A memorial service was held on Iwo Jima, the site of fierce battles at the end of the Pacific War, to commemorate the war dead of both Japan and the United States, and the bereaved families offered silent prayers.
At Iwo Jima in the Ogasawara Islands, fierce battles were fought between the Japan and American forces at the end of the Pacific War in Showa 20, killing approximately 2,1900 people on the Japan side and about 6800,3 on the American side.
This year's Japan-U.S. joint memorial service was attended by a total of about 200 people, including the families of the Japan bereaved and government officials from both countries, as well as the families of the Americans who had not attended for the past three years due to the effects of the novel coronavirus.
Tetsuro Teramoto, president of the Iwo Jima Association, which is made up of Japan's bereaved families, said, "We must not forget that the peace and prosperity we enjoy is based on the precious sacrifices of brave warriors who love their homeland, homeland and family, and the tireless efforts of the people of Japan and the United States."
Norman Smith, president of the U.S. bereaved families' group, said, "The reconciliation we are seeing here is an unshakable foundation for the historic friendship between the United States and Japan."
After this, a floral offering was held, and everyone prayed in silence.
Then, we visited the underground tower where the headquarters of the Japan Army was located and Mt. Suribachi, where fierce battles were held.