The dropping of the atomic bombs in Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan are probably what comes to mind if one was asked what the most catastrophic civilian loss in the Pacific was during World War II. If someone was asked to name a battle between Japan and the U.S. during WWII, one would perhaps say the Battle of Iwo Jima. No doubt, these were all horrific and devastating events, and the loss of civilian life was appalling; unfortunately, there was a more disastrous loss during the war: the Battle of Okinawa, also known as Operation Iceberg and the “typhoon of steel”.
Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu Islands, south of Japan, and from April 1 to June 21, 1945, the bloodiest battle in the Pacific took place here. Over 135,000 Japanese and American servicemen lost their lives; additionally, more than 150,000 civilian lives were lost. In those 82 days, more than one-third of Okinawa’s population was wiped out. Many Okinawans fled to the caves, were killed by both Japanese and American military, died from starvation, malnutrition or illness due to harsh conditions during the battle, or committed suicide–and in some instances, mass suicides. Although an incredible military win for the United States, the Battle of Okinawa destroyed the island. Infrastructure, homes, historical and cultural treasures, documents, and landscapes were almost completely destroyed or damaged. Fortunately, the island and its people were able to recover, and is now home to more than 1.4 million people, including American military soldiers and families.
With a little help and a sense of adventure, there are several historic battle and landing sites that can be accessed – American troop beach landing sites, Kakazu Ridge, Hacksaw Ridge, Sugar Loaf Hill, and suicide cliff to name a few. There are also a few more popular sites that are a must-see for anyone who visits Okinawa. These sites are here for everyone to see, enjoy, and learn from; additionally, fairly easy to get to. But, most importantly, to remind us all of the emotional, tragic, and violent events that took place during the 82 days American and Japanese forces battled for the island of Okinawa:
- Peace Memorial Park. Located in Itoman City and built on the grounds of one of the sites of fighting, the park also includes Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Hall, and the Cornerstone of Peace. The park as a whole is a tribute to those who perished during the Battle of Okinawa, both military and civilian. Its exhibits and monuments all convey and express the heartache of loss, continued peace, and hope for the souls of those that perished. The Corner Stone of Peace monument is meant to resemble the motion of a wave, and has inscribed on the walls the names of all those (known) who died during the “typhoon of steel”. The expansive grounds also allow for individuals and families to have picnics, run around, or just sit and relax.
- Himeyuri Monument and Museum (Himeyuri no to). During the battle, 18 teachers and 200+ female students were forced to become nurses’ assistants. By the end of the war, there were only 5 survivors. Also located in Itoman City, the museum houses photos, testimonials, and memories of the student nurses and teachers from this unit. It is a very emotional and powerful exhibit to experience.
- Former Naval Underground Headquarters. Built by the Japanese Navy Corps of Engineers in 1944, this set of tunnels was once the headquarters for the Naval Commander on Okinawa, as well as the location where the officers committed suicide instead of being captured or surrendering to the U.S. troops. When the troops entered the headquarters after the battle, thousands of bodies were found. The walls still show the marks of the shrapnel from the grenades used by the troops to kill themselves. The tunnels are located in Tomishiro. Visit the museum first to gain a better understanding of the tunnels.
