JAPAN MARKS 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF OKINAWA
People in Japan are marking 80 years since the end of the Battle of Okinawa, a campaign of fierce ground fighting during the closing stages of World War II.Residents of the islands have been paying tribute to those who lost their lives. A ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in the city of Itoman, the site of the final fighting. Hundreds of people observed a moment of silence.
Elementary school student Shiroma Ibuki, whose grandmother survived the war despite suffering serious injuries, read a poem he had written.
(Japanese)
When I told my grandma that I'm truly grateful she's alive,
she took my face in her hands and said,
Ikinobitakutou nuchinu chirugatan.
She told me: I survived so that life could carry on.
Okinawa Governor Tamaki Deni spoke of the importance of passing on the lessons learned.
It is our mission, as those living in the present, to preserve and pass on the reality and lessonsas the spirit of Okinawa to future generations.
Okinawa recognizes June 23, 1945 as the day when the now-defunct Japanese Imperial Military ended organized combat against US forces there. The Battle of Okinawa claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people, including roughly one in four of the prefecture's residents at the time.
Earlier, we spoke with our colleague Shibuya Aki, who was at the park where the ceremony was held.
It's another hot and humid day in Okinawa, but even after the ceremony, many are coming out here to lay down flowers and pay their respects. I'm in front of the Cornerstone of Peace monument. Inscribed on its face are the names of more than 240,000 people.
That includes all the people, both civilian and military, who died in the Battle of Okinawa, regardless of nationality. Even after 80 years, the list continues to grow. For more than two months in 1945, the Battle of Okinawa between US forces and the now defunct Imperial Japanese Army tore these islands apart. It's notable that local governments say civilian casualties outnumber military deaths, given the scale of mass suicides and starvation, details that were not well documented at the time. Many fled to caves, others died in the fighting, and countless more took their own lives.
The number of civilian casualties was so great that the remains are still being recovered even now, mainly from the caves that became their final resting places.
We followed an American woman living on the island as she documents this dark history on social media. Her efforts and the stories she tells are speaking to people both here and around the world.
Island resident Steph Powelskivisits and photographs as many of the war sites as she can to share her findings online. Caves like these once sheltered Japanese civilians seeking refuge from the fighting.
More solid pieces. This one yielded fragments of pottery thought to have been used by evacuees.
When you go in, you can begin to see the reality. It is sad.
It's hard to understand, though, exactly what happened because I wasn't there. So it's hard to put into words the emotions that I feel.
Pawelski launched her Facebook group, Okinawa Battle Sites, four years ago.
She has visited and described over 300 locations on the island, hoping to convey the brutality of the fighting.
Macaroni and cheese. Pawelski lives on AUS military base in Okinawa.
She came to the island three years ago with her husband and two children.
Her work is motivated by her late grandfather, who fought in Okinawa with the US forces. Pawelski wanted to follow in his footsteps and learn about his wartime experiences.
I guess he had a lot of bad thoughts and he didn't really know what to do with them. And that's why I began the Okinawa Battle Sites Facebook page, because I want people, I invite their stories, I want people to post different information that they might have. That way we can all learn from it.
As Pawelski visited more sites, she began to feel greater empathy with the local people.
Gradually, she came to understand the true nature of a conflict in which civilians, including children, were forced to fight and ended up losing their lives.
Pawelski's work has been attracting the attention of people who were there at the time, too. One 98-year-old US veteran got in touch to share what he'd experienced.
I saw a Japanese lady she had been dead for maybe three or four days and her body was beginning to look skin was beginning to look shiny right and like it might it might erupt and she was clutching in her arms a little baby and that stays with me and that will always be in my memory.
Keen to learn more about what happened to the civilians who took shelter in the caves, Powelski visited the Okinawa Prefectural Archives in search of answers.
Archivist Nishiyama Eriko showed her a photo of two children who'd survived, albeit with terrible injuries.
The parents cut hair slot. Even though he's a little kids, he will survive.
She was shocked to hear that some mothers chose to kill their children and themselves because they were indoctrinated to believe they would be tortured if captured.
Pawelski asked Nishiyama to guide her around the island of Iyejima, a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Okinawa.
She'd heard many tragic stories of the fierce fighting on the island.
It's thought half the people living there were killed.
They first visited one of the biggest wartime shelters. Nishiame explained that 1,000 people, including children, were crammed into the cave.
I'm just trying to imagine the emotions that were being felt, the anxiety, the fear, the desperation, being hungry, being thirsty, really nowhere to go because they were just afraid of even leaving here.
In a second cave used by those fleeing the fighting, they came across something unexpected.Looks like a natural cave. There are different objects in it. And I believe that... Ohh Human bones. Oh, it's human bones, yes. Yes, yes
Remains from the battle are still being recovered across Okinawa.
But not being sure whether these were war victims, they called in the authorities.
Powelski feels more than ever that she needs to share these experiences with the world.
We have absolutely no control over what happened 80 years ago. We had no control over the people's mentality 80 years ago.
All we can do is look at today and just make sure that we work together and continue staying friends between the Japanese and the United States, especially in this part of the world.
