Key Facts
• In 1944, the evacuation ship Tsushima Maru was attacked by a U.S. submarine.
• The ship carried 1,800 evacuees, including 800 schoolchildren, from Naha Port, Okinawa.
• On August 22, 1944, it sank near Akuseki Island, killing 1,484 people.
• Survivors and victims’ remains washed ashore in Uken Village and nearby areas.
• A memorial was erected at Funoshi Beach in 2017 after local residents’ requests.
• Peace education programs began in 2018, hosted by Okinawa Prefecture.
• On August 15, 2025, 40 participants, including students and parents, attended a memorial event.
• Attendees observed a moment of silence and presented group research on the tragedy.
• Students reflected on survivors’ experiences and the importance of preserving peace.
• A speaker emphasized the role of memorials in preventing future conflicts.
Summary
A peace education event was held in Uken Village, commemorating the 1944 Tsushima Maru tragedy. The ship, carrying 1,800 evacuees, was sunk by a U.S. submarine, resulting in 1,484 deaths, including 800 children. Survivors and remains reached Funoshi Beach, where a memorial was built in 2017. On August 15, 2025, 40 participants, including students from Okinawa and Amami, honored the victims with a moment of silence and shared research. Students reflected on the tragedy’s impact and pledged to promote peace. A speaker highlighted the importance of preserving history to prevent future conflicts.
