Japanese government workers are preparing to conduct a survey of an uninhabited southwest Alaskan island, marking the first recovery of World War II remains on the island in over 70 years.
The survey is a collaborative effort between the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and the city of Shima in the Mie Prefecture. Their focus is on Attu Island, which was the site of a major battle between Japanese and American forces in 1943.
A team consisting of 14 Japanese workers, including archaeologists and support staff, will spend two weeks on the island. Their primary objective is to locate and identify the remains of Japanese soldiers who lost their lives during the battle. Additionally, they will search for personal belongings and any other items with historical significance.
Koji Nakamura, spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare explained that recovering these remains is a moral obligation to return fallen soldiers to their families for proper burial. He emphasized that this effort is an important step towards closure for families affected by war.
The survey will involve using excavation equipment and ground-penetrating radar to search for burial sites and artifacts. The team will carefully document and collect any discoveries to ensure preservation of historical evidence.
The project has received support from local government officials in Alaska as well. Desiree Tugak, Mayor of Aleutians West Census Area expressed appreciation for Japan’s efforts to honor their fallen soldiers properly. She believes this joint endeavor strengthens bonds between nations while promoting healing from war wounds.
Attu Island holds significant historical value for both Japan and the United States due to its bloody past during World War II. The battle resulted in over 2,300 Japanese soldier deaths along with approximately 550 American soldier casualties. Although eventually reclaimed by America after fierce fighting took place there during WWII; it’s important not forget about human cost associated with conflict.
Scott Heyes from University of Alaska Anchorage highlighted how recovering these remains can provide closure not only for families but also broader communities impacted by war sacrifices made during brutal conflicts like this one.