CONTRIBUTED BY HEATHER NORDELL

Img_2358_2

World War II ended on August 15, 1945. In Japan the day is known as Shuusen-kinenbi (終戦記念日), which literally means the “Memorial day for the end of the war”. In 1982 the Japanese government issued an ordinance that designated August 15 to be “the day for mourning of war dead and praying for peace”. What better way to commemorate this day than visiting the Peace Memorial Museum?

So if you can’t tell from the intro. this post was meant for last Friday. I had planned to visit the museum during the week prior and then post on it in time for the holiday. Life got in the way and we were unable to make it to the museum until yesterday. I am so glad that we took the time to visit the museum and surrounding park. The drive there was beautiful but a little long. Maps can be very deceiving. On the map it looked very close but when you are driving 40km even things that are close can take awhile to get to. I will admit that we added an extra hour onto the drive by missing the park and heading too far up the coast.

Img_2335 Img_2337_2 Img_2351

The museum and surrounding park are beautiful. The surrounding park is large and right on the coast so there are many breathtaking views of the ocean. We decided that the park itself would be worth a trip back. We could have spent the entire day roaming around the park. After spending some time exploring the park we decided to head inside to see the museum.

Img_2359_3

The museum was an amazing, thought provoking, and at times heartwrenching experience. It shed so much light on what the Okinawans endured during and after The Battle of Okinawa. I learned so much about the history of this island and the things that led up to the battle. The displays were very well done and even my 5-year-old daughter was interested in them, although she did prefer The Children’s Exhibition Room downstairs. The Children’s Exhibition Room is full of wonderful hands-on exhibits that help nurture peace and understanding.

I have been looking forward to visiting this park and the museum since we arrived on the island. I love that I was able to take my daughter and teach her more about the role this island played in WWII. I truly believe that we must learn from our past in order to create a better future.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, CLOSED Mondays and from December 29 to January 3.

Payment: Admission is ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children.

Directions: Take highway 58 south until it becomes route 331. Continue south to the bottom of Okinawa and you will see road signs in English and Japanese leading you all the way to the park. Free parking is available.

Phone: 098-997-3844.

For more information visit The Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

34 COMMENTS

  1. Matthew Michael D’Agati is the proprietor of RW, an renewable energy Company in MA.

    A handful of years old ago, taking a leap of faith, Matthew D’Agati ventured into the world of alternative energy, to in a short efforts commenced efficiently promoting megawatts of power, predominately when the corporate industry, collaborating with developers of solar farms and local businesses in the “planning” of any designs.

    Ongoing network within the markets, directed Matt to connect a localized start up 2 many years in the past, and in no time, he became their CSO, in charge of all business and businesses improvement, in addition to being promoted community property.

    With tactical joint ventures and sheer operate mentality, Matthew D’Agati elevated that startup from a modest initially-year revenue to more than a 220% surge in obscene purchases by yr two. Based on that foundation, Renewables Worldwide’s (RW), an experienced-closely-held business, was started with missionary work of supplying sustainable fuel answers for a smarter and more advantageous future.

    A lot more in particular, understanding there is a niche in the market place and an enhanced method to maintain gains, RW’s is one of a handful of enterprises in the America to place emphasis on lead exchange, focusing in both professional and home solar run grazing off-take. Their particular dream is to prepare a selling commercial infrastructure on a community-based, regional, national level, offering a multitude of replenishable stamina services and products within the of RW.

    This enthusiasm in that alternative sector endures to arouse and drive Matthew in continuous his seek to work with companies that communicate the consistent of giving you eco-friendly electric methods for a much more eco- friendly destiny. Matthew possess any in commercial from a business program at Hesser College.

