People in Palau made it !

by Kazu

This gentleman is the Governor of Peleliu State at that time and the Cabinet Secretary of Palau before the mandate. He was assigned to make the development of Peleliu Island much more smooth and flexible.

Thanks to his devotion and efforts, the island was given a special treat to develop. Even now, so many mines are here and there in a certain area of this island.

The mines have prevented the beautiful Island that has a sad history from developing rapidly. Some areas of this island were off-limit. 

 

The Monument of Japanese Soldiers !

by Kazu

It was so nice a place to praying for the deceased Japanese soldiers. I could not imagine clearly the harsh battle was conducted in such fascinating location.

It must have been a hell during the battle between the Japan Army and the US Navy. Tons of blood were flowing in the ocean and penetrating on the ground.

This is the monument for the Japanese soldiers including the ones from Hokkaido. We have to remember and talk to the next generations about the battle and the way of Japan again and again.

 

Landing on Pereliu Island !

by Kazu

The delegation from Hokkaido Legislative Assembly and the Prefectural Government were arriving in Peleliu Island, Palau. The Governor of the State of Peleliu, Mr. Temmy Shmul was waiting for us.

We would meet the President of the Republic of Palau again in the memorial service ceremony. The ocean was so calm and no hitch could be found for the carrying out the ceremony.

The villas were built in the park where the monument of the Japanese soldiers was established. The monument was facing the park and with the ocean on its back.  

 

To the island where the Japanese soldiers died !

by Kazu

The cobalt and turquoise blue fascinated us so much but the beautiful colors of the ocean was too sad for the Japanese soldiers including the ones from Hokkaido, I thought.

The flat islands did not seem to have the hills nor trenches to hide the soldiers. It must have been so tough and harsh battle between Japan and the US. 

I am not sure if the fishery in Palau is so developed or not but the the official training ship of Hokkaido has made annual visit to Koror every year and I arranged the courtesy call on the Minister of Education and other top brasses in Palau several times. 

 

Harsh Battle Field in World War Ⅱ !

by Kazu

What did the soldiers think and how did they feel when they were carried to Peleliu Island ? Were they convinced of their deaths on the island.  

The logistic line was too long at that time. But to avoid carpet bombing by the US Air Force, they obeyed to the assignment to the southern islands. 

What would I have done in the same situation. Could I stop or change the mission as a soldier?

Impossible ! But the operation was quite wrong. Nobody could avoid the big waves of the malice and greed. We have to bring back the bones of the Japanese soldiers to their families in Japan. 

 

To Pereliu Island !

by Kazu

It was so beautiful sunrise on that day. We left the hotel and get on the boat to visit Peleliu Island where many Japanese soldiers fought and died.

To attend the memorial service for the deceased Japanese soldiers, our attire was "smart casual" on that day. Japanese soldiers starved but fought much longer days than the US Navy anticipated. 

It was not so hot for coral islands but the winds on the ocean was so comfortable for us. Praying for the ease of the soldiers' souls, we imagined the harsh battle between the nations.

 

In the morning of the Memorial Service !

by Kazu

The day of the memorial service for the deceased soldiers in World War Ⅱ started so calmly with the beautiful twilight and sunrise. 

The hotel seemed to be in the conservation area of the Republic of Palau. The permission to develop the facilities for tourism may be the target of the bribes. 

It is always difficult to strike a balance between the economic development and the conservation of the beautiful nature.