Japan will hold ceremonies in Tokyo and Okinawa simultaneously to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the southern prefecture's reversion to the country from U.S. occupation, the top government spokesman said Tuesday.
The ceremonies, to be jointly hosted by the central and Okinawa prefectural governments, will be held on May 15, the day when the prefecture reverted to Japanese rule 50 years ago — although a large portion of its land is still occupied by U.S. military bases.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend the ceremonies via web connection, while Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will participate in the ceremony in Okinawa, which is scheduled to hold a gubernatorial election this fall.