Joining us now is Hirama Kazuaki, who filed that story. So, Kazuaki, as Hawelski says, it's paramount that both sides continue making the effort to sustain good relations. What left the strongest impression on you about her journey?
Acting on a message from the soldier's family, she worked as a goby twin with the authorities, resulting in Vernon Martin being recognized 80 years on from his death at the age of 18.
It's quite amazing, Kazuaki. So how do the people in Okinawa see today's anniversary?
Well, simply put, Okinawans have still not been able to put history behind them. The cornerstone of the peace monument has been here for three decades, but some have still have never visited as they feel a sense of guilt about having survived. So some are really struggling to overcome their emotional wounds even now. And I must also say that around 70% of the US military facilities in Japan are concentrated in Okinawa. So Okinawans feel that they are shouldering heavier burden than the rest of the country. And on the other hand, Aki, the number of those who were alive at the time of the battle is on the wane. A think tank in Okinawa says the figure is less than 10% in Okinawa, so I think it's clearly becoming more and more important for our generations, including dedicated people like Pawelski, to learn the history and pass it on.
That's for sure. Thank you so much, Kazuaki.Thank you.
All eyes are on Iran as it weighs options after the US military attacks its nuclear facilities over the weekend.IRAN PRESIDENT: US STRIKES MUST BE MET WITH RESPONSE
Iranian President Masoud Pazeshkian says there must be a response to Washington's aggression. Tehran says Pazeshkian made the remarks during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Iranian president says his country was attacked despite not having initiated any war. He adds Iran will defend itself against aggressors.US forces launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo on Sunday. The Fordo facility, which is believed to host a uranium enrichment plant deep underground, was hit with bunker busters dropped by American B-2 stealth bombers.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iran's nuclear sites suffered monumental damage, though Iran has downplayed the devastation. Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US government issued a security notice on Sunday. It's calling on all US citizens at home and abroad to be on heightened alert. Here in Japan, the government's top spokesperson says Tokyo hopes there is still a pathway to dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Up to this point, the US has seriously pursued dialogue. Japan is aware that this latest action shows the US is determined to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons while seeking a quick resolution.
He says peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important to Japan, and his government will work with the international community toward that end. Iran's foreign minister says there are a variety of options available when he was asked about potential retaliation. One Japanese expert points out Iran may launch attacks on US-related vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.Drone attacks are also possible. If that becomes a reality, it will have a major impact on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, which is regarded as a major transportation route for global energy supply.
However, Tanaka says it's unlikely Iran attacks US bases in the region.
The US carried out an attack on Iran without using one of its nearby bases. So if Iran targets US bases, it may face opposition from neighboring nations.
Therefore, I think it will be difficult for Iran to do that.
the world of business
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business. Here's Ramin Mellegard from the Biz Desk.Thank you very much indeed.
TRUMP TARIFFS
50% US STEEL TARIFFS ON HOME APPLIANCES TAKE EFFECT
Now, the United States has started charging tariffs on a range of home appliances made of steel and aluminum, including refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% levy on imports of those metals in March. The initial rate was doubled to 50 percent, and the scope of goods affected expanded earlier this month. Now, starting Monday, the tariffs applied to eight types of home appliances deemed to be steel derivative products. The amount of the levy depends on how much steel and aluminum they contain. Trump's tariff policy is aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.
The United States currently depends on countries like Mexico, China, and South Korea for imports of refrigerators and otherAppliances.
BLOOMBERG: SOFTBANK CONSIDERS $1 TRIL. HIGH-TECH HUB IN US
The report says the venture would involve $1 trillion investment in what's called Project Crystal Land.It cited people familiar with Song's thinking as sources. The complex would manufacture AI-powered industrial robots, among other products. SoftBank Group wants other firms involved, including Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest contract chip maker, and South Korea's Samsung Electronics. The report says the plan dovetails with the Trump administration's policy to revitalize high tech industry manufacturing in America, it has its SoftBank officials have discussed possible tax breaks for the project with Connor Secretary Howard Lutnick and other US officials.
And, US media outlet Bloomberg says Japan SoftBank Group chief executive Son Masayoshi is evaluating a plan to build a massive high tech industrial complex in the US state of Arizona.
SINGAPORE SAKE BREWER HITS NOTES OF 'SWEET AND SOUR'
The number of breweries operating overseas now tops 60, and we take a look at one in a country that does not even produce its own rice, Singapore.Now, the global popularity of Japanese food is well established, and not far behind is the beverage that traditionally accompanies it, sake.
Despite an entrance fee of 60 Singapore dollars, or around 46 US dollars, 3000 people have come out for this three-day event.
There's plenty of buzz around one brewer called Orchid Craftworks. That's because it is Singapore's first and only sake maker.
I'm very surprised that sake maker is made in Singapore actually.
So I'm very happy to support Singaporean brands. Yeah, so my friends just purchased the Reggie.
Ruben is a long-time sake fan, having worked as a distributor and become a certified sommelier.
That led him to believe that if someone were to establish a brand in Singapore.
It would win fans and do a lively business.
