The Ogasawara Islands: A Turbulent History

At first glance, life on the Ogasawara Islands may seem akin to living in paradise. Known for their amazing range of biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery, the islands were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. However, perhaps an even more important, yet much lesser known, part of the islands’ identity is their significance during World War II and the events that transpired on the islands during the post-war occupation.