HOKKAIDO, Oct 24 (News On Japan) –
A memorial service marking 80 years since the end of World War II was held in Shari, a town in Hokkaido’s Shiretoko region, on October 22nd to honor those who perished in the Northern Territories and other areas.
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The ceremony, organized by the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji sect, was dedicated to all those who died in the Pacific War as well as to parishioners of temples that once stood on Etorofu and Kunashiri islands.
Although originally planned to take place at sea, strong waves forced the event to be held aboard a vessel anchored at Utoro Port. Around 50 people, including relatives of former islanders, attended the service.
Noriko Osaki, a second-generation native of Shibotsu Island, said, “Everyone wanted to offer their prayers at the island gravesites. Since there has been a change in ministerial leadership, we hope the government will somehow make it possible for us to visit again.”
Participants expressed prayers for their deceased relatives and reflected on the still-unreturned islands, longing for the day when they might once again set foot on their ancestral land.
Source: HBCニュース 北海道放送
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