Okinawa Memorial Day
June 23, Monday
Okinawa
Historical context
The Battle of Okinawa lasted from April to June 1945. It was one of the last major battles of World War II, during which American troops landed on the island of Okinawa.
According to various estimates, around 240,000 people died in the fighting and from related hardships. Among them:
* Over 100,000 civilians from the island
* Nearly 100,000 Japanese soldiers
* About 12,000 American service members
The official date marking the end of the battle is June 23 — the day on which the top commanders of the Japanese army in Okinawa perished.
How Okinawa Memorial Day is observed
The memorial day is a public holiday only in Okinawa Prefecture (it is not recognized as an official holiday nationwide). On this day:
* Memorial ceremonies are held, especially at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, where the Peace Memorial is located.
* People lay flowers, pray for peace, and remember the deceased.
* Speeches are given by local officials, schoolchildren, and other participants.
* A minute of silence is observed throughout the prefecture at 12:00 noon.
Peace Memorial Park
This memorial complex was opened in 1972 and serves as a place to remember all victims of the battle — regardless of nationality. The park includes:
* The "Cornerstone of Peace", where the names of all the dead are inscribed
* The Peace Museum, which tells the story of the battle and the consequences of the war
* Sculptures and monuments dedicated to various affected groups
Meaning of the holiday today
Okinawa Memorial Day is not only a tribute to those who died, but also a reminder of the importance of peace. For local residents, it is also a day to reflect on the consequences of militarism, the presence of American military bases on the island, and the importance of preserving historical memory.