Here stands the \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone. It is a place of solemn remembrance. The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone in Fukuoka is more than just a stone. It embodies a profound wish for world peace. It transcends nationality and distinctions between soldiers and civilians.
The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone’s name comes from the Okinawan word “ishiji”. This refers to the foundation of a building. The hope is that it will be the foundation for peace creation.
Let’s delve into the origins. The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone was built on June 23 1995. It marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War and the Battle of Okinawa. Its purpose is deeply rooted in Okinawan history. It promotes the “spirit of peace”.
The monument commemorates all those who died in the Battle of Okinawa. It honors all people regardless of their nationality military status or civilian status. Their names are engraved on the memorial. The memorial serves as a tribute. It extends both within and outside Japan. It embodies a prayer for lasting world peace.
The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone embodies fundamental principles. It is dedicated to mourning war dead and praying for peace. It commemorates over 200000 people from both home and abroad. They lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa. It expresses condolences and offers solace to their spirits. It reaffirms the value of peace. It prays for world peace.
The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone passes on the lessons of war. Okinawa was the site of a fierce battle during World War II. It involved the civilian population. The island lost precious lives and cultural heritage. This experience teaches future generations about war.
Beyond being a memorial the \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone provides solace. It is a place of learning. It features artistic designs that inspire reflection. Visitors can contemplate the importance of peace. It aims to foster peace education for children.
The engraved monuments spread out from Peace Plaza in a radial pattern. They are arranged in a circular arc. These monuments resemble folding screens. They symbolize waves of peace spreading across the world. There are 118 monuments in total. These consist of 69 five-fold type monuments and 49 three-fold type monuments. There are 1220 engraving surfaces. These surfaces can accommodate approximately 250000 names.
The Main Garden Path aligns with the sunrise direction on June 23. This date is Okinawa Memorial Day. It is a day to console the spirits of the dead. The Peace Plaza features the “Flame of Peace”. This flame originated in the village of Zamami. It combined flames from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It has been burning since 1991. It was moved to this location on June 23 1995.
The design concept reflects the waves of war transforming into waves of peace. The engraved monuments face Peace Plaza. The left side is for Okinawan natives. The right side is for natives of other prefectures. The far side of the right-hand sub-garden path is for foreign natives.
The names of the war dead are engraved in their native languages. This ensures each person is remembered individually. The \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone serves as a powerful reminder. It promotes peace and honors those who have fallen. It ensures their memories and lessons endure. It is a place for reflection remembrance and a commitment to a peaceful future.
Standing here at the \u5e73\u548c\u306e\u790e Stone one cannot help but feel a sense of hope. May this place continue to inspire peace in our hearts. May it promote understanding among all people.