Emperor Naruhito made his inaugural visit to Iwo Jima on Monday, a somber tribute to the tens of thousands who perished in one of World War II’s most brutal clashes.

Joined by Empress Masako, the emperor honored Japanese soldiers, islanders, and American troops at three memorials, laying white flowers and pouring water over a cenotaph—a gesture to soothe the spirits of those who died amid scorching heat, hunger, and thirst.

The visit, the first by the post-war-born royal couple, carries deep resonance as Japan marks 80 years since WWII’s end. Naruhito, reflecting on his grandfather Emperor Hirohito’s era, has emphasized passing down the war’s lessons.

The 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima saw U.S. forces seize the volcanic island after five grueling weeks, defying expectations of a swift victory. Nearly 21,000 Japanese and 7,000 Americans died, with over half of the Japanese remains still missing. Of the island’s 1,100 residents, all but 103 were evacuated; 82 of those left behind perished.

Naruhito and Masako met with bereaved families and descendants, connecting with a past that shaped modern Japan. The trip follows a recent memorial attended by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, underscoring Iwo Jima’s enduring significance. Returned to Japan in 1968 after U.S. occupation, the island now hosts just 380 Japanese service members and serves as a U.S. military training site.

The battle’s ferocity—immortalized in books and films—saw Japanese troops fight from tunnels against overwhelming odds. For Naruhito, this pilgrimage blends personal reflection with a national duty to remember, ensuring the scars of Iwo Jima speak to future generations.