An image of CHamoru children attending a Japanese school during Guam’s World War II occupation.

In December 1941, Guam was invaded and occupied by Japanese forces. This led to major disruptions of life, including the closing of the education system. By the middle of 1942 however, the Japanese had reopened nearly all schools on the island and required young children to attend. Although Japanese culture, history and other subjects such as math were taught in the schools, their main focus was teaching CHamorus the Japanese language.

Throughout the occupation, English was banned and the Japanese required interpreters from Saipan and Rota in order to communicate and keep watch over CHamorus on Guam. A heavy emphasis was placed on teaching CHamoru children Japanese patriotic and cultural songs. Many children from the time also remember being forced to bow to the sun and the Japanese emperor each morning prior to the start of classes.

The Japanese attempt at education was largely ineffective, although some war survivors recalled even decades later, still knowing some Japanese songs or even being able to write their name in Japanese.