The Battle of Okinawa was a major battle fought between April and June 1945 during World War II. It took place on the island of Okinawa, which is part of Japan. The battle involved Allied forces, primarily the United States, against the Japanese military. It was one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific theater and aimed to secure a base for the planned invasion of the Japanese mainland. The battle was marked by intense fighting and significant casualties on both sides. Approximately 200,000 people, including civilians, lost their lives. The Allies ultimately captured Okinawa, which provided a strategic position for future operations, but the high cost of the battle highlighted the brutal nature of the conflict in the Pacific.