The Sankei Shimbun 
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako offer water at the Tenzan Memorial on Iwo Jima, Ogasawara Village, Tokyo, April 7. (©Reuters via Kyodo)
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On April 7, as they mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwo Jima for the first time. Located in Ogasawara Village, Tokyo, the region was the site of intense fighting during the Pacific War.
On February 19, 1945, American forces landed on Iwo Jima. Approximately 21,900 Japanese soldiers and 6,800 American soldiers lost their lives.
In 2025, Their Majesties are considering visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the cities devastated by atomic bombings during the war. They may also visit Okinawa, which endured heavy casualties during ground battles.
During their day trip to Iwo Jima, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako honored the Japanese war dead at the Iwo Jima War Dead Monument (Tenzan Memorial Monument).
They also visited the Islanders' Memorial Peace Cemetery Park, which commemorates the 82 islanders who died in military service. Additionally, they visited Tranquility Hill, built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to honor both Japanese and American soldiers.
The Imperial couple offered flowers and participated in a water offering ceremony to remember the soldiers who suffered from extreme thirst during the battle.
Remembering Iwo Jima
Tranquility Hill is situated directly above the underground bunker that once served as the Japanese army's combat command post. Their Majesties received an explanation of the site in front of the bunker's entrance, which still stands today. After the ceremony, they met with the families of fallen Japanese soldiers and representatives of former island residents who were evacuated during the war.
In a press conference on his birthday in February, Emperor Naruhito reflected on the Battle of Iwo Jima and emphasized the need to ensure future generations understand its history. He stated, "It is important that the tragic experiences and history be passed on."
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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