Japanese Emperor Naruhito Visits Iwo Jima to Honor WWII War Dead

In their first visit to the island, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid tribute to those who perished in the pivotal 1945 battle, emphasizing reconciliation and historical remembrance.

• Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwo Jima for the first time to honor the lives lost in one of World War II's fiercest battles, marking the 80th anniversary of the conflict.
• The imperial couple prayed at multiple memorial sites and met with representatives of bereaved families and descendants of former island residents.
• The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought from February 19 to March 26, 1945, resulted in nearly 28,000 combined casualties and remains a symbol of sacrifice and strategic importance.
• The visit follows a joint U.S.-Japan memorial service held in late March, attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
• Emperor Naruhito has stressed the importance of preserving wartime history and educating younger generations about the tragedies of war to foster reconciliation and understanding.

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