New Book Release: 'Today's Battle of Okinawa 1945: A 120-Character Diary, 172 Days of Testimony'

'Today's Battle of Okinawa 1945: A 120-Character Diary, 172 Days of Testimony'

Ryukyu Shimpisha has published a new book titled 'Today's Battle of Okinawa 1945: A 120-Character Diary, 172 Days of Testimony' (JPY 1,300 + tax). June 23 marks 'Okinawa Memorial Day.' The book is available through Ryukyu Shimpisha's e-commerce platform, 'Ryukyu Shimpō Store,' and at bookstores throughout Okinawa Prefecture.

Overview

This is a contemporary documentary that chronologically details the 172 days from the U.S. military landing at the end of March 1945 to the signing of the surrender document on September 7. It compiles the 'Today's Battle of Okinawa 1945' series, which ran from March to September 2025 on the front page and website of the Ryukyu Shimpō newspaper. The content is edited for use in research and education.

Four Features of the Book

1. A Document Readable in 30 Seconds Per Day

Each day's events during the Battle of Okinawa are concisely summarized in seven lines of 17 characters each (approximately 120 characters).

2. 'Quotation Marks for Testimonies and Records Added to Every Day'

Rather than a dry chronological record, the book incorporates actual words and testimonies from the time, creating a narrative-style documentary.

3. 'Prioritizing the Perspective of Civilians Over Military Accounts'

The book prioritizes testimonies and records from war survivors and local residents. It also documents the situation in Okinawa after the end of organized combat, from late June onward.

4. 'Abundant Archival Photographs'

Incorporates Japanese and American archival materials, along with photos and maps from our own collection, edited to help readers understand the progression of the war.

Book Details

Title: 'Today's Battle of Okinawa 1945: A 120-Character Diary, 172 Days of Testimony'

Author: Ryukyu Shimpisha

Release Date: Monday, June 1, 2026

Price: JPY 1,430 (including tax)

Publisher: Ryukyu Shimpisha Co., Ltd.
Specifications: A5 size, 96 pages, ISBN: 978-4-86764-033-3

Details: https://ryukyushimpo-store.com/items/6a1e690f5c88a208a0a0efbd

Inquiries about the Book

Email: ryukyu-p@ryukyushimpo.co.jp

Phone: 098 (865) 5100

Ryukyu Shimpisha Co., Ltd.

'Ryukyu Shimpisha' is a newspaper company based in Okinawa.
Committed to community-centered journalism, it delivers news from Okinawa to the world.