NAHA (Japan) - Okinawa on June 23, 2026 marked 81 years since the end of a World War II ground battle between Japan and the United States that claimed the lives of more than 200,000 military personnel and civilians.
Efforts to preserve memories of the battle are at a crossroads as the number of survivors dwindles. The prefecture continues to bear the heavy burden of hosting United States military bases, more than 50 years after its reversion from US rule.
Japan is also strengthening its defence capabilities in the southern region, which holds geopolitical significance.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki are scheduled to attend a memorial service later in the day to honour those who lost their lives in the battle.
Opportunities to hear first-hand accounts of the conflict are fading, with about 60 per cent of local high school students having no family members who can speak about the battle, according to local researchers.
US forces landed on Okinawa's main island in April 1945. On May 22, the Japanese army decided to retreat before the advancing American forces to the southern part of the island, intermingling with local residents and resulting in widespread civilian suffering. - BERNAMA-KYODO