JAPAN / Regional Voices: Kyushu

After 40 years, work to return Okinawa's cultural assets continues

Shizuo Kishaba shows a bronze bell that was returned from the U.S. and set up at a port in Iheya, Okinawa Prefecture, on Nov. 28. | NISHINIPPON SHIMBUN

Nishinippon Shimbun

Jan 16, 2023

A fierce ground battle that took place in Okinawa Prefecture 77 years ago during World War II not only took more than 200,000 lives, but also cultural assets of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which existed in Okinawa from 1429 to 1879, and other items used in people's lives.

Some cultural artifacts were destroyed in bombardments, while others were taken home by U.S. military officers as war trophies.

The Ryukyu America Historical Research Society, a nonprofit organization in Nakagusuku, Okinawa Prefecture, has been working for nearly 40 years to find and retrieve the assets.

After 40 years, work to return Okinawa's cultural assets continues

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