San Fernando Hongwanji Temple Presents Screening of “The Story of Taro Higa” Who Saved Thousands of Lives During Battle of Okinawa, Sunday, Nov. 1 at 11:30 AM

San Fernando Hongwanji Temple Presents Screening of “The Story of Taro Higa” Who Saved Thousands of Lives During Battle of Okinawa, Sunday, Nov. 1 at 11:30 AM

San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple presents the screening of  COMPASSION in a WAR ZONE: The Story of Taro Higa (1 hour 39 min.) on Sunday, November 1, at 11:30 a.m. at the temple, 9450 Remick Ave, Pacoima.

All welcome to attend our 10 a.m. service prior to the screening. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with special guests. Light refreshments to follow in the social hall. Space is limited. Please RSVP: sfvhbt@sfvhbt.org or (818) 899-4030

This rarely seen 2015 NHK documentary (known in Japanese as Okinawa wo Sukutta Nikkeijin) chronicles the remarkable actions of a Hawaii-born Okinawan who served with the U.S. Army’s famed 100th Infantry Battalion during WWII.

During the Battle of Okinawa, Taro Higa used his fluency in the Japanese and Okinawan language to move between the frontlines, entering dangerous caves and active combat zones. His goal was to persuade terrified local Okinawan civilians and Japanese Imperial military. Higa is credited with saving thousands of lives by offering an alternative rooted in humanity and compassion.

This documentary is frequently featured in peace education programs to emphasize the enduring power of empathy amidst conflict. — NHK News