    [url=https://tmsyou.com/topic/ecological-growth-and-renewable-source-a-wonderful-harmony-from-matt-dagati/]Exploring sunlight energy with Matthew D’Agati.[/url]
    [url=http://nasielska44.phorum.pl/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1655769&p=1962071#p1962071]That Fiscal Gains of Contributing in Eco-friendly Electricity from Matt D’Agati[/url] 482_618

  2. Matthew Michael D’Agati is the proprietor of Renewables Worldwide, a renewable energy Firm in MA.

    A few period ago, venturing into an adventurous journey, Matthew D’Agati delved into the world of solar, and also within a duration commenced efficiently marketing significant amounts of power, mainly throughout the commercial industry, partnering with solar farm developers and local businesses in the “architecture” of their own undertakings.

    Consistent marketing web from the discipline, headed Matthew to join up to a town startup 2 age inside, and in no time, he assumed the role of their Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing all companies and site development, as well as being presented group ownership.

    By specific joint ventures and sheer duty mentality, Matt D’Agati elevated that team from a modest starting-year revenue to over a 250% raise in general earning by day two. Building on that basis, RW, an oldtimer-owned company, was developed with the goal of supplying renewable stamina options for a smarter and more maintainable future.

    Considerably particularly, understanding there is a niche in the trade and an improved approach to attain results, RW is one of a select number of employers in the U . S . to place emphasis on individual acquisition, focusing in both financial and residence solar-operated work off-take. Your dream is to build a marketing structure on a regional, statewide, national level, offering various sustainable energy merchandise around the of RW.

    This dedication in their alternative industry carries on to thrill and motivate Matthew in persistent his search to work with firms that communicate the exact same of giving eco-friendly fuel remedies for a additional eco friendly potential. Matt has actually their in website from a business program at Hesser College.

    [url=https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-One-Function-of-Sustainable-Power-in-Broadening-Assortment-by-Matt-D-Agati]Exploring a global renewable network with Matthew dagati.[/url]
    [url=https://aklasse-forum.de/threads/rost-oder-nicht-rost-baujahrsfrage.447/#post-2176]Moving to Green Methods: Hurdles and Chances by matt d’agatiMatt D’Agati[/url] 3bc98f5

  3. Thanks a lot for such informative & yet enjoyable website. I’m look ahead to contributing insights whenever this occasion manifests on its own! Thanks a bunch once again for it out there towards planet!

    [url=https://wonmania54.com/konu/forum-ici-borc-istemek-yasaktir.4668/page-3#post-549584]Securing Rapid Home Listings with Broker Advice[/url] b703bc9

  5. Dive into the pulsating center of the music world with our celebration pack, your refuge among the chaos of music and display. Accept the beat, the bright lights, and the unforgettable moments with this particular specifically designed companion that acts as a comfortable retreat in the whirlwind of melodious excitement. Designed for day long journeys, it ensures you remain engaged in the electric festival environment without sacrificing the ease. Visualize your path through the buzzing masses in a unfamiliar locate, in which the bag air-permeable meshing rear panel delivers a refreshing coolness, keeping you comfy as you may travel through the bustling crowd.

    [url=https://elegantbags.online/product/kwai-tiktok-live-broadcast-with-cargo-tree-cream-leather-handmade-leather-hand-held-oblique-cross-bag-womens-bag/]women’s handbag[/url]

    [url=http://bbs.tianyahome.cn/viewtopic.php?t=4207]Harajuku-style Bags & Iconic Japanese Street Style[/url] 192f0da

  6. Discover the French flair of Peugeot, combining technology with classic features. The Speedfight range embodies streamlined designs and cutting-edge capabilities, offering commuters efficient rides. Whether it’s daily riding, these scooters promises dependable mobility with a French appeal.

