Okinawa Marks 81st Anniversary of WWII Battle, as Survivors Dwindle and Bases Remain

Okinawa on Tuesday marked 81 years since the end of one of World War II's bloodiest ground battles, a clash between Japanese and U.S. forces that claimed more than 200,000 military and civilian lives. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki attended a memorial service on the island, where the Cornerstone of Peace monument bears the names of all those killed. The commemoration comes as opportunities to hear first-hand accounts of the conflict fade; local researchers report that about 60 percent of high school students in Okinawa have no family members who can speak about the battle.

The U.S. also commemorated the anniversary. In a presidential message, the White House hailed the battle as a "hard-won triumph" that saw over 12,000 American troops killed and tens of thousands wounded during 82 days of intense fighting that began with the U.S. landing on April 1, 1945. Against expectations of a swift victory, American forces faced relentless kamikaze attacks and deeply entrenched Japanese defenders. The message highlighted that 24 U.S. service members were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions.

The battle's legacy continues to shape Okinawa. The island prefecture still hosts the bulk of U.S. military bases in Japan, more than 50 years after its reversion from U.S. rule. Japan is also strengthening its own defense capabilities in the southern region amid China's growing maritime activities and concerns over a possible contingency in Taiwan. The dual pressures of base-hosting and regional security concerns weigh heavily on local communities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used the anniversary to criticize Japan. In a speech reported by state media, he accused Japan of turning into a "war state" by using "disturbing circumstances" to shed constraints on its military ambitions. The remarks underscored ongoing regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Takaichi plans to skip the NATO summit in July due to a packed parliamentary schedule, according to government sources. The decision comes amid a busy diplomatic calendar and domestic legislative priorities.