UXO being carefully lifted by the Japan Self-Defense Forces
Source: NHK News 7, June 21, 2025
While living in Okinawa, I often encountered road closures due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) disposal.
You might be heading to the supermarket or commuting to work, only to find the road blocked.
It’s not a rare emergency – it’s a part of everyday life for people in Okinawa.
📌 Are unexploded bombs really still found?
Yes – and quite often.
During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, over 200,000 tons of bombs were dropped, and an estimated 10,000 tons remain unexploded underground.
Even now, more than 400 UXOs are safely removed each year across Okinawa. These are typically found at construction sites, farms, and residential areas.
🗓 Recent Incidents
June 10, 2025
A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force member was slightly injured while handling a UXO on Okinawa’s main island.
👉 Read NHK article
June 21, 2025
In Kume Island, about 600 residents were temporarily evacuated after a large UXO was discovered near homes.
👉 Read NHK article
💭 My personal experience
During my time in Okinawa, I had to take long detours because of road closures for UXO disposal.
While it caused some inconvenience, it also reminded me of the ongoing risks of a war that ended over 80 years ago.
🪖 Deep respect for the Japan Self-Defense Forces
The personnel handling these bombs are putting their lives on the line.
The June 10 incident, where a team member was injured, shows the real danger they face to protect our daily lives.
We owe them our sincere gratitude and respect.
🔍 What can be done moving forward?
- Better magnetic surveys and pre-construction inspections
- Faster and clearer communication with local residents
- Ongoing improvement of disposal equipment and safety protocols
As locals, we should not simply react with “Another bomb again?” –
Instead, we should think, “Glad it was safely removed today.”
📝 In conclusion
Even 80 years after World War II, Okinawa still lives with its past.
The threat of unexploded bombs is a daily reality, not just a piece of history.
Let us never forget the dedication of those who work to keep us safe –
especially the Self-Defense Force members who handle these explosives quietly and diligently, every day.
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