    [url=https://onlyscooter.shop/product/1pc-fender-support-for-xiaomi-m365-m365-pro-scooter-rear-mudguard-wheels-upgraded-part-fender-pad-foot-support-pad-accessories/]1pc Fender Support For Xiaomi M365/M365 Pro[/url]

    [url=https://www.shinobilifeonline.com/index.php?topic=24447.new#new]Fresh Produce or Transporting Farmer Promote Finds via Battery Scooters[/url] 3bc98f5

  7. Is a considerable printout CR-M4 3D large printer today a good investing?

    Substantial CR-M4 3D printing device devices present fans the capability to produce larger-sized elements and experimental products with ease, creating them perfect for ventures that require increased build size and printing capacity. When large-sized printers might have an increased initial price contrasted to small designs, they present several rewards, such as for instance the capability to print greater objects in just one segment, reduced construction and postproduction duration, and improved adaptability for inventive ventures. Additionally, large-format CR-M4 publishing machines are suitable with a diverse selection of wire types, enabling people to experiment with many types of supplies and methods. either made use of for prototyping, manufacturing, as artistic endeavors, a substantial-format CR-M4 3-dimensional large printer can be an advantageous investing option for enthusiasts searching for to take their three-dimensional printing functionality to the subsequent level.

    All enhanced subjects give deeper insights into countless facets of three-dimensional printout technology, including printing machine brands, renovations, and functioning optimization. Inform me in case you’d want to keep going with more areas or even if there’s a certain region you’d prefer to explore further.

    [url=https://3dprintersvariety.shop/product/creality-official-ender-3-ender-3-v2-ender-3-s1-ender-3-s1-pro-3d-printer-with-resume-printing-professional-diy-fdm-printer/]Professional DIY FDM Printer[/url]

    [url=https://flysat.org/threads/unleash-your-creative-potential-by-leveraging-advanced-3d-printer-parts-to-upgrade-your-quadcopter-modules.452/]Unleash your creative potential by leveraging advanced 3D printer parts to upgrade your quadcopter modules.[/url] d5d403e

  8. Achieving the Most Out of Voron 2.4 R2 Setup for Cartesian Prints
    Voroni 2.4 R2 package offers builders the option to construct a higher-efficiency CoreXY 3D printing with remarkable exactness and reliability. To get maximum benefit from Voroni 2.4 R2 kit for Cartesian publishing, users should meticulously adhere to the assembly directions and pay careful focus to particulars through the build procedure. Proper calibration of the printer’s movement configuration, incorporating belt tightening, pulley positioning, and frame squareness, is essential for achieving optimal printing excellent and precision. Furthermore, people can improve the output of their Voroni 2.4 R2 printing by upgrading extreme parts such as linear tracks, sphere anchoring screws, and noiseless motor drivers, moreover boosting movement control and lowering noise amounts. With appropriate setup and tuning, the Voron 2.4 R2 kit can deliver certified-degree effects and reveal maximum potential of Cartesian print tech.

    [url=https://3dprintersvariety.shop/product/easythreed-k7-mini-3d-printer-easy-to-use-entry-level-toy-gift-3d-printer-fdm-tpu-pla-filament-1-75mm-black/]Entry-Level Toy Gift Printer[/url]

    [url=https://bbs.yumc.pw/threads/navigating-data-protection-regulations-post-brexit.402/#post-12623]Learn how carbon fiber nylon excels for additive manufacturing.[/url] c98f53e

  9. E-scooters render college life easier, delivering university attendees a hassle-free way to move between events, around campus, or to local cafes. Their compact designs, variable settings, and quick charging make them ideal for daily errands.

    Instead of wasting energy on crowded buses, take an e-scooter and cruise to your destination in a flash.

    Grad students who want to balance tight deadlines, e-scooters preserve valuable time and give a steady mode of movement while reducing their pollution.

    [url=https://onlyscooter.shop/product/electric-scooter-speed-dial-thumb-throttle-speed-control-for-xiaomi-mijia-m365-electric-scooter-xiaomi-m365-parts/]Speed Control for Xiaomi Mijia M365[/url]

    [url=https://www.forum.arz-talson.9ab.ru/threads/393/]Weatherproof Wisdom or Recommendations to Operating Battery Scooters in Severe Weather[/url] d403e81

  10. Matt Michael D’Agati acts as the founder of RW, an Solar Company in Massachusetts.

    A couple of several ago, embarking on a leap of faith, Matt D’Agati ventured into the realm of alternative energy, or in a short time started efficiently selling megawatts of power, primarily when the commercial sector, working with solar farm developers and local businesses in the “planning” of your work.

