Return of WWII Artifacts: A Project of Healing and Reconciliation

Now, nearly 80 years after World War II, there are many cases in which family members of veterans have found items belonging to fallen Japanese soldiers, especially the Japanese flags, which they believe the veteran acquired during the war, among the veteran's belongings and are wondering what to do with them.

Some of them wish to return the remains to the families of the fallen Japanese soldiers back home. And that may be a great idea.

Below is information on some ways in which you might be able to locate the family members of the owner of the belongings and return them.

The OBON Society, a non-profit organization based in Astoria, Oregon, continues to work to bring peace and amity through its humanitarian efforts by researching owners and their families, facilitating the return of belongings, and creating opportunities for healing and reconciliation among families.

Many great stories have come out of it. Let's take a look at some of them!

Please contact OBON Society directly for information on the return of remains through OBON Society.

Upon receiving a request from an applicant, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) also conducts an investigation of the original owner or bereaved family of the deceased, and if the original owner or bereaved family confirms their willingness to receive the item, the MHLW will collect the item from the applicant and return it.

For more information, please refer to the following links.

• For those of you who have memorabilia of Japanese war dead, such as Nisshoki with messages or Senninbari
• Application for Research on Lost Artifacts