How did World War II affect the people of Naoero?

During World War II, the people of Naoero suffered significantly under Japanese occupation, which began in August 1942. The Japanese military constructed an airstrip on the island, which subsequently became a target for American bombers, leading to two years of persistent air attacks.1

The human cost was severe: in 1943, 1,200 Nauruans were forcibly deported to Truk (now Chuuk) to serve as forced laborers on Japanese military installations. The population endured harsh conditions during this period, and when 737 survivors were finally returned home on January 31, 1946, their numbers had been depleted by nearly 500 people. This tragic date was later honored when the country chose it as the anniversary for its Independence Day in 1968.12