Okinawa Marks 80th Anniversary of WWII Battle

Okinawa marked the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa, one of World War II’s deadliest campaigns, with memorial ceremonies attended by survivors, families, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The battle resulted in over 200,000 deaths, including a devastating toll on local residents, with one in four killed and reports of forced suicides by the Japanese military. These events continue to shape Okinawa’s collective memory and anti-war stance. The island’s postwar U.S. occupation and ongoing role as a major U.S. military base remain contentious, especially amid regional security concerns involving China and Taiwan. Recent disputes over how the war is portrayed have further highlighted unresolved historical wounds and fears about Okinawa's future strategic role. The ceremonies emphasized the importance of remembrance, passing on the lessons of war, and advocating for peace.