Emperor Naruhito honors war dead in historic Iwo Jima visit

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Iwo Jima on April 7, 2025, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during one of World War II's most intense battles. The emperor's visit marks the couple's first trip to this significant site, as they commemorated the 80th anniversary of the battle, which unfolded between February 19 and March 26, 1945. During their visit, the Imperial couple prayed at three memorial sites and met with representatives of bereaved families and descendants of the island's former residents, acknowledging the enduring impact of wartime history and the importance of remembrance especially for younger generations. This notable visit follows a recent joint memorial service held by Japan and the United States, where officials and veterans gathered to honor the sacrifices made by both sides in the fierce combat for control of Iwo Jima. Notably, the battle was a critical turning point in the Pacific Theater of the war, resulting in the deaths of nearly all of the over 21,000 Japanese troops and around 7,000 U.S. soldiers, with many Japanese remains still unaccounted for. Emperor Naruhito's remarks earlier this year emphasized the significance of remembering such tragedies, as Japan's wartime actions under his grandfather's reign remain a complex and deeply reflective part of the nation’s history.