Japan to Exhume Remains of 1,000 WWII Dead on Peleliu Island

PELELIU ISLAND, Palau – A significant step in honoring the sacrifices of Japanese soldiers during World War II is underway. A mass burial site containing the remains of approximately 1,000 Japanese soldiers has been confirmed on Peleliu Island, a former battlefield in the Pacific War.

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The Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is set to commence a full-scale operation to recover these remains on December 8th, 2024. The island, now part of Palau, was a site of intense fighting between Japanese and U.S. forces.

A Historical Discovery

The discovery of the mass burial site was made possible by a memorial group formed by families and comrades of the 2nd Regiment of the Mito Infantry. They obtained a map of the site from the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum and shared it with the ministry. Subsequent research uncovered U.S. military documents confirming the burial of 1,086 individuals.

The Japan Association for Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties has been leading the investigation and excavation efforts. Since July 2023, they have conducted trials at various locations within the site.

A Solemn Task

In October 2023, a crucial breakthrough occurred when the association found an area marked by iron stakes, delineating a 900-square-meter burial ground. Excavations revealed the remains of individuals, some in remarkably intact condition, laid out on stretchers.

The ministry’s determination to recover these remains aligns with the government’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of war dead. The budget for remains collection in Palau is set to double for the next fiscal year, reflecting the importance of this mission.

A Legacy of War

The battle of Peleliu was a brutal conflict, resulting in the deaths of approximately 10,000 Japanese soldiers. While the recovery of remains has been ongoing, challenges such as decomposition and the passage of time have hindered the process.

Despite these challenges, the Japanese government remains dedicated to repatriating the remains of its fallen soldiers. By honoring their memory and providing closure to their families, Japan aims to ensure that the sacrifices of these individuals are never forgotten.

— Source : By Ichiro Hatae / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer