Sep 20 (NHK) - Okinawa police say most of a group of teenagers arrested for vandalizing a site of mass suicide during World War Two say they were playing a prank without knowing the site's historic significance.
Seventy-two years ago, 83 people were reportedly forced to kill themselves in a cave known as Chibichiri-gama in Yomitan Village for fear of being killed or captured by US troops.
Last Tuesday, a local resident found strings of origami paper cranes ripped apart and items used by the deceased smashed in the cave.
Four males aged between 16 and 19 from the central part of the main island of Okinawa were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Police say some of the suspects said they visited the cave to test their courage since it was said to be haunted.
They also reportedly said they're sorry for doing terrible things to the deceased and their bereaved families.
The cave is seen as a symbol of the tragic battle of Okinawa. Memorial services have been held there annually.
