ITOMAN, Japan — "Money should be spent on rice, not missiles," Kunio Aragaki, a resident in Okinawa, told Xinhua News Agency on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa.

Japanese citizens have gathered here to honor the war dead and voice strong opposition to the government's growing defense spending and military buildup.

Up to 80 years after the war in which about one-quarter of Okinawa's population died, the region continues to sit at the forefront of Japan's intensified security posture, bearing the heavy burden of hosting US military bases.

During memorial events held in recent days, Japanese citizens urged the government to reflect on its security policies and avoid repeating the mistakes of war.

On Monday, a memorial ceremony was held at the Peace Memorial Park in Mabuni, Itoman City.

Chihiro Yoshinaga, a local Okinawan, came with his son to honor his great-grandfather, a schoolteacher killed during the battle.

While reflecting on the past, many residents are alarmed by the Japanese government's recent moves, which they believe risk turning Okinawa into a front line once again.

Japan has significantly increased its defense spending in recent years. In late 2022, it adopted new national security policies, aiming to increase defense expenditures to approximately 43 trillion yen (around $296 billion) between fiscal years 2023 and 2027.

"This is very dangerous. Expanding the defense budget and military buildup will only cause concern among neighboring countries," said Okinawan resident Takamatsu Gushiken.

Gushiken also voiced concern over Japan's growing military presence in the southwest. "Self-Defense Force bases in Okinawa keep expanding. It's a dangerous trend, and it needs to stop."

In the Peace Memorial Park, resident Kunio Aragaki organized a sticker poll asking people whether they supported the deployment of long-range missiles in Okinawa. The response was overwhelmingly negative. Aragaki added that the continued expansion of the defense budget is misguided. "That money should be spent on rice, not missiles. Rice prices have been soaring recently," he said.

Remembering history is essential to avoiding future conflict, citizens stressed.

"We must never forget the harm we've caused to others," Gushiken added.

Xinhua