Himeyuri Peace Museum friends and supporters celebrate 30 years since the museum’s opening, express hopes for the next generation

Himeyuri Peace Museum friends and supporters celebrate 30 years since the museum’s opening, express hopes for the next generation

Former students and museum supporters sitting for a commemorative photograph on June 14 at a hotel in Naha


June 15, 2019 Ryukyu Shimpo

On June 14, the Himeyuri Peace Memorial Foundation (director: Masanori Nakahodo) held a celebration in Naha for the 30th anniversary of the Himeyuri Peace Museum in Itoman, which will enter its 30th year on June 23. Around 80 people, including former Himeyuri students and supporters who have backed the museum since its opening, gathered to celebrate the museum’s success.

Speaking for the organizers, director Nakahodo gave a greeting, saying, “The younger generation are doing their best as educators working at the museum, carrying on the spirit of the survivors, but we still need all of your support.” Former Himeyuri student and former museum director Tsuru Motomura, age 94, agreed, saying, “A lot has happened over the past 30 years, but I feel the time passed like a dream. Fifteen people of the next generation are doing their best as museum staffers to carry on the message of peace.”

A viewing of photos from over the years was also held at the celebration. The former Himeyuri students looked a bit bashful at seeing their young selves in the photos. Former Shiraume Student Corps member Kiku Nakayama, age 90, who was invited to the celebration, said, “I want to see Okinawa’s wisdom that ‘life is a treasure’ and ‘peace is paramount’ be passed down through the generations eternally.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)

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