Okinawa Peace Memorial

In addition to getting to know our new family, our visit to Okinawa has been educational and emotionally moving.

Okinawa is a tropical, lush, mountainous island. While driving around one may feel they are more in the Caribbean than Japan. What we've learned is that the Okinawans have a distinct cultural heritage. Okinawa became part of Japan in the late 19th century. Prior to that time, the land of Okinawa was known as the RyuKyu Kingdom. The Okinawans feel very proud of their heritage, they have their own language, music, food (Okinawa soba is very delicious, oishi desu!). The Okinawans whom we've met exude warmth, hospitality and "joie de vivre".

While enjoying the Okinawan sun and the beautiful beaches, it is almost impossible to comprehend the suffering that had been inflicted on them during the 2nd World War. Our visit to the Okinawa Peace Memorial was a testimony of their suffering and resiliency.

The most painful period for Okinawa is named "The Typhoon of Steel": In late March 1945 a fierce battle took place on Okinawan soil. It was the only ground fighting (between Japanese and American forces) fought on Japanese soil. The Typhoon of Steel that lasted for 90 days disfigured mountains, destroyed much of the cultural legacy, and claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people. The Okinawans people were victims of both armies. There is a disturbing testimony in the Peace Museum about the Japanese army ordering mass suicide of civilians who were trying to escape the horror of the battle.

What you see above is a photo of the Peace Plaza and the flame of Peace. The simplicity of the flame, and the spectacular view both promote reflection and meditation. While visiting,  we witnessed beautiful ceremonies, conducted by high school children from all over Japan. Another part of the Memorial are the monument walls: These 118 monument walls, shaped like folding screens,  are spread around the Flame of Peace. On these walls, there are more than 200,000 names of the victims of war: Okinawan civilians, Japanese and American soldiers. One of those whose names is Hideki's uncle, who was a young child at the time of his death.

Another part of the memorial is the peace museum, which consists of extensive documentation of  suffering, resiliency and transformation. While visiting, I found myself reflecting and thinking of my visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial Center in Jerusalem. When exiting Yad Vashem  one faces a spectacular view of Jerusalem. When exiting the Okinawa Peace Museum, one faces a spectacular view of the Ocean. In both instances  the horrors of wars and destruction are followed by hopes for the future.

Pnina