On Palau's Peleliu Island, which became a fierce battlefield in the Pacific War, excavation surveys of the former Japanese army tanks that remain buried on the island were conducted for the first time, and part of the bones was found from the excavated tanks. .
An organization commissioned by the government to conduct an investigation is considering DNA analysis, considering it to be the remains of a former Japanese soldier.
In 1944, on Peleliu Island in Palau, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, a fierce battle took place between the former Japanese army and the American army. It is
Commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Association for the Promotion of Collection of the Remains of the War Dead has been conducting the first excavation survey of the tanks of the former Japanese army, which have been buried underground since the end of the war, since September last year. , found bones in the excavated tank.
With a length of about 30 centimeters, it is believed to be part of a human femur, and is likely to be the remains of a former Japanese soldier.
It is said that part of the bone is missing, but we are considering DNA analysis to identify the identity.
On the other hand, several bone fragments were also found from another tank, but DNA analysis is difficult due to severe burns.
According to the association, several other tanks are buried, so excavation will be conducted again next month.
According to the Japan War Dead Remains Collection Promotion Association, ``By finding bones in tanks, we have once again clarified the possibility that there may be remains that can be used to identify the victims.''
Bereaved family “As many remains as possible in Japan and bereaved families”
One of the bereaved families who participated in this excavation said that they would like to find as many remains as possible so that they can return to Japan and the bereaved families.
Toshiko Kido (52), who lives in Fukuoka City, is the grandson of Kuniomi Amano, who served as the commander of the tank unit of the former Japanese army deployed on Peleliu Island.
In September 1944, about 130 members of Mr. Amano's unit were killed in a battle with the American army, and Mr. Amano also lost his life at the age of 34.
The tank was buried in the ground by the U.S. military, and most of the remains have not yet been found. Did.
Regarding the discovery of some of the bones, which are believed to be the remains, in this survey, Mr. Kido said, "I'm glad we did this activity because I think we've been waiting for a long time in the hope that we'll take him home. I would like to help find many remains and return them to Japan and their bereaved families."
On top of that, regarding Mr. Amano's remains, he said, ``It seems that my grandfather was in command while taking command with his face on the turret of the tank, so it is highly likely that he was thrown out of the tank when he was attacked. I think it would be difficult to identify and bring back the remains, but if they are found, I would like to put them in the grave where my grandmother is alone."