What kind of impression do you have when you hear about “Peace Memorial Park” in Okinawa?
“A place to learn about the Battle of Okinawa” “A park to commemorate the war dead and pray for peace” “A place to go once when you come to Okinawa” “A slightly heavy image that is the opposite of sightseeing”
I think everyone has various impressions.
But for many Okinawa lovers, isn’t it a “place of concern”?
This time, I would like to introduce “Peace Memorial Park”. .
What is Peace Memorial Park?
Okinawa has a bright and cheerful image. But not too far ago, Okinawa was the stage of a fierce ground battle involving civilians.
In World War II, it became the center of Japan-US military strategy. As a result, many Okinawans died in World War II.
Mabuni, where the “Peace Memorial Park” is located, is the last place where people who were cornered by the war arrived. The Japanese army was not allowed to lose their refuge and become a prisoner of war.
Many lives were lost here due to suicide.
The Peace Memorial Park was created for the following reasons.
・ Tell the history of war.
・ Mourning the war dead.
・ Pray for peace.
By the way, when asked so far, “Isn’t it unscrupulous to visit lightly for sightseeing? I will think.
However, many people come to enjoy walks and picnic events.
This is a “resting place”.
Overlooking the park, it is crowded with families, couples, and foreigners.
Its appearance is not a heavy atmosphere.
What’s in the Peace Memorial Park?
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Surrounded by the blue sea and abundant nature, the Peace Memorial Park is truly vast. It is 40 hectares.
The park is divided into four areas.・ “Peace Zone” with an observatory and a lawn plaza ・ “Peace Zone” with the Okinawa Peace Memorial Museum and Okinawa Peace Memorial Hall ・ “Peace Ceremony Zone” with the foundation of peace and a ceremony plaza ・ National Okinawa “Sacred Area Zone” with the War Dead Cemetery and memorials and towers of each prefecture
It takes more than 2 hours to take a leisurely stroll, including the museum. Here are some points to keep in mind when walking.
“Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum” and “Cornerstone of Peace”
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At the Peace Memorial Park, you should definitely visit the “Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum” and the “Cornerstone of Peace”.
Not only can you “know” about the Battle of Okinawa, but you can also “feel” its awesomeness with your own skin.
What you learn from textbooks is an objective and descriptive “history of war”. On the other hand, the history of the Battle of Okinawa is told as “a fact that happened to living people.”
It is very important to have these two perspectives when we think about peace.
“Sacred area zone”
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It is Mabuni Hill that makes me realize that the match against Okinawa is not unique to Okinawa.
A memorial monument for 32 prefectures was built along the approach, and you can see that troops were dispatched from all over Japan to Okinawa, which was once a battlefield.
Therefore, many people from all over the country visit for memorial service. In addition, the “National Okinawa War Dead Cemetery” is as popular as the flowers offered by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress during their visit.
There are 50 memorial monuments on Mabuni Hill, and worshipers are still there.
“Park bus” is convenient for walking in the park
Again, the Peace Memorial Park is very large.
If you want to take a walk through the park, the “park bus” is convenient.
The bus that connects “Mabuni Hill” from the “Garden Information Center” on the parking lot side is 100 yen per person and you can ride as much as you want for one day.
There are 7 bus stops in the park, but you can get on and off on the way.
Especially when going to “Mabuni Hill”, slopes and undulating roads continue, so it is recommended if you have small children or elderly people.
Things to watch out for while walking
There are few places in the park that block the sunlight.
Therefore, when walking around, it is necessary to take measures against sunlight and heat stroke.
It is safer to check the location of the shop on a map before starting the walk.
We said that the park is a place of relaxation, but don’t forget that it is a place of memorial service. If anyone is worshiping, refrain from speaking loudly or laughing.
Main event of Peace Memorial Park
Events are held throughout the year at the Peace Memorial Park.
Among them, we will introduce events that anyone can easily participate in.
New Year’s first sunrise (New Year’s Day)
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In fact, Peace Memorial Park is a hidden spot for the first sunrise of the year. Many people visit from the prefecture every year.
Sunflower field (March-May)
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A maze created by a large sunflower that even adults can look up at will appear.
Sunflowers are carefully grown from seeds.
Peace Prayer Carp Streamer Festival (May)
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Under the blue sky of Okinawa, you can enjoy the magnificent swimming of many carp streamers presented from all over Japan.
Pillar of Light of Peace (June)
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Pillars of light color the park where the night book goes down.
Surrounded by five lights that reach up to 4,000m above, it creates a mysterious atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
A rare “Toro nagashi” is also held in Okinawa.
Peace Tanabata Festival (July)
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We will write a memorial and peaceful thoughts on a strip of Tanabata decoration, and we will decorate the bamboo grass together.
Dedication of Acer (August)
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Held in Obon. Obon is the day when we see off our ancestors. During this period, “Eisa” is danced to songs and hayashi in Okinawa.
Peace Kite Flying Festa (October)
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Fly a kite into the sky with gratitude and prayer for peace.
Thank you for the peace you have now and hope that peace will continue forever.
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