TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited Japan on Saturday to commemorate those who perished during World War II at a memorial service held on Iwo Jima, now known as Iwoto. This event highlights the endurance of friendship between the United States and Japan, built over decades and bolstered by shared historical experiences. Hegseth's visit to Japan follows his stop in the Philippines and marks his first trip to Asia.
The memorial service took place in a region known for the intense combat that occurred during the war. Hegseth participated alongside American veterans who survived the Battle of Iwo Jima, as well as Japanese bereaved families. Notable attendees included Japan’s Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, all of whom joined in the Reunion of Honor event. Hegseth reflected on the significance of Iwo Jima, saying, “Iwo Jima embodies our shared warrior ethos, our shared devotion to the nation, and to duty and our shared reverence for the men of valor who preceded us.” He emphasized how the U.S.-Japan alliance has evolved from past enmity to a partnership founded on mutual respect and cooperation.
According to recent surveys, the Japanese population holds strong feelings of affinity towards the United States, and many of today's Americans and Japanese were born after Japan's surrender in August 1945. This generational shift underscores a historical reconciliation that has paved the way for a robust alliance. As Japan faces mounting threats from regional powers such as China, North Korea, and Russia, it has been increasing its military capabilities and fostering closer ties with the U.S. military.
During the visit, Hegseth was set to engage in discussions with Nakatani in Tokyo, aiming to enhance the already strong Japan-U.S. alliance. Hegseth pointed out that the peace and prosperity shared between the two nations are rooted in the sacrifices made by individuals in the conflict and the ongoing efforts over the past 80 years to build a stable relationship. Prime Minister Ishiba, the first incumbent Japanese prime minister to attend the joint memorial, reiterated his commitment to peace and strengthening the alliance, stating, “We must continue to endeavor to humbly face the history and keep telling the harrowing experience of the war to the world so that we never repeat the tragedy of war.”
The Battle of Iwo Jima, fought from February 19 to March 26 in 1945, is particularly noted for the iconic photograph captured by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, which depicts six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi. Approximately 70,000 American troops participated in the battle, resulting in nearly 7,000 Marine casualties and around 20,000 Japanese fatalities. The aftermath of the engagement left more than half of the remains of Japanese soldiers unaccounted for, a poignant reminder of the war's devastating toll.
This memorial event, highlighting the shared history of the U.S. and Japan, aims to foster a message of unity and cooperation as both nations confront contemporary security challenges together. The ongoing partnership and strategic alliance between the two countries are seen as vital components in promoting stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
