Memorial service for war dead held on Ioto Island

Bereaved families of Japanese soldiers who were killed in World War Two in battles on the Pacific island of Ioto have held a memorial service.

In February and March of 1945, fierce fighting took place between Japanese and US forces on the island, located about 1,200 kilometers south of Tokyo. More than 28,000 Japanese and US soldiers died.

On Wednesday, about 60 people attended the ceremony on the island, which is usually off-limits to civilians.

The Tokyo government has been holding a memorial ceremony for these families since 1983.

A woman whose father died in the battle said she is determined that a war should never be repeated, pledging to convey the lessons to the next generation.

After the service, people visited sites of the fierce battles and offered flowers.