Okinawa on Sunday is marking the 50th anniversary of its return to Japan after 27 years of American rule on May 15, 1972, amid protests against a continued heavy U.S. military presence and lack of support from the mainland.
Ceremonies will be held simultaneously but at two locations — one in the island prefecture's capital of Naha and the other in Tokyo. The separate ceremonies symbolize the deep divide in views on Okinawa's history and ongoing suffering.
