Jun 24, 2021 (NHK) - People in the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa are looking back at one of the deadliest battles of World War Two, which occurred 76 years ago.
The clash on the islands between the Japanese military and US forces came to an end on June 23.
On Wednesday, officials held a memorial service in Itoman City. The last major clash of the Battle of Okinawa happened there.
At exactly noon, people observed a moment of silence to remember family members, relatives, and friends. They also prayed for world peace.
The Battle of Okinawa erupted in the final stages of World War Two. Fighting between the US-led forces and the Japanese Imperial military killed more than 200,000 soldiers and civilians.
At the ceremony, Okinawa's Governor Tamaki Denny read a peace declaration. Tamaki said, "Today marks the 76th anniversary of the last fierce ground battle of the Pacific War. We will continue to make constant efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, abandon war, and establish permanent peace, with the aim of connecting the circle of peace from Okinawa to the world."
At the ceremony, a junior high school student from Okinawa read a poem that she wrote. She expressed hope for a better world, and she said that the younger generation is determined to learn from history.
Uehara Miharu said, "Never forget the dark past, let us never make those mistakes again. We have a role here to create a peaceful world."
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide also delivered a video message. He spoke about the challenges Okinawa continues to face with the American bases on the islands. Okinawa accounts for less than one percent of Japan's territory, but about 70 percent of the US's military facilities in the country are concentrated there.
Suga said, "For many years, the concentration of US military bases has heavily impacted the people of Okinawa. We will continue to do everything we can to reduce Okinawa's burden of hosting US bases. We are determined to produce results one step at a time."
The ceremony usually draws thousands, but it was scaled back this year and last year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
About 30 people took part.
Throughout the day, people all over the prefecture will be experiencing a sense of grief and hoping for peace.
