Voices of History Okinawa

"Inochi du Takara" is an Okinawan phrase meaning "Life is precious."

In April 1945, Okinawa became the front line of the Pacific War. During the 80-day battle, around 200,000 people lost their lives, including over 90,000 civilians who died in mass suicides within caves. The Japanese military instilled fear, coercing residents to take their own lives by distributing grenades and executing those who refused. When grenades failed, people resorted to poison, and ultimately, some turned on their own families. It was an unprecedented tragedy in the history of warfare.