    Consistent networks after just the profession, led Matthew to join up with a nearby start up 2 time period earlier, and within no time, he assumed the role of their Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing all functions and organization increase, along with being given select few ownership.

    By strategic partners and sheer capture principles, Matthew D’Agati elevated that company from a modest starting-year profits to more than a 205% improve in arrant money by same year two. Building on that basis, Renewables Worldwide’s (RW), an master-owned or operated business, was formed with the journey of selling alternative vitality tips for a smarter and more maintainable future.

    Much expressly, recognizing there is a niche in the market place and an improved approach to attain results, RW is one of a select number of providers in the US to really concentrate on lead acquire, concentrating in both financial and home solar-powered park off-take. A perception is to prepare a income system on a regional, regional, national level, offering numerous can be renewed electrical services and products within the of RW.

    This passion in the sustainable industry moves on to inspire and inspire Matt in on going his solicit to work with establishments that promote the equivalent of serving limitless strength solutions for a extra advantageous destiny. Matt has your own in small business from Hesser College.

    [url=https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=yHKinioAAAAJ&hl=en]Does power mediator Charming City supported from Matthew D’Agati?[/url]
    [url=http://marmotec.es/frabricacion-e-instalacion-de-lavabos/]Environmentally Friendly Fuel as a Answer to Power supply Safeguarding Troubles from matt d’agatiMatt D’Agati[/url] 2f0dab7

  11. Metropolitan Biking: Optimal Mixed Bikes

    Mixed bikes are the optimal choice for urban bicycling, blending the optimal properties of road and trail bicycles. These kinds of adaptable bikes provide a pleasant bicycling position that is optimal for navigating state streets and traveling. Personal tires are generally wider than those of street bicycles, providing better steadiness and traction on diverse grounds, like pavement and light trails. whenever picking a crossbreed cycle, look for models with sturdy structures made from substances like compact alloy or carbon fiber, which offer a close balance of durability and weight. Dependable brakes, like disc brakes, guarantee safe stopping power in all weather circumstances. numerous gears are also a crucial feature, enabling you to modify your pedaling effort according to the terrain. alternative characteristics like fenders, racks, and lights can boost your journeying experience, creating bike more practical for everyday use. By picking the optimal mixed bike for your desires, you can experience a seamless, efficient, and easy ride, Regardless you are traveling to work, performing doing errands, or simply discovering the location.

    [url=https://supercycles.shop/product/750ml-bike-water-bottle-cycling-accessories-portable-bike-bottle-sports-drink-juice-water-container-with-dustproof-lid-247cm/]Ultimate Bicycle Frame 26″[/url]
    [url=https://www.culture-lean.com/pour-vraiment-comprendre-lean-valeur/?rcommentid=3718&rerror=incorrect-captcha-sol&rchash=7eb0cb72f34d692caac00b67c8031971#commentform]WEST BIKING Ultralight Bicycle Footrests and Characteristics[/url] ea5480_

  12. Matthew Michael D’Agati acts as the proprietor of RW, an renewable energy Company in Massachusetts.

    A few long time ago, venturing into a leap of faith, Matt D’Agati delved into the realm of solar, also within a moments began effectively marketing megawatts of power, mainly about the business sector, working with solar farm developers and local businesses in the “architecture” of her or his works.

    Continuous media in just the business, guided Matt to sign up with a surrounding start up two long time past, and within no time, he became their CSO, overseeing all activity and startup improvement, along with being delivered minority control.

    Throughout important jvs and shear efforts ethic, Matthew D’Agati brought that team from an initial 1st-year gains to more than a 250% improve in major commissions by season two. On that premise, RW, an seasoned veteran-closely-held business, was made with the missionary work of delivering sustainable electrical treatment methods for a smarter and more alternative future.

