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Showing posts from May 15, 2022

Full Text of HM the Emperor's Words at the 50th Anniversary of the Reversion of Okinawa to Japan:

  On May 15, His Majesty the Emperor and Empress attended the 50th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan, held simultaneously in Okinawa and Tokyo, from his palace online. The full text follows.   (The mother article is here .)   On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan, I am very pleased that the commemorative ceremony is being held today, connecting Okinawa and Tokyo online.   Okinawa, which was the scene of tragic ground fighting in World War II and remained out of Japanese control for 27 years after the war, was returned to the mainland 50 years ago today, based on the friendship and trust between the United States and Japan. In Okinawa, where many precious lives were lost in the World War, I have heard that the people of Okinawa have deepened their belief in "Nuchidotakara" (Life is Treasure), and I am deeply moved to attend this ceremony while thinking about the history of the Okinawan people who have continue

The Emperor's Speech at Okinawa Ceremony Touching on Okinawa's "Challenges" for the First Time

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  Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attended the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the reversion of Okinawa to Japan online from the Imperial Palace on March 15. In his speech, the Emperor recognized that " various challenges still remain in Okinawa. ”  (The full text of his speech is here .) His Majesty said, "I have heard that in Okinawa, where many precious lives were lost in the war, people deepened their belief in 'Nuchidotakara' (life is treasure), and I am deeply moved to attend this ceremony while thinking about the history of the Okinawan people who have continued to suffer after the war," referring to the severe situation Okinawa was in after the war ended.   “Nuchidotakara" was also introduced as a phrase used by His Majesty during his first visit to Okinawa in 1987, when he was 27 years old, as a "poignant cry" for peace from the people of the prefecture. The phrase was introduced as an expression of the peo