Sunday marked a half century since Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa returned to the country from postwar US rule. About 1,000 people attended a commemorative ceremony there.

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined remotely from Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito said, "As I extend my thoughts to the history of the people of Okinawa who went on to tread paths fraught with hardships, I am filled with deep emotion as I attend this ceremony."

Residents of the prefecture have continued to face challenges over the past 50 years.

Okinawa hosts about 70 percent of US military facilities in Japan. These installations generate a lot of aircraft noise.

They have also been linked to a number of incidents and accidents, such as a US helicopter crash on a university campus. There have also been cases of US military personnel sexually assaulting Japanese women.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said that even 50 years after Okinawa's return, its people bear a substantial burden due to the military bases. Kishida said that the government takes this to heart, and will remain committed to reducing the burden.

Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny said that he would like to ask the government to make the entire nation aware of the significance of Okinawa's return and the importance of eternal peace. He asked the government to sincerely strive to realize a peaceful and prosperous Okinawa where all citizens of the prefecture can truly feel happiness.