It has been 50 years since Okinawa returned to the mainland in 15 days.
In Okinawa, the government and Okinawa Prefecture jointly held a commemorative ceremony, emphasizing that Prime Minister Kishida will make every effort to reduce the burden on the base, while Governor Tamaki told the government to realize a peaceful and prosperous Okinawa. I asked you to work on it.
The ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to the mainland was held at the same time by connecting two venues, Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture and Minato Ward, Tokyo, jointly by the government and Okinawa Prefecture. Governor Tamaki attended.
Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress also attended online from their residence.
Prime Minister Kishida said, "Fifty years after the return, the people of Okinawa still bear a heavy burden on the base. The government takes it seriously and will continue to do its utmost to reduce the burden on the base." rice field.
The US and Japanese governments are expected to agree on the "Lower Plaza Residential Area" of the U.S. Army Camp Zukeran, which is scheduled to be returned after the next fiscal year, so that it can be used as a green park prior to the return. He expressed his intention to make necessary preparations for the start of use of the inside, and stated that "We will continue to steadily accumulate visible results of reducing the burden on the base while maintaining the deterrence of the Japan-US alliance." rice field.
And, "Today, which is the 50th anniversary of the return, I feel that the dawn of a new era in which Okinawa will flutter powerfully in the Asia-Pacific region and the world has begun. I would like to pay tribute to the tireless efforts and efforts of our predecessors, and pray for the peace of the world and the further development of Okinawa. "
On the other hand, Governor Tamaki said, "Even now, 50 years after the return, 70.3% of the area of facilities dedicated to the U.S. military in Japan is concentrated in Okinawa Prefecture, which is only 0.6% of Japan's land area, and incidents and accidents caused by U.S. military personnel and civilian employees. , Noise, environmental pollution, etc., the citizens of the prefecture continue to be forced to bear an excessive burden on the base. "
On that basis, we urged the government to share the awareness of the entire people about the significance and importance of Okinawa's return to the mainland, and to work toward the realization of a peaceful and prosperous Okinawa where all citizens of the prefecture can truly feel happiness.
His Majesty the Emperor said, "Okinawa, which became the stage of a tragic ground battle in the previous war and was out of the administration of Japan for about 27 years after the war, is based on the friendship and trust of Japan and the United States, and is the mainland today 50 years ago. In Okinawa, where many precious lives were lost in the war, I heard that people deepened their thoughts on "Nuchidutakara" (life is a treasure), but it has been difficult since then. While thinking about the history of the people of Okinawa who have walked the road, I am deeply moved by attending this ceremony. "
On top of that, "Okinawa still has various issues to be solved. I hope that the people, including the younger generation, will deepen their understanding of Okinawa, and will continue to make efforts and thoughts of the people so far. I sincerely hope that will be inherited and a prosperous future will be built in Okinawa. "
A commemorative reception will be held at the venue in Okinawa, where local high school students will perform Ryukyu dances.
The full text of His Majesty the Emperor's words
This is the full text of the words that His Majesty the Emperor said at the 50th anniversary of Okinawa's return to the mainland.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our return to Okinawa, we are delighted to have a commemorative ceremony connecting Okinawa and Tokyo online today.
Okinawa, which became the stage of a tragic ground battle in the previous war and was out of the administration of Japan for about 27 years after the war, will return to the mainland 50 years ago today based on the friendship and trust of Japan and the United States. I played.
In Okinawa, where many precious lives were lost in the war, I heard that people deepened their feelings of "Nuchidutakara" (life is a treasure), but the people of Okinawa who have been on the path of hardship since then. I am deeply moved to attend this ceremony while thinking about the history of Okinawa.
On the day of my return to the mainland, I was in the first grade of junior high school, and I remember seeing the news with my parents.
Then, in 1987, 15 years after his return, he visited Okinawa for the first time at the National Sports Festival Summer Tournament.
Compared to that time, I hear that Okinawa has developed and the lives of citizens of the prefecture have improved.
I deeply respect the long-standing efforts of many people, including Okinawans.
On the other hand, various issues still remain in Okinawa.
I hope that the people, including the younger generation, will deepen their understanding of Okinawa, and I sincerely hope that the thoughts and efforts of the people will be inherited and that a prosperous future will be built in Okinawa. hoping.
Okinawa, which is blessed with nature such as the beautiful sea and has nurtured a rich history, traditions and culture, has many attractions.
I pray for the further development of Okinawa and the happiness of the people, and I would like to send it to the ceremony.