WWII

We spent today going to some of the historical sites including the WII memorials around Okinawa which was the biggest priority I had coming here... Japanese history does not interest me except when it comes to WWII, I am fascinated by the war in the Pacific (if you have not watched the HBO mini series the Pacific , it is better than Band of Brothers).

We rented a taxi for six hours and went to Shuri Castle, Himeyuri Monument, and the Okinawa peace museum. The Himeyuri Monument and museum was by far the most interesting and sobering. The quick story is when Japan began WII the militarized most of the schools in Okinawa to train the students and teachers to support the Japanese imperial goal and aid in combat if needed. When the U.S. attacked Okinawa in the last battle before the A-Bombs , students at the All girls Himeyuri school were called on to help the Japanese soldiers in battle. All 296 students were forced into caves and in combat. After a couple hours a demobilization was called by the Japanese and they forced the students out of the caves into the front lines with out protection. The students, helpless against the U.S air and ground raids were mostly killed. Those who were not killed by fire, committed suicide by jumping of cliffs and blowing themselves up with live grenades.

Unfortunately these were not the only civilians who were killed in the battle of Okinawa, in total 190,000 Okinawan’s were killed. Both the American and Japanese soldiers were responsible for their death. They were used as human shields by the Japanese and killed by U.S. crossfire.

The theme of both museums was peace , not just for Okinawa but for the world. Because of their experience with WWII , the people of Okinawa took a pledge against war and weapons. I can understand why the 13 MILITARY BASES on this Island bother most of the people living here...