Relatives of Japanese soldiers from WWII’s Battle of Attu Island are hopeful for recovery efforts of over 2,000 remains, following a new memorandum between Japan and the U.S. After decades of stalled attempts due to harsh conditions, plans for preliminary environmental assessments and recovery preparations are underway, reflecting a commitment to honor the fallen soldiers.
In a recent development, relatives of Japanese soldiers who perished during the World War II Battle of Attu Island are expressing optimism about the potential recovery of their remains. This renewed hope follows the signing of a memorandum between the Japanese and U.S. governments aimed at initiating a recovery project. Previously, efforts to locate and retrieve the remains had been stalled for over seven decades due to the island’s severe environmental conditions.
The Battle of Attu Island commenced on June 7, 1942, when Japanese forces took control. On May 12, 1943, U.S. troops launched an attack to reclaim the island, resulting in an 18-day confrontation that claimed the lives of 2,638 soldiers, with only 27 surviving. The Japanese military subsequently revered the sacrifice of its troops, coining the term “gyokusai,” or “honorable death.”
Nobuyuki Yamazaki, the chairperson of the Attu Island War-Bereaved Families Association, articulated his sentiments, stating, “I feel like we’re making progress. I want to return the remains of the soldiers to their children, who are now elderly.” Yamazaki’s grandfather, Colonel Yasuyo Yamazaki, had commanded the garrison on Attu, ultimately issuing a command to fight to the death in alignment with the military code at the time, reflecting the attitude of Japanese military leaders.
The last significant collection of remains occurred in 1953, when government efforts retrieved 320 soldiers’ remains. Presently, over 2,000 are believed to rest on the island. Yamazaki’s family legacy includes a visit to the island by his father in 1953, where he discovered what were believed to be the colonel’s remains but chose not to bring them back to Japan out of respect for the fallen comrades.
The island’s hostile weather conditions, characterized by strong winds, fog, and heavy snow, have hindered recovery attempts. Moreover, environmental assessments are necessary before initiating construction of accommodation facilities for recovery operations, as the island is largely designated as a U.S. environmental protection zone. Discussions between Japan and the U.S. initiated last year and culminated in a memorandum, paving the way for a preliminary environmental impact survey by March 2027.
The Japanese government plans to undertake a field survey this summer and expects to commence recovery preparations by fiscal 2028. Initial trial excavations conducted by the ministry last August yielded two sets of remains, likely belonging to Japanese soldiers, which will be further analyzed in Japan.
Despite the passage of time since the war, there remains a significant number of soldiers’ remains that have yet to be recovered. Approximately 1.12 million war dead’s remains are still unaccounted for as efforts in various regions, including northeastern China and the Philippines, face significant challenges, including public sentiment and the misidentification of remains. With decreasing awareness and fewer leads available, the urgency of recovery efforts increases.
Prof. Kazufumi Hamai from Teikyo University emphasized the importance of heightened awareness surrounding the recovery of remains and the historical events of Attu Island. He recommended engaging younger generations in discussions about the war and future recovery projects to inspire valuable participation.
The recent memorandum between the Japanese and U.S. governments presents a promising opportunity for the recovery of remains from the Battle of Attu Island, which has seen over 2,000 soldiers’ remains left behind for decades. Harsh environmental conditions and the need for environmental assessments have previously stalled these efforts. As the memories of the war fade, there is a pressing need for renewed focus on recovery endeavors, building awareness among younger generations to ensure that those who fought bravely are honored and their remains returned. The initiative is set to evolve with planned field surveys and potential recovery efforts progressing into the coming years, reflecting a commitment to honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
