In Photos: Restored cross of Shuri Church in Okinawa conveys intensity of WWII battle

In Photos: Restored cross of Shuri Church in Okinawa conveys intensity of WWII battle – The Mainichi

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The cross of Shuri Church, which was restored in 2017, is pictured in this composite photo created with images taken over about an hour and a half from 1:32 a.m. on May 5, 2023, in Naha. The cross was restored to replicate its state at the time of the Battle of Okinawa, when it sustained heavy damage. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

The cross that once adorned the top of the old chapel of Shuri Church is seen inside the church in Naha, May 21, 2025. After surviving the flames of war with some damage, it was repaired and used at the church. Following the demolition of the old chapel in 1984, it is now stored inside the church. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

This photo taken May 29, 1945, by U.S. forces shows the ruins of the former town of Shuri. Shuri Church is visible in the distance at the center. (Photo from the Okinawa Prefectural Archives)

The cross of Shuri Church, which was restored in 2017, is pictured in this composite image made from 100 photos captured over 54 minutes in Naha on May 3, 2025. The restoration replicated its condition at the time of the Battle of Okinawa, when it was severely damaged. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

Top: A photo taken in 1945 by the U.S. military, now kept by the Okinawa Prefectural Archives, shows Shuri Church. Bottom: The old chapel of Shuri Church, restored in 2017, is pictured in the city of Naha in May 2025. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

Japanese army barracks in Shuri were subjected to intense attacks, as seen in this photo taken by U.S. forces on May 29, 1945. (Photo from the Okinawa Prefectural Archives)

The photo taken in Naha on May 21, 2025, shows the cross of Shuri Church, which was restored in 2017. The restoration replicated its state during the Battle of Okinawa, conveying the horrors of war. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

The destroyed walls of Shuri Castle and the ruins of the city of Shuri are seen in this photograph taken by U.S. forces in May 1945. (Photo from the Okinawa Prefectural Archives)

The cross and old chapel of Shuri Church, restored in 2017, are seen in Naha on May 21, 2025. The restoration replicated the state of the cross during the Battle of Okinawa, conveying the horrors of war. (Mainichi/Shinnosuke Kyan)

This photo taken in May 1945 by U.S. forces shows Shuri Church. The U.S. military's photo description notes that the Japanese military used the spire as a hideout for snipers. (Photo from the Okinawa Prefectural Archives)

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