Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit to Iwo Jima
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwo Jima to pay tribute to Japanese and American soldiers who died in World War II's bloodiest battle. The visit marks the first by the royal couple to the island.
Key Points
- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako paid tribute at three memorial sites on Iwo Jima
- Battle of Iwo Jima lasted five weeks with Japanese soldiers using underground tunnels
- Visit marks the first by the royal couple to Iwo Jima
Pros
- Honoring the memory of Japanese and American soldiers who died in World War II
- Promoting remembrance of wartime history
Cons
- Tragic loss of over 21,000 Japanese and nearly 7,000 U.S. troops
- Forcible evacuation of Iwo Jima residents except for military employees