Japan: Memorial Day event to occur at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, June 23

Event

Okinawa Prefecture will observe Memorial Day on June 23. Authorities will hold a memorial service at the Peace Memorial Park in Itoman at 11:50. The organizers expect 3,500 people to participate in the events. Japanese politicians including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will likely attend the event. Protests by groups opposed to US military presence in Okinawa Prefecture have occurred during previous Memorial Day services, and remain possible on June 23.

A heightened security deployment is almost certain at the event venue, where officials will carry out security checks at the entrance. Authorities will impose road closures and traffic diversions around the event venue, including the diversion of public buses 08:30-14:00. Increased congestion on alternate routes and increased demand for alternative transport is therefore likely. Security personnel will move quickly to disperse any protests that materialize, possibly leading to skirmishes.

The event site is approximately 14 km (9 miles) southeast of Naha.

Context

Memorial Day is observed annually in Okinawa Prefecture on June 23 to remember the victims of the Battle of Okinawa, which occurred April 1-June 22, 1945. The total number of casualties is thought to exceed 200,000 people, including more than 150,000 Okinawan civillians.

Advice

Exercise caution around the event venue. Confirm road status and transport reservations in Itoman; plan for travel delays. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Remain cooperative if stopped by officials for checks. Heed all security and traffic advisories.