TOKYO — U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth lauded the enduring friendship and trust between the United States and Japan during a memorial service held on Iwo Jima, honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers in World War II.
Hegseth’s visit to Japan follows his trip to the Philippines and comes amid increasing assertiveness from China in the South China Sea, as well as rising tensions related to trade tariffs.
Arriving on Iwo Jima, now known as Iwoto, Hegseth participated in the Reunion of Honor event, alongside American veterans who fought in one of the war’s most brutal battles, Japanese bereaved families, and high-ranking officials including Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
“Iwo Jima embodies our shared warrior ethos and devotion to duty, serving as a reminder of the valor shown by those who fought,” stated Hegseth at the ceremony. He emphasized that the U.S.-Japan alliance represents a transformation from former adversaries to steadfast partners. “Our alliance is the cornerstone of freedom, prosperity, security, and peace in the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.
Recent surveys indicate that Japanese citizens harbor a strong sense of affinity for the United States, a sentiment particularly pronounced among younger generations born after Japan’s surrender in August 1945.
In light of escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, Japan has been intensifying its military efforts and cooperating closely with U.S. forces.
On the agenda for Sunday, Hegseth is expected to engage in discussions with Nakatani in Tokyo aimed at further strengthening the alliance.
Prime Minister Ishiba, marking a historic moment as the first sitting Japanese Prime Minister to attend the joint memorial, expressed his commitment to peace. “The peace and prosperity we enjoy today have been built on the sacrifices of those who died in war. We must continue to share these experiences to prevent future tragedies,” he stated.
The 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima is famously remembered for an iconic photograph capturing six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi. This fierce battle saw approximately 70,000 American troops fighting from February 19 to March 26, leading to significant casualties with nearly 7,000 Marines and around 20,000 Japanese soldiers lost, many of whom remain unaccounted for.
