Japan marks 80th anniversary of Battle of Okinawa
Japan's southwestern prefecture of Okinawa will hold a memorial ceremony on Monday to remember those who perished during fierce ground fighting 80 years ago at the end of World War Two.
More than 200,000 people lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa, including roughly one in four of the prefecture's residents at that time.
Okinawa Prefecture recognizes June 23, 1945, as the day when Japan's now-defunct Imperial military ended organized combat against US forces in the battle. The memorial ceremony is held annually on this day at Peace Memorial Park in the city of Itoman, the last intense battlefield.
Accounts of what occurred during the Battle of Okinawa have been passed down from generation to generation based on stories shared by survivors. But people now have few opportunities to listen directly to them. Some are even disputing the veracity of parts of the history.
Against this backdrop, efforts are underway to let people know more about what really happened. They include using physical remnants from the battle, such as the headquarters built by the Japanese military under Shuri Castle. Another initiative involves introducing digital materials in peace education.
Okinawa still hosts about 70 percent of the US military facilities in Japan. Last year, the prefecture saw a record number of individuals linked to the US military who were suspected by investigative authorities of committing criminal offenses.
The prefecture's role and burden in ensuring Japan's security are continuing to grow. The central government is trying to reinforce the defense of the southwestern islands, including Okinawa.
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