Number one is representing Singapore. It's a lot more confident and because of the confidence and because of that good product, I think we are doing a lot better now. We are really getting the product out to people.
The company operates out of the corner of a craft beer brewery in an industrial neighborhood. Yumika takes charge of the production. She previously worked at Sake Breweries in Shimane and Nada prefectures in Japan. Singapore produces none of the basic ingredients. The rice must be imported from Japan. The water comes from neighboring Malaysia.
Traditional makers use special steamers to heat the rice, but these can cost over $20,000, too much for this operation.
So with some ingenuity, they turn to one normally used for making dim sum.
The product's flavour emphasises notes of sweet and sour to match the strong flavours of the local cuisine.
I sometimes find the equipment and the environment really trying and difficult. I need to maintain full concentration because I want to make the best sake I can.
Reuben is keen to have as many people try it as possible, convinced there is a lucrative local market. He heads to a sake bar to promote his latest batch. I think it's a very bold move to open a sake brewery in Singapore and we always, I think not just myself, but the whole community, we want to support them.
Orchid Craftworks came out with its finished product after a year of trial and error. Their efforts paid off.
In February, they won a silver medal at the Tokyo Sake Challenge hosted by the Japan Brewing Society.
And that is it for business news. Going to hand it back to you.
WAR IN UKRAINE
KYIV RAMPS UP INTERCEPTOR PROGRAM TO COUNTER DRONE SWARMS
Ukraine is speeding up development and production of drones designed to take down other drones. It's calling for foreign funding to beef up its interceptor program to fend off the Russian UAVs warming its skies. The Ukrainian Air Force says Moscow launched multiple massive drone attacks this month. One assault involved over 400 UAVs, including suicide drones, which caused damage in Kiev and other areas. Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Sirsky, says interceptors are becoming increasingly crucial. Ukrainian media report President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on G7 leaders to support development efforts during their meeting in Canada last week. He also says his country's domestic industry is already ramping up interceptor production. He says their anti-drone efforts are delivering results.S. KOREAN PRESIDENT NOMINATES 11 NEW MINISTERS
South Korean President Lee Jae-myeong nominated new ministers on Monday.The country's presidential office announced Lee tapped 11 people for positions in his government. Cho Hyeong was chosen as foreign minister. He previously served as first vice foreign minister, as well as in multiple overseas diplomatic roles. The presidential office says Cho has broad experience in multilateral talks and knowledge of trade issues. Veteran politician Aung Jubaek was picked as defense minister. Local media say he is the first civilian to be nominated for that post in more than six decades.
Chun Dong Yong was nominated to serve another term as unification minister, a post he held from 2004 to 2005. The nominees will be appointed after hearings in the National Assembly.
METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY ELECTION
PARTY BACKING TOKYO GOVERNOR WINS MOST ASSEMBLY SEATS
Local elections in Tokyo are being seen as a bellwether for an upcoming national poll expected in July. A regional party backed by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko won the largest number of seats.Prime Minister Ishiba Shigedo's Liberal Democratic Party lost ground.
All 127 seats in the Tokyo Assembly were up for grabs in Sunday's election. Coming first, established by Koike, won 31 seats.
I think people's evaluation of Koike's administration led to this evaluation of our party. Voters have expectations for the future because of our achievements.
The Liberal Democratic Party was previously the biggest force in the assembly. It won just 21 seats, its lowest count ever. The LDP is the largest ruling party in national politics.I think it's a very severe result.
Ko Meito, the LDP's coalition partner in the Diet, secured 19 seats. But for the first time in over three decades, not every one of their candidates was able to win. Three lost their races.
Tomin first, the LDP and Ko Meito back Koike's agenda. Combined, they hold a majority of the assembly seats.
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan racked up 17 seats, a gain of two. The CDP is the largest opposition force at the national level.
The Japanese Communist Party took 14 seats, a loss of five. The Democratic Party for the People secured seats for the first time at the assembly, chalking up nine.
check on the weather
it is time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist Jonathan. Ohh So Jonathan, we went from extreme heat last week to some serious heavy rain in parts of Japan Monday. What can we expect heading into Tuesday?Authorities issued evacuation orders to over 3,100 residents as a river running through the city reached the flood warning level. The unstable weather conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday afternoon. Some places could see up to 40 millimeters of rain in just one hour, and so we do have the stationary front, the rainy season from the street across the country. We have a low that's traveling from the West along with and that's how it really pumps on that moisture from the South and bring in some more intense rainfall. This could lead to concerns again of flooding and also landslides. And so you want to make sure that you are weather aware as you go throughout the next few days. Wet weather from Fukuoka into Osaka 30 in Tokyo 27 in Sendai and 29 in Niigata. All looking at rain possibilities as you go through today on Tuesday. Another weather feature we're looking down to the South. Yes, we have a tropical system.
That's not likely to last as a powerful storm, but one concern we have is the trajectory that's going toward the north and it's going to be continuing to bring that moisture potential that could hit that rainy season front. So that is something that we'll keep an eye out on as we go forward throughout the next few days.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST(+72h) ～♫
That wraps it up for this edition of NHK Newsline. We'll have more for you soon.Thanks for joining us.
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