On 26 March 1945, the peaceful shores of Tokashiki Island were shattered by a mass suicide carried out when U.S. troops landed on the Kerama Islands. Among the countless lives lost were Tomi Kitamura’s two beloved daughters, Tsuneko (8 years old) and Noriko (5 years old). Forced to face a heart-wrenching decision, they perished together as a group under the commanding cry of “Banzai for the Emperor.” Amidst the chaos, Tomi recalls hearing Noriko’s frightened voice calling out, pleading for help. The Battle of Okinawa claimed the lives of over 120,000 residents, as many were swept up in the merciless fighting. This devastating experience sheds light on the profound impact of the collective suicides enforced by the Japanese military and the enduring lesson that such a military cannot safeguard its people. Today, we reflect on the lasting lessons from the Battle of Okinawa and honor the memories of the lost.
- area The Fifteen Year War
- theme Victimizers and Victims of the Fifteen Year War
- explanation TOP Losing my Children on the Battlefield
Tomi Kitamura
Tomi Kitamura
On 26 March nineteen forty-five, the peaceful shores of Tokashiki Island were shattered by a mass suicide carried out when U.S. troops landed on the Kerama Islands. Among the countless lives lost were Tomi Kitamura's two beloved daughters, Tsuneko (8 years old) and Noriko (5 years old). Forced to face a heart-wrenching decision, they perished together as a group under the commanding cry of “Banzai for the Emperor.” Amidst the chaos, Tomi recalls hearing Noriko's frightened voice calling out, pleading for help. The Battle of Okinawa claimed the lives of over one hundred twenty thousand residents, as many were swept up in the merciless fighting. This devastating experience sheds light on the profound impact of the collective suicides enforced by the Japanese military and the enduring lesson that such a military cannot safeguard its people. Today, we reflect on the lasting lessons from the Battle of Okinawa and honor the memories of the lost.