Emperor, Empress Visit Iwo Jima for 80th Anniversary

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwo Jima, also known as Ioto, to pay respects to those who died in the fierce World War II battle that took place there 80 years ago. This marks their first visit to the island, which is about 1,200 kilometers from Tokyo, and the first by an imperial couple since Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Michiko in 1994. The battle, which lasted from February to March 1945, resulted in approximately 21,900 Japanese and 6,800 US military deaths. The royal couple laid flowers and poured water at memorials to honor both Japanese and American soldiers, as well as civilian casualties. They also met with bereaved families and descendants of former residents. This visit is part of a series of commemorations planned by the Emperor and Empress, including future visits to other significant sites such as Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.