Okinawa Memorial Day Lecture 2025

Learn About Okinawa's History: Irei No Hi (Battle of Okinawa)
(Language: Japanese with simultaneous English translation)

June 23 is Okinawa Memorial Day. To mark the occasion, a special lecture on Okinawa's history and war will be held on June 17 (Tue) 15:00-17:00 in the OIST Auditorium. 

This is a valuable opportunity to learn about the history of the land and people of Onna Village.

The talk will be divided into two parts:

Part 1:
We will welcome Takahiro Seto,from the Onna Village Museum, who will provide context on the Battle of Okinawa, combat zones in Onna Village, and how these events impacted local residents.
In addition, Terunobu Yamauchi, who was born and raised in Onna Village, will join Mr. Seto in a dialogue to share his personal experiences of life in Nakadomari during that time.

Part 2:
OIST staff members Chiaki Chibana and Misato Matsuda, both born and raised in Okinawa, will speak about their families and relatives who experienced the Battle of Okinawa, and share their reflections on hearing these stories firsthand.

<Date/Time> 
June 17 (Tue)    15:00-17:00   @Auditorium

After the talk, there will be a time for gathering. Please also join 'Reflection with Tea' starting around 17:00.

<Program>
Part 1
15:00-15:50
1. About the Battle of Okinawa by Historian - Seto Takahiro
2. Story of Wartime Experience by Terunobu Yamauchi from Onna Village

10 min Break

Part 2
15:55-17:00
1. Story of Family's Experience During and After the War by Chiaki Chibana, Misato Matsuda (FAO, OIST) 
2. Q&A

17:00-
Reflection with Tea

There will be “Reading of the names: The cornerstone of Peace” at OIST at 18:00, June 17 and June 18.
This is an event to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa by reading aloud their names. The organizer is Okinawan Film Screening group.  For more details, visit at TIDA  page.