This news piece explores the haunting memories and trauma shared among survivors and descendants from the 1945 Battle of Okinawa during World War II. A mother and a child have been living with invisible wounds, the former struck by a bullet decades ago. Prominent Japanese historians and psychologists shed light on this issue, presenting perspectives about the mental burdens borne by survivors and their families.

Mental health stigma persists in Japan, often causing people to avoid seeking help or discussing such issues openly. The trauma from WW II is often left unaddressed, leaving many survivors and families to struggle in their daily lives. The public reveres peace due to Japan's turbulent history, and such stories often trigger calls for greater mental health and societal support.

In the US and EU, the aftermath of war and the mental health of war survivors have been recognized as significant social issues, with numerous programs and initiatives in place to support veterans and their families. Mental health discourse is generally more open in these regions than in Japan.