America attacked Okinawa on April 1, 1945, and battled for control of the island for two and a half months, during which time the bunker served as a refuge for 4,000 members of the Japanese Navy. The tunnels were only 450 meters in length. 300 meters of the bunker has been restored and is open for viewing. There is a small museum with pictures and historical information about the Battle of Okinawa and the impact of the war on the Okinawans. I know it's hard to see in the picture below, but you can just make out some of the stairs that were built.
America's attack on June 13th, 1945 led the Admiral of the Japanese Navy and 174 of his soldiers to commit suicide in the bunker. In Japanese culture it is honorable and right to do so as opposed to being taken or killed by the enemy. This served as Okinawa's surrender to the Americans. The room below is the room where many carried out their suicide plan...you can even see the bullet holes.
It was a surreal and somber experience to walk the tunnels... and somewhat mortifying knowing that as an American, I am a member of a country who was responsible for what happened there. It also led me to think about my grandfather's experiences and role in the war. I wish I had thought to ask him more about it when he was alive.
In true Japanese fashion, they have counterbalanced the tragic historical events that took place here by building an amazing park literally beneath the tunnels. There were so many people there having a great time...you would never guess what had taken place literally on the other side of the park. This was probably the coolest park we have seen on the island! The kids had a blast playing on the roller slides and other play equipment.
There is a lot going on at this park! We had to divide and conquer with the kids so that we wouldn't lose one of them!
Check out these swings! They are big on basket swings here.
The climbing apparatuses (apparati???) wore both the kids out. They did so much climbing. I was worried for Olivia but she held her own!
Of course no park in Okinawa would be complete without roller slides. There were TWO here, and another very small one at the bottom. We had forgotten to bring cardboard, so we all had some bum rash going on, but it was a great time. Another fantastic Okinawan adventure!
3 comments:
That looks like an awesome day. I love those roller slides too, how fun is that!
Good to hear from you again. Where does time go? 1/2 of Jan gone and I still have Xmas up!! Mostly because I'm having back problems. TOO much to haul up and down. I Maxed the decor this yr as I had everyone here.
Meg..love all the fun photos you post. The tunnels are great history, So Korea has so many leading to NO Korea and 7 have been discovered and we toured 1. A long trip underground.
I can't wait to see you guys, the kids are growing so much.
We have 50 mph winds, snow missed us again, but I think CR has 1st heavy snow in Iowa this season.
You will always wish you knew so much more from grandparents. I still wish I would have taken time
to learn more stitching things with Grandma Cink. And I spent a LOT of thime there.
Enjoy the weekend..can't wait to see your next adventure. Hug them all ..XOXOXOXO
What a wonderful find - and the history. Dennis's dad would talk about his war experiences until the last few years he was with us. Such a time for both sides - what a shame that we humans have to go to such lengths to learn to get along - and then we still forget and are right back there once again. So happy you get to experience so many wonderful places and things as a family - great memories. You are a good Mom who helps her children experience the world around them where ever they are. Love to all, Aunt Jean
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