Japan-Palau Relations

On April 9, State Minister Miyaji visited Peleliu Island and attended the ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress’ visit to Peleliu. In his speech, State Minister Miyaji mentioned that then Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress (Their Majesties the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Emerita) visited Peleliu Island in 2015, 70 years after the end of World War II, and laid wreaths at the "Monument of the War Dead in the Western Pacific". He expressed his gratitude to the State Government of Peleliu for designating the day of their visit as a state holiday. He also paid his respects to all those who lost their lives during the war, noting that this year marks 80th anniversary of the end of the war. In addition, State Minister Miyaji expressed his gratitude for the support and management of the monuments and cemeteries as well as for the recovery of the remains of the war dead, and asked for the further assistance to the future recovery activities.
From Palauan side, Hon. Eimas Roberts, the Governor of Peleliu and ministers of the central government delivered their speech. They reflected on how significant the visit of then Their Majesties to Peleliu and palau and reaffirmed the importance of further enhancing the friendly relationship between Japan and Palau.

Speech by State Minister Miyaji at the ceremony (English (PDF) / Japanese (PDF))

State Minister Miyaji visited the Memorial of the Peleliu Garrison to pay his respects.
The Memorial was erected in February 1989 in honor of the Peleliu Garrison, led by Colonel NAKAGAWA Kunio, Commander of the 2nd Mito Infantry Regiment. The Battle of Peleliu, which lasted more than two months from September 15, 1944, was one of the fierce battles in which more than 10,000 Japanese troops lost their lives and nearly 10,000 U.S. troops were dead or wounded.
State Minister Miyaji also visited the US First Marine Division Monument in the same site and paid his pespects.

State Minister Miyaji visited the "Monument of the War Dead in the Western Pacific " to pay his respects and offer flowers. He also bowed to Angaur Island and paid his respects.

State Minister Miyaji visited the “Mitama (souls of war dead)” Memorial Site and paid his respects.

State Minister Miyaji visited the Peleliu World War II Memorial Museum.
The museum was opened on September 15, 2024, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Peleliu. The former museum, which used to be the Japanese fuel storage bunker, had been closed due to the building deteriorating condition. It was relocated and reopened at the Peleliu State Community Center as a joint Japan-U.S. project.

On April 9, State Minister Miyaji had a meeting with Hon. Gustav AITARO, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, in Koror.
State Minister Miyaji stated that he was honored to have the opportunity to attend the ceremony commemorating the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress’ visit to Peleliu, and welcomed the strong Japan-Palau relationship that has been built under President Whipps' leadership. State Minister Miyaji thanked the Government of Palau for its cooperation in the recovery of the remains of war dead, and asked for their cooperation to accelerate the recovery activities, as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. State Minister Miyaji further added that through his 2nd visit to Palau including Peleliu Island, he continued to be committed to strengthening the Japan-Palau relations.
In response, Minister Aitaro expressed his appreciation to State Minister Miyaji for his another visit to Palau and attendance at the ceremony in Peleliu, and reiterated his gratitude to then Their Majesties’ visit in 2015. He also mentioned that the Japan and Palau enjoyed their relations to be progressed toward the future. Regarding the recovery of war dead, he also responded that the Government of Palau would extend their cooperation as much as they could.
Both sides discussed cooperation in various areas and concurred to further strengthen bilateral relations.

On April 9, State Minister Miyaji attended a dinner meeting with Vice President Hon. Raynold B. Oilouch, President of the Senate, Hon. Mario Gulibert, Vice Speaker of the House of Delegate, Hon. Kerai Mariur, Floor Leader of the Senate, Minister of State Aitarao and other cabinet members as well as the senators and delegates to exchange wide range of views on bilateral relations and regional issues. The participants expressed their appreciation for the cooperation to Palau extended by the Government and people of Japan, and their expectations for future cooperation.