On the 23rd, Okinawa celebrated ``Day of Remembrance'' to mourn the victims of the Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II. At the Peace Memorial Park in Mabuni, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, which was the site of the last fierce battle, the Okinawa Prefectural Government and the prefectural assembly held a memorial service for all war dead, and Governor Denny Tamaki read out the Peace Declaration. The full text of the peace declaration is as follows:
Governor’s Peace Declaration (full text)
I am reminded of how long 81 years have been.
That day,
Under the sun that shines as brightly as ever,
In the true darkness of the trench, where not a single ray of light can reach,
In the middle of a bullet that doesn't know when it will stop,
Or, in the throes of malaria that he contracted in a place he had fled to,
More than 200,000 lives longed for life and were never fulfilled.
Even today, memories of the tragedy remain in Okinawa, extending to every corner of the country from east to west and from north to south.
More than 90% of Okinawans are now in a generation that did not experience the Battle of Okinawa firsthand. Still, the fact that we Okinawans feel like we lived in the days of hell, and are able to renew our resolve to never let something like this happen again, is the result of the many years of efforts of those who have continued to pray for the souls of the victims, those who have passed down their horrific experiences to their children and grandchildren, or at school and in the community, for the sake of future generations, and those who have continued to preserve the places where the tragedy took place.
We must never forget the hard efforts of our predecessors from that time 81 years ago, when it would be no exaggeration to say that we lost everything, to the time when we regained the beautiful islands we see today. However, there are still vast U.S. military bases in Okinawa, and human security continues to be threatened due to the heavy burden of the bases and the problems that arise from them. In particular, regarding Futenma Air Station, which has not been returned even after 30 years since the agreement was signed, we are calling for a solution through dialogue between the Japanese and U.S. governments and the prefecture, rather than unilateral imposition. Okinawa Prefecture will continue to appeal for the return of Futenma Air Base as soon as possible, as well as a reduction in the heavy burden on bases.
``Every time I see the reality of the Battle of Okinawa, I think that there is no other war that is so cruel and so filled with shame.''
At the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, there is a ``Musubi no Kotoba'' that begins with this word. However, especially in recent years, the situation in which the international order has been shaken by unilateral attempts by the powers of major powers to change the status quo must be said to be the furthest thing from the wishes of the people of Okinawa Prefecture, and of people around the world, who aspire to peace.
War, even if it involves a distant country, is never a fire on the other side. At a time when the world is becoming more economically interconnected, we are forced to experience firsthand how military conflicts in other countries can have a serious impact, both directly and indirectly, on our lives.
Coincidentally, a review conference on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was held this year, but no outcome document was adopted. In a situation where concerns about nuclear proliferation are increasing, we must all the more advocate for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. By denying the means of war, opposing all wars, and pursuing solutions to problems that do not rely on war, we should aim for lasting peace, which is enshrined in the Japanese Constitution as the long-cherished desire of the people, and the abolition of nuclear weapons as part of that process. This is not an empty ideal, but a responsibility that must be addressed.
In Mabuni, there is a foundation for peace based on the idea of writing down the names of those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa, regardless of whether they were friend or foe or nationality. In addition, the Okinawa Peace Prize, which honors those who have contributed to building and maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific region, will be presenting the award for the 13th time this year.In addition, the Okinawa Peace Prize, which honors people who have contributed to building and maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific region, will also be awarding the "Churauchina Grassroots Peace Contribution Award" to those who engage in familiar social contribution activities that lead to peace within the prefecture. In this way, Okinawa, which has inherited that indescribable experience and is trying to spread the spirit of peace both domestically and internationally, must contribute to the realization of world peace.
Based on the facts and lessons learned from the Battle of Okinawa and the accumulated research to date, Okinawa Prefecture will formulate a vision that shows the direction we should take for 100 years after the end of the war, in order to establish lasting peace and human security.
We will responsibly pass on the events that once unfolded in this land to the next generation of young people, continue to learn and think about peace, and fulfill our role as a bridge to world peace, establishing a firm position in the world as a base for peace creation and international cooperation and contribution.
The living hell of the Great War in Okinawa, where so many people lost their lives and treasures, and the living hell that we are living in right now. We share the pity of our lives and the wars, and he repeats his stupid actions over and over again.
There's a war going on in a far away country, and it's having a negative impact on our lives, and the reality is far away. Whoa, where in the world is there a war without a country? ``I'm against war'' and I'm shouting loudly. The fruit of the world (Yugafuyu) is realized (subi), and it is a simple ideal (umuikange). It is my responsibility to carry out these initiatives.
I am sure that Okinawa is the place where I lived, and that I will continue to inherit the sorrows and sorrows of war. I have faith, and together with all the people of the world, I have fulfilled my role, and here I have taken an oath.
The tragic Battle of Okinawa, which claimed countless lives, remains deeply etched. We remember the misery of war, and we vow to never repeat the folly.
Given the reality that even wars far from home impact our daily lives, to oppose all wars and realize peace is no ideal but responsibility.
Having borne the scars of war, it is Okinawa that can contribute to peace, as we hereby pledge to fulfill this role together with the rest of the world.
Today, on Memorial Day, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to all the souls of those who lost their lives, and we hereby declare that we will vow no war, advocate against war, and seek a path to non-war, aiming for a future where Okinawa contributes to lasting world peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
June 23, 2026
Governor of Okinawa Prefecture Denny Tamaki
*Shimakutoba English translation (essence)
The tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa, which claimed the lives of countless people, is still deeply engraved. We must share the tragedy of war and never repeat such foolish acts again.
Given the reality that even wars in distant countries affect people's lives, opposing all wars and achieving peace is not just an ideal, but a responsibility that must be taken.
Okinawa Prefecture believes that Okinawa, which has inherited its war experience, can contribute to peace, and hereby pledges to play this role together with the people of the world.
