TOKYO: Japan’s imperial couple arrived in the Pacific island nation of Palau on Wednesday, the site of a fearsome battle with American troops, on a rare overseas visit related to World War II.

Emperor Akihito, the son and heir of Hirohito, in whose name Japan’s military fought in the decades up to 1945, was visiting the former colony officially to pay tribute to all those who perished in the war, 70 years after it ended.

“In this year to mark the milestone anniversary, we are visiting Palau as we think of a number of people who perished in the battles,” Akihito, 81, said before departing from Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

“We must never forget that the beautiful Pacific islands experienced such a sad history. “Akihito, accompanied by his wife Michiko, will meet Palauan President Tommy Remengesau later on Wednesday, as well as the leaders of the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, also former colonies of imperial Japan. On Thursday, they plan to visit Palau’s Peleliu island, the site of a particularly bloody battle in WWII as the US swept up through the Pacific, capturing footholds from which to launch attacks on Japan.

The fight over Peleliu cost 10,000 Japanese lives and killed 1,700 Americans.

The trip comes 10 years after the emperor visited Saipan to pay respects to war dead, the only other time he has visited a former colony to do so.

Japan’s media, which covers royal matters with a deep and uncritical reverence, has been excitedly reporting the visit for days.

Television footage has lingered on Japanese flags adorning the streets and interviews with locals have concentrated on how Tokyo has helped Palau with grants and infrastructure.

A significant number of people with Japanese heritage remain on the island, including at least one former president.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2015

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