Okinawa Remembers World War 2 Battle Amid US Base Tensions

Okinawa, Japan, marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, a pivotal event in World War 2, with a call for peace and a renewed emphasis on preserving the island's tragic history, as residents continue to suffer from the American military presence.

The battle, which took place in 1945, resulted in around 200,000 deaths, with half of the Japanese deaths being civilians, many of whom were schoolchildren and victims of forced suicides. Okinawa remains under US military occupation, hosting 70% of US military facilities in Japan, despite covering only 0.6% of the country's land. Residents are concerned that history may repeat itself amid rising tensions over Taiwan.

A 72-year-old volunteer, Takamatsu Gushiken, has been searching for World War 2 remains for over four decades, believing that the remains have the right to be returned to their families. His efforts have been met with resistance from the Japanese government, which plans to build a new US air base on the island. The construction of the base has sparked anger among locals, who fear that it will disturb the remains of war casualties.

Yoshiko Goya, 88, recalls her traumatic experience during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa, where her younger sister was killed by bombings, and her baby sister died in her mother's arms. Her town lost half of its residents in the battle, and she still remembers the devastation and loss. The issue has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the construction of the air base is necessary for national security, while others believe that it is a sacrilege to the war dead.

As Okinawa continues to grapple with the legacy of World War 2, residents and volunteers like Gushiken are working to preserve the memories of those who died in the conflict, and to ensure that their stories are not forgotten. The preservation of the island's history serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of war and the importance of promoting peace.