In a recent controversy surrounding remarks made by Masashi Nishida, a member of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Himeyuri Tower in Itoman City has become a focal point of heated discussions about historical memory and respect for war victims. During a symposium on Constitution Memorial Day on May 3, 2025, Nishida referred to the museum's explanations as a "rewriting of history," which sparked outrage among visitors and local officials.
On May 10, 2025, many visitors to the Himeyuri Tower and the Himeyuri Peace Museum expressed their disapproval of Nishida's comments. They emphasized the importance of honoring the memories of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa and learning from the testimonies and materials presented at the museum. One visitor, a 75-year-old man from Tokyo, criticized Nishida's remarks, stating, "There are war scars all over the country, but Okinawa has endured long and significant sacrifices. It is foolish for uninformed Diet members to trivialize Okinawa with careless statements."
Upper House member Kazuyuki Kokuba also visited the Himeyuri Tower on the same day and publicly apologized for Nishida's remarks. He urged respect for those who carry on the memory of the Battle of Okinawa, stating, "We must continue to convey the tragedy of the Battle of Okinawa." Kokuba, amidst many visitors, bowed deeply at the Himeyuri Tower, demonstrating a commitment to honoring the war dead.
According to the museum's website, the total number of visitors from its opening in 1989 to the end of March 2024 was approximately 2,406,000. On May 10, 2025, a diverse group of visitors from various regions, including Kanto, Shikoku, and Kyushu, came to the museum. Among them were a group of third-year junior high school students from Higashi Osaka City, who reflected on their experiences after entering the caves used during the war. One student remarked, "Students of the same age cared for the wounded and died. If it were me, what would I have done? I entered the caves, so I gained a deeper understanding of the war."
Despite heavy rain that afternoon, visitors continued to flock to the Himeyuri Tower, paying their respects and reflecting on the exhibits. The symbolism of the Himeyuri Tower, which commemorates the female students who lost their lives during the war, resonates deeply with many who visit. The flowers blooming at the museum serve as a poignant reminder of the lives lost.
Nishida's remarks have not only drawn criticism from the public but also from political adversaries. Following the backlash, he held a press conference on May 9, 2025, where he acknowledged that his comments about the Himeyuri Tower were "inappropriate" and offered an apology. However, he did not retract his claims regarding Okinawa's history education, which critics argue perpetuates a narrative of historical revisionism.
The Kyoto Prefectural Committee of the Japanese Communist Party released a statement on May 10, 2025, condemning Nishida's remarks as "extremely insincere" and not constituting a genuine apology or retraction. They criticized his refusal to withdraw his statements about Okinawa's education, labeling it as obstinate. Kazutoshi Watanabe, the committee chairman, indicated that as the summer Upper House election approaches, debates will intensify regarding whether such a figure should represent Kyoto.
The committee's statement further highlighted the need to address what they termed "the fabrication of historical facts" regarding the Battle of Okinawa, demanding a full retraction and apology from Nishida. This controversy underscores the ongoing struggle over historical memory in Japan, particularly concerning the sensitive topic of the Okinawa conflict.
As the debate continues, the Himeyuri Tower stands as a crucial site for reflection and education about the atrocities of war. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the materials and testimonies presented, fostering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who lived through the Battle of Okinawa.
In a nation where historical narratives can often be contentious, the events surrounding Nishida's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of respectful dialogue and the need to honor the memories of those who suffered during the war. The Himeyuri Peace Museum remains a vital institution for educating future generations about the realities of conflict and the enduring impact of war on society.