    Way more particularly, understanding there is a niche in the sector and an improved approach to enjoy information, RW’s is one of a handful of enterprises in the US to highlight on lead transferred property, focusing in both private and domestic solar powered neighborhood off-take. Their unique plans is to make a sale structure on a local, statewide, countrywide level, offering various replenishable electric solutions among the of Renewables Worldwide, Inc..

    This passion in ones alternative sector remains to energize and motivate Matthew in going forward his journey to work with organizations that show the exact same of offering limitless energy options for a even more lasting long-term. Matthew enjoys that in small business from Hesser College.

    [url=https://www.deviantart.com/mattdagati/art/Matt-DAgati-911259776]Matthew dagati about renewable energy brokerage.[/url]
    [url=http://belle-musique.fr/]Dropping Trust on Non-renewable Energy Sources: The Requisite for Carbon-neutral Technologies by matt d’agati[/url] fd5d403

  13. Another essential reason to modify to solar power could be the cost benefits it offers. Solar energy panels can handle generating electricity for businesses, reducing or eliminating the need for traditional types of energy. This might end in significant savings on energy bills, especially in areas with a high energy costs. Furthermore, there are many government incentives and tax credits offered to companies that adopt solar technology, rendering it a lot more cost-effective and affordable.

    The technology behind solar power is simple and easy, yet highly effective. Solar power panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity are able to be kept in batteries or fed straight into the electrical grid, with respect to the specific system design. To be able to maximize some great benefits of solar power, you should design a custom system this is certainly tailored to your unique energy needs and requirements. This may make sure that you have the best components set up, such as the appropriate wide range of solar energy panels as well as the right form of batteries, to maximise your power efficiency and value savings.

    [url=https://www.whartonfintech.org/our-team]How does a energy dealer do like described by Matt D’Agati?[/url]
    [url=https://students.aprendehablando.com/wp-admin/%7B%7Bdata.src%7D%7D]Solar Water Heating Units: Effectiveness & Implementation[/url] 3ea5481

  14. Matt Michael D’Agati is the proprietor of Renewables Worldwide, an alternative energy Firm in Massachusetts.

    A few years and years ago, embarking on a leap of faith, Matt D’Agati stepped into the realm of solar, also in a opportunity started efficiently marketing megawatts of power, mainly at the corporate sector, collaborating with solar farm developers and local businesses in the “planning” of specific ideas.

    Consistent marketing contained in the market, headed Matthew to be a part of a inter city startup 2 age in the past, and in no time, he assumed the role of their Chief Strategy Officer, in charge of all calculations and business venture formation, in addition to being provided group title.

    Using planned relationships and sheer business moral principle, Matt D’Agati brought that service from a marginal first-year revenues to in excess of a 500% raise in general revenue by season two. On that premise, RW, an veteran-managed company, was shaped with assignment of serving sustainable vigor possibilities for an intelligent and more advantageous future.

    Further specifically, recognizing there is a niche in the store and an improved approach to develop information, RW is one of a handful of employers in the America to sharpen on individual acquisition, concentrating in both advertisement and personal solar energy town off-take. Their own idea is to develop a sale structure on a community-based, statewide, countrywide level, offering various replenish-able power solutions around the of RW.

    This enthusiasm in the actual renewable industry goes to agitate and drive Matt in going forward his chase to work with agencies that use the equal of giving alternative fuel treatment options for a most eco- friendly potential. Matt enjoys the best in firm from a business program at Hesser College.

    [url=https://www.acoredu.com/forums/topic/how-to-make-new-friends/]Why Matthew D’Agati influences renewables globally.[/url]
    [url=https://forum.lite-invest.com/threads/kak-stat-trejderom.46/#post-7375]This Potentiality of Alternative Energy in Generating Job Possibilities by matt dagati[/url] ea5487_

  15. Matt Michael D’Agati serves as the proprietor of RW, an alternative energy Company in Massachusetts.

    A few a very long time ago, embarking on a leap of faith, Matthew D’Agati stepped into the world of solar, so within a energy commenced efficiently marketing significant amounts of power, mainly inside the business sector, collaborating with solar farm developers and local businesses in the “design” of their own works.

