NAHA - The nearly complete remains of a person believed to have been a Japanese military officer killed in the Battle of Okinawa were discovered in Nishihara, Okinawa Prefecture, on August 22.
The remains were found at a site known as Goyamori in Nishihara, with bones from almost the entire body still present.
According to Kuentai, a nonprofit organization involved in recovering war remains, a watch and handgun ammunition were found nearby, suggesting the person may have been a Japanese military officer who was permitted to possess such items at the time.
About 30 volunteers worked at the site on August 23, removing soil and mud to recover bones still buried in the ground.
Uzankurata, executive director of Kuentai, said remains from throughout the body had been found along with items including explosive materials. "We want to return as many people as possible, as quickly as possible," he said.
A student taking part in the recovery work said, "While reflecting on the fact that a war took place on this land, I want to keep working hard to uncover the people who are still buried here."
Nishihara was the scene of fierce fighting between Japanese and U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa 81 years ago, and other human remains have also been discovered around the site.
Kuentai plans to continue its investigation through August 30 and work to identify the remains that have been recovered.
Source: 沖縄ニュースOTV
