Shisha

This is Missy with one of the souvenirs that her friends brought back from Okinawa!  This is a paper craft that missy told me to put together, this paper craft is called a Shisha it is a kind of guardian angel for villages in Okinawa.

Shuri Castle, Okinawa

This is Missy outside the gate to Shuri Castle.  This is were the central government once ruled.  It has been home to many rulers but it is so old nobody is sure when it was built exactly.

Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa

Okinawa Peace Memorial and Student Peace Monument

Missy traveled with her friends to Okinawa.  They toured many places.  She learned that during WWII, many women and children hid in caves, throughout the fighting. It is important to remember these brave Okinawan people.

Touring in Okinawa

Many, many people died during the Battle of Okinawa.  There is now a Peace Memorial to honor those people, and to help future generations learn from this time in history.

"We the people of Okinawa in marking the 50th anniversary since the end of the Pacific War announce the construction of the Cornerstone of Peace.  We feel the strong need to console the precious souls of all who were lost in the war and to pass the lessons learned from the tragic war on to future generations.  Furthermore we hope that the cornerstone of peace will help spread the peaceful spirit of Okinawa and will contribute to everlasting world peace."

Student Peace Monument

Osaka Aquarium

AAHHH!  Giant Lobster.

Osaka Castle

Here is Missy at the Osaka Castle.  The castle is over 400 years old.  It has a moat.  I think Missy might be thinking it could be good for swimming...

Taking closer look at the "Battle for Osaka Castle."

Missy Finds Her Sisters in Asakusa