CAMP FOSTER — Two exhibits are scheduled to start Saturday on Okinawa.
A traveling exhibit in Nakagusuku will feature about 1,500 photos and films taken by Americans who remained after World War II or arrived on the island in mid-1940’s and early 1950’s.
Meanwhile, an art show at the new Naha Fine Art Museum will offer American visitors an opportunity to see the war from a different angle. About 120 paintings to be displayed were drawn by Japanese studying to be artists who died fighting.
Before going to war, the student artists drew their loved ones or scenery of their hometowns. The display will also feature works by Okinawan artists who told of their war experiences through their paintings. The exhibit runs through June 29.
The exhibition at a gymnasium in Nakagusuku — titled "From the Ashes: Courage and Determination" and sponsored by Ryukyu American Historical Society — will run through May 25.
The historical society held a similar exhibit in January in Nanjo City. More photos and film will be added this time, including 50 color photos taken by Army Lt. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, Jr. and a copy of his 50-page diary, started in April 1, 1945, when the allied forces landed Okinawa’s main island and until June 17, 1945, the day before he was killed.
Nakagusuku exhibitionWhen: May 17-25; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Directions: From Camp Foster, drive Highway 81 east from behind Marine Corps Headquarters Building 1, until it meets Highway 329 at Toguchi Intersection.
Turn right and proceed on the highway, passing Nakagusuku Mall with a big whale picture on your left.
Drive 1.5 miles and turn left when you see JA service station and Family Mart convenience store on your left. The gymnasium is in Yoshinoura Park.
Look for roadside signs for "Picture Exhibit" on highways 81 and 329.
Naha exhibition
When: May 17 through June 29: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Mondays.
Admission: 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for high school students, 500 yen for elementary and middle school students. Free for children.
Advance tickets with 20 percent discount are available at Lawsons convenience stores.
Directions: From Kadena Air Base, drive Highway 58 south, passing Camp Kinser and turn left at an intersection with a tall building bearing letters "PL" on the right hand side. Within a few minutes, you will see the ivory-colored museum on your left.
