At the beginning of the Showa era, researchers at Kyoto Imperial University at that time said that it was unreasonable for the university to keep the remains that were brought back from the medieval graves of Okinawa Prefecture for research purposes. In a trial in which people who were alleged to be descendants were seeking a return, the Kyoto District Court dismissed the complaint, saying that they had no right to request a return.
Five people have filed complaints, including those who are said to be descendants of influential people during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, who were allegedly buried in the Hyakuyoji Tomb in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture.
At the trial, after 1938, researchers at the Kyoto Imperial University School of Medicine brought back the remains from this grave without the consent of the local residents for research purposes, and the university still keeps 26 remains. He asked for the return of the ashes, saying that it was unreasonable.
In response, Kyoto University claimed that the connection between the plaintiff and the remains was not clear and that he had no right to request a return.
In a ruling on the 21st, Judge Tamami Masumori of the Kyoto District Court said, "The remains belong to those who should preside over the festival of their ancestors according to custom, but there are many other descendants who worship this tomb. It is not recognized as the consensus of the region to let the plaintiffs inherit the ashes, and the plaintiffs do not have the right to claim the return of the ashes. "
On the other hand, for a future solution, Judge Masumori said, "There is something that the plaintiffs want to put the remains of their ancestors in the grave as a Ryukyu people and have a festival, but individuals and groups related to the remains. It seems that there are multiple ancestors, and regarding the treatment of ashes, it is necessary to work with related organizations to improve the environment for resolution. "
Plaintiffs "The remains are important God exists I want to get back"
Regarding this decision, Masako Kametani (77), who is a descendant of the Ryukyu royal family, said, "I am very sorry. I've been here. By all means, I have a desire to recover the remains, so I will appeal and do my best. "
Also, one of the plaintiffs, Professor Yasukatsu Matsushima of Ryukoku University from Okinawa Prefecture, said, "I am very disappointed, angry and sad because of today's decision. We have respect for the remains. I want to mourn, and I want to fight again until the remains return to the original island. "