June 23 is known as Irei no Hi here on Okinawa. Irei no Hi is the Okinawa Memorial Day and, just like Memorial Day observed in many other countries, is held to honor those that perished during war.

I cannot imagine a karate-ka around the world that does not know at least something about World War II. But I think many do not understand the significance World War II, and specifically the Battle of Okinawa (aka The Typhoon of Steel), had on the spread of Okinawa Karate around the world.

As always, thank you for listening to the Okinawa Karate Podcast.

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