noun
monument to the war dead; memorial tower for fallen soldiers
A specific type of memorial tower in Japan, often found at temples or public sites, dedicated to the spirits of those who died in battle. The term carries historical and solemn connotations.
この寺の裏山には忠霊塔が建っている。
A monument to the war dead stands on the hill behind this temple.
忠霊塔の前で毎年慰
A memorial service is held every year in front of the monument to the fallen soldiers.
忠魂碑 is a monument for loyal souls, often a stone stele, whereas 忠霊塔 is a tower-style structure.
Compound of 忠 (loyalty), 霊 (spirit), and 塔 (tower). The term emerged in the early 20th century to denote memorial towers for soldiers who died in service.