Why is June 23 remembered as Okinawa Memorial Day?
The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about "Okinawa Memorial Day," which falls on June 23.
Question: June 23 is Okinawa Memorial Day. Why is this day chosen for remembrance?
Answer: Eighty years ago, in 1945, ground battles between Japanese and American forces took place in Okinawa Prefecture, resulting in the deaths of about 200,000 people including residents. The ground battles began in earnest when U.S. forces landed on Okinawa's main island on April 1, 1945, and it is said that Japan's organized resistance ended on June 23. That day, a Japanese military commander and others, cornered by U.S. forces, took their own lives in Mabuni, now part of the city of Itoman.
Q: So, the Battle of Okinawa ended that day, didn't it?
A: Not exactly. Although the command headquarters ceased to exist, sporadic fighting continued. Before taking his own life, the Japanese commander had issued orders to "fight to the end." The U.S. declared the end of operations in Okinawa on July 2, 1945, and Japanese forces in the Nansei Islands including Okinawa signed the surrender documents on Sept. 7, 1945.
Q: When was June 23 established as Okinawa Memorial Day?
A: In 1961, while Okinawa was under U.S. control, the local Ryukyu government legally designated Okinawa Memorial Day. Initially, June 22 was set as memorial day, but it was changed to June 23 in a 1965 legal revision. This change was based on research findings indicating that June 23 was more likely the day the commander took his own life. However, the theory supporting June 22 still exists today.
Q: How do the people of Okinawa observe this day?
A: June 23 is a public holiday in Okinawa, as stipulated by the prefectural ordinance, and memorial services are held across the prefecture. Bereaved families and others visit the "Cornerstone of Peace" at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, offering flowers and putting their hands together in prayer before the monuments inscribed with the names of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and other conflicts. During the annual Okinawa Memorial Service for All War Dead held at the park, attendees observe a moment of silence at noon, and the governor of Okinawa reads out a "Peace Declaration." This is a day to mourn the loss of 200,000 lives and reflect on the importance of peace.
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