IWO-TO, Japan — On Monday, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito made a significant visit to Iwo Jima to honor the memory of thousands of Japanese and American soldiers who perished in one of the fiercest engagements of World War II.
Accompanied by Empress Masako, Emperor Naruhito conducted prayers at three distinct memorials: one dedicated to Japanese soldiers, another honoring the local island community, and a third that commemorates both Japanese and American troops who lost their lives. The royal couple laid a bouquet of white flowers and performed a traditional gesture by pouring water over a cenotaph, symbolically offering solace to those who suffered under the sweltering conditions and experienced severe hardship and thirst during the war. The imperial visit also included an interaction with the families of the deceased and descendants of former residents of the island.
This pilgrimage marks the first visit to Iwo Jima by both Naruhito and Masako, who were born in the post-war era.
Earlier this year, during the celebrations for his 65th birthday in February, Emperor Naruhito underscored the upcoming 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion. He highlighted the necessity of preserving wartime history and imparting the lessons of the past to the younger generation. The war was fought under the reign of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito, leading to Japan’s aggressive expansion into various parts of Asia.
The battle of Iwo Jima extended from February 19 to March 26, 1945, as the United States sought to capture this critical strategic location to further advance toward Japan’s mainland. Contrary to the US expectations of a swift victory, Japanese forces utilized an intricate network of underground tunnels, putting up fierce resistance for over a month. This historical chapter has sparked the imagination of many authors and filmmakers.
The conflict resulted in the tragic death of over 21,000 Japanese troops and nearly 7,000 U.S. personnel, with more than half of the Japanese remains still missing. All but 103 of Iwo Jima’s residents were forcibly relocated to mainland Japan, and among those remaining, 82 men perished in the wartime hostilities.
The emperor’s visit follows closely after a memorial service attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, commemorating the battle’s conclusion.
While former inhabitants and their descendants can visit Iwo Jima for remembrance ceremonies, the island is no longer available for permanent habitation. After a 23-year American occupation, Iwo Jima was returned to Japan in 1968 and is now part of the Ogasawara islands. Presently, the island hosts 380 members of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and serves as a site for U.S. military aircraft training exercises.