Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa has marked the 65th anniversary of the end of organized combat between the now-defunct Japanese Imperial Army and US forces at the end of World War Two.
On Wednesday, a remembrance ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City, where the last of the fierce fighting took place in 1945. The Battle of Okinawa killed more than 200,000 soldiers and civilians.
During the ceremony, about 5,500 people, including victims' families, observed a minute of silence.
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima said the prefecture continues to host many US military bases, and that local residents have been suffering from incidents caused by US soldiers as well as noise pollution.
He also said quickly removing the danger posed by the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station is an issue that concerns not only Okinawa, and that all Japanese nationals should try to help solve it.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan expressed his condolences to the victims' families, and apologized to Okinawa for having to shoulder the great burden of hosting many US bases.
He pledged that the government will work harder to reduce the burden and remove danger posed by US bases.
This is Kan's first visit to the prefecture since taking office earlier this month.
2010/06/23 14:39(JST)
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