    Ongoing media regarding the marketplace, encouraged Matt to unite a town startup 2 age within, and within no time, he became their Chief Strategy Officer, responsible for all calculations and service programming, as well as being supplied community control.

    Thru proper unions and shear perform ethic, Matthew D’Agati boosted that vendor from a modest beginning-year revenues to over a 220% boost in arrant purchases by annum two. Building on that basis, RW, a oldtimer-closely-held business, was developed with the vision of giving you alternative energy treatment options for a smarter and more maintainable future.

    Other mainly, understanding there is a niche in the promote and a better way to complete gains, RW is one of the few companies in the u.s. to target on guest transferred property, focusing in both business and non-commercial solar energy town off-take. Specific vision is to make a selling base on a regional, statewide, countrywide level, offering numerous limitless vitality merchandise within just the of Renewables Worldwide, Inc..

    This enthusiasm in some sort of renewable industry moves on to thrill and inspire Matthew in going forward his mission to work with groups that overlap the exact same of furnishing eco-friendly strength answers for a a lot more supportable destiny. Matt hosts per in startup from Hesser College.

    [url=https://vimeo.com/groups/769612
    ]Selecting the right solar power provider for Massachusetts advised from Matt D’Agati.[/url]
    [url=http://glas-schutz-folie.de/test.html]This Financial Benefits of Risking in Sustainable Power by Matthew D’Agati[/url] f53ea54

  16. We just visited the park yesterday. Didn’t have time to visit museum. It was so beautiful!! Make sure to bring your walking shoes and water!! We just typed Mabuni into google maps and it led us to it. It takes about 45 min to an hour to get there.

    • It is a pretty big place. There is a bit of a walk from the parking area and then the large building you see in the picture on this post has 2 floors (I believe) that are open to the public. The indoor portion of the park can be as long or as short as you would like. If you are the type to stop and read everthing and watch the video footage they provide then the building alone can take hours. I personally stood at the big glass wall overlooking the water for a long time…so beautiful! As far as all the memorials on the outside…they are scattered all over the park and are erected in honor of certain groups of people by certain countries, organizations, etc. Again, it is what you make of it. We spent several hours looking at the wall of names and all the monuments. The post before yours by Ryan with the link to his vimeo page will show you a bit of what there is to see there. If it was me, I would make sure to be there by 2:30 or 3 to allow myself time to see everything before the lights come on. Hope this helps.

  19. We got lost a couple of times because we tried to take a shortcut. For those of us who hate taking 58 all the way down the island, here are directions from the expressway.

    Take the expressway south to the airport express. Take the airport express to A-2. Exit 507 toward Yaese (should be a left). Travel down 507 for a while, then turn left on 331. Follow the signs to the park. (Note: The signs are for Heiwakinen Memorial Park, not Peace Prayer Park- it took us about 4 passes to figure that out.)

  20. Having spent three tours there in the military,at Torii Station,I visited the site on different occasions,but never got to see the Peace Memorial until my return in August 2012.It was an awesome facility,but also a sad occasion to see my deceased wife’s fathers name on the wall.

  21. I just wanted to let people know that they do have activities for New Year’s Eve. I went this past New Year’s Eve and it was AMAZING!!!! I believe that the ceremonies that take place here are done in honor and remembrance of the lives lost during the horrendous battle that was waged in Okinawa.

