An exhibition about the Himeyuri students -- young Japanese women mobilized to nurse wounded soldiers during the 1945 Battle of Okinawa -- has opened in the US state of Hawaii.

The Himeyuri Peace Museum is showing the exhibits for two days starting on Saturday, at a venue in Honolulu which holds an annual event showcasing Okinawa's culture and products. The exhibition is the first of its kind outside of Japan.

In the closing days of World War Two, 240 students and teachers from two girls' schools in Okinawa's Naha City were mobilized as the Himeyuri Student Corps by the Japanese Imperial Army. More than half of its members lost their lives.

Display stands feature photos and illustrations of the Himeyuri students, showing their school life before mobilization as well as them caring for wounded soldiers under harsh battlefield conditions.

Some displays introduce a Hawaii-born teacher who led the corps, while others showcase the surviving students who moved to Hawaii after the war.

A number of Hawaiians, including some with roots in Okinawa, visited the venue.

One woman of Okinawan descent said she was able to learn information about the history of Okinawa that she did not know.

Another woman visiting Hawaii from Canada said it was important to learn about the histories of different countries. She added that she hopes such an exhibition will also be held in her country.

Nakahodo Masanori, the head of the foundation operating the Himeyuri Peace Museum, said he was glad to see many people show interest in the displays.

He described the exhibition as meaningful for peace, and said he believes it is necessary to hold more such events overseas.