Beacon Fires On Okinawa, Kagoshima Beaches Ahead Of Okinawa Return Anniversary
Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan will mark next month the 50th anniversary of its return from the US rule following the end of World War Two.
Beacon fires appeared Thursday night on beaches in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures, which face each other across the sea, in a reenactment of a past practice held to pray for Okinawa's return.
Thursday marked the 70th anniversary of the implementation of the San Francisco Peace Treaty that restored to Japan its sovereignty from the American-led occupation of Allied Forces. But Okinawa was left under the US rule at the time.
On Thursday, beacon fires were lit in Kunigami Village on the northern tip of Okinawa's main island and on Yoron Island on the southern tip of Kagoshima Prefecture.
A visitor in his 70s from Kunigami Village said he had attended the event before Okinawa's return to Japan. He said the fires represent his prayers for a happy future for his children and grandchildren.
He added that he hopes to hand down to future generations knowledge of their struggle under the US rule.