Examination of adaptive development and utilization of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, from the perspective of changes in park planning

Abstract

Okinawa, a battleground in World War II, was under U.S. military rule from after the war until 1972. The Okinawa Peace Memorial Park was built when the territory was returned to Japan. The park was built next to Mabuni Hill, where cenotaphs were concentrated, and the park plaza became the site of an annual memorial service. This paper analyzed multiple park plans beginning in 1968, during the Ryukyu Government era, through 1994, after the island’s reversion to control by mainland Japan. It examines: (1) the development process and evolution of the park plans; (2) the patterns of park use and social changes that influenced the park’s development and utilization; and (3) the changes and ideals that are distinct to the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. The findings highlight the unique characteristics of changes in memorial parks, particularly in relation to tourism and memorial use, and demonstrate how social change has shaped their development. This study applies the concept of adaptive park management to memorial parks, emphasizing the need to recognize and reflect the unique changes in the management process. It argues for rediscovering the original ideals of the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and promoting adaptive management by sharing these ideals among stakeholders.