrowded conditions as Japan attempted to move forced labor to its industrial centers.

Key Facts

Key FactDetailsShip NameNissyo MaruTypeJapanese cargo transportBuilt1930sOperatorJapanese merchant fleet requisitioned for warRolePOW transport shipOperating areaSouth China Sea / East China SeaPOWs transportedSeveral hundred (various voyages)FateSurvived the war

Historical Background

Nissyo Maru was originally constructed as a merchant cargo vessel during the expansion of Japan’s commercial shipping fleet in the interwar period. Like many merchant ships operating in East Asian trade routes, it was requisitioned by the Japanese government following the outbreak of the Pacific War.

The vessel was used in Japan’s wartime logistics network transporting troops, supplies, and eventually prisoners of war captured throughout Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

POW Transport Mission

By 1943–1944, Japan faced severe labor shortages in its factories and mines. Thousands of Allied prisoners were transported by sea to Japan and occupied territories to serve as forced labor.

Nissyo Maru was among the ships pressed into service carrying POWs between occupied territories such as:

  • the Philippines

  • Taiwan (Takao)

  • China coast ports

  • Japan

These voyages formed part of the larger POW transport corridor across the western Pacific.

Conditions Aboard the Hellship

Conditions aboard POW transports such as Nissyo Maru were notoriously brutal.

Typical conditions included:

  • severe overcrowding in cargo holds

  • minimal ventilation in tropical heat

  • little food or water

  • lack of sanitation

  • disease and dehydration

POWs were often packed tightly into dark holds for voyages lasting weeks.

Attack and Wartime Operations

While some hellships were sunk during the war, Nissyo Maru appears to have avoided destruction despite operating in waters heavily patrolled by Allied submarines and aircraft.

Throughout 1944, U.S. submarines increasingly targeted Japanese shipping along the corridor between the Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan. Many similar vessels carrying POWs were sunk during this period.

Survivors and Aftermath

Because Nissyo Maru survived the war, POWs transported aboard the vessel were ultimately transferred to labor camps in Japan or other occupied territories.

These prisoners were forced to work in:

  • coal mines

  • shipyards

  • factories

  • construction projects

Many remained in captivity until Japan’s surrender in August 1945.

Location Map

Coordinates vary depending on voyage routes.

Visitors may explore the Hellships transport corridor using the interactive map.

Historical Sources

  • U.S. Navy POW transport records

  • Japanese wartime shipping records

  • POW survivor accounts

  • archival research collections

Related Hellships

  • Arisan Maru

  • Oryoku Maru

  • Junyo Maru

  • Rakuyo Maru

  • Brazil Maru