Photo/Illutration Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoy an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japan, on June 9 at the National Museum in Tokyo’s Taito Ward. (Pool)

Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko enjoyed a special exhibition on June 9 in Tokyo commemorating the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s return to Japan from U.S. rule. 

The couple share a strong sentiment for Okinawa, which suffered fierce ground battles in World War II when they were young. They visited the southernmost prefecture 11 times before Akihito abdicated the throne.

The couple paid their respects to the war dead, acknowledging the scars of defeat in the war, along with the victims.

The exhibition at the National Museum in Tokyo’s Taito Ward shows many cultural assets from the Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed for about 450 years until 1879, before Okinawa. The couple viewed the historical materials and artifacts from the period.

The couple also viewed a large ornamental hairpin called “kanzashi,” said to have been used by the highest-ranking priestess of Ryukyu, the Kikoe Ogimi, who prayed for the kingdom’s peace and good harvest and served to protect the Ryukyu islands.

“There was the war in Okinawa, but it is fortunate (these collections) are preserved,” said Akihito.

Michiko said, “It must have been very hard to collect this many.”

The couple’s first visit to Okinawa was in 1975, when they were the crown prince and princess.

Akihito had a firebomb thrown at him from leftist extremists as many people openly discussed the responsibility of Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, for the war.

Akihito addressed in his speech at that time that he would continue to be mindful of this land.

In 1995, the couple visited Okinawa to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II and comfort the spirits of the war dead.

They also interacted with elementary and junior high school students from Okinawa--so-called “bean reporters” who worked as reporters--during their vacation with the aim of promoting exchanges between Okinawa and the mainland.

The couple offered a silent prayer in Okinawa’s memorial day on June 23. 

They were originally scheduled to visit the museum on June 2, but they postponed it in light of Akihito’s fatigue as well as advanced age.

This is their first time in about one year and seven months for them to see such an exhibition.

They walked holding hands. Akihito smiled and waved to the visitors at the exhibition.

Akihito feels well and has a regular life, according to the close aide.

Related News