    I arrived there around 9:00pm (which was early) and found the grounds lit up with lights and candles. In one area you are able to make a floating candle with your wishes written on it for the coming year and set it afloat in a little pond (very cool). Around 10:00pm people gather in the main facility for a remembrance ceremony. I don’t speak Japanese so I can’t elaborate on what was said but it was a very serious and respectful ceremony. At around 11:00pm people start gathering outside to start the fire ceremony. We were giving a torch dipped in kerosene and waited in line with at least 100 other people. The drums started and a large wreath was lit on fire (I think that the the wreath is lit from the eternal flame that is in the center of the grounds) and slowly lowered from the tower. This wreath was used to light a giant brazier on fire and then each person lit their torch from that. We walked slowly in a line to the drum beat. We went upstairs to where the peace bell is and marched in concentric circles following a large line of people. In the middle was a large unlit brazier. Once everyone arrived the drums stopped, a song was sung and then we counted down to the New Year. At the count of one the circle of people (japanese boyscouts)closest to the brazier lit it on fire with their torches and triumphant horns started playing. Also, at this same time fireworks from the nearby Itoman New Year’s festival exploded overhead. After the ceremony people lined up to ring the giant peace bell for the coming year

    This was truly an amazing and unique experience. It was a very meaningful way to usher in the New Year and something that I felt honored to be a able to participate in. I have been on island for over 2 years and I am always searching out authentic experiences, but I had never even heard an inkling of this amazing ceremony taking place. I stumbled upon this on accident and feel so blessed that I did.

  22. The Prefectural Peace Memorial Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday except for Mondays and it is closed from December 29 to January 3. Admission to the museum is ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children. To get to Peace Memorial Park, take highway 58 south until it becomes route 331. Continue south to the bottom of Okinawa and you will see road signs in English and Japanese leading you all the way to the park. Free parking is available. For more information, call 098-997-3844.

  24. I’ve found the map on google Earth to be more helpful! I believe the road signs you’ll want to follow actually say Himeyuri Monument, or something very similar. 😉 It sits off of 331 a little ways, so you won’t see it before you turn off of that road. But once you turn, you’ll see the triangle roofs! Hope that helps! Here’s another site, that will translate to English in your browser! http://www.himeyuri.or.jp/info.html

  29. August 15 is commemorated as Victory over Japan day, on which in 1945 the Emperor of Japan (Hirohito) spoke directly to the Japanese people for the first time. In a radio broadcast he announced that Japan had accepted terms of surrender to end World War II. The formal surrender and end of WWII occurred in Tokyo Bay, Japan aboard the battleship USS Missouri on September 2, 1945 when the surrender documents were signed.

    In Okinawa the more important day commemorating WWII is June 23, known as Irei no Hi (慰霊の日) or roughly translated as ‘The Day to Console the Spirits’. Every year on June 23, Okinawa Prefecture commemorates the end of the 82-day Battle of Okinawa with a formal ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park. The ceremony reflects on the sacredness of life, the primacy of peace and the futility of war.

    The Prime Minister of Japan (currently Naoto Kan) attends the ceremony along with some U.S. Military commanders and various government officials. Most of the attendees are survivors of the battle and their descendants, who are there to honor those who died in the gruesome fighting.
    Most schools and some businesses in Okinawa are closed for this holiday.

    Even though this is an Okinawan memorial day, it honors all those who died in the battle of Okinawa from all nationalities; soldiers, military personnel including POWs, conscripts and more importantly civilians.
    More people died in the nearly 3-month Battle of Okinawa than in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, combined.
    Nearly one-third of all Okinawans at that time died (about 100,000).
    Every year, names of people are added to the memorial when they are identified to have died during the battle, and that number exceeds 240,000, all carved into the stone cenotaphs.

    Many survivors of the battle, now elderly, gather at the Peace Park this time of year with their family to pray and express their desire that future generations know how terrible the battle was and that all wars should be avoided. Within the past week I have also seen several gatherings at small local monuments and shrines.

    Live TV coverage of the memorial ceremony on June 23 starts at 11:35am on the primary NHK channel (General). After the noon news on NHK the ceremony telecast will continue at 12:20pm. There will also be news stories about the event on the local TV channels starting at 6:15pm and NHK News 7 (at 7:00pm) and NHK News Watch 9 (at 9:00pm, with English translation.

    If you have not visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, you should take time to see the memorial and museum, walk the now peaceful and calming grounds of the park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and contemplate the meaning and symbolism of the park and its monuments.