Current:Home > Markets22 artifacts looted after the Battle of Okinawa returned to Japan -EverVision Finance
22 artifacts looted after the Battle of Okinawa returned to Japan
Indexbit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 02:57:43
BOSTON (AP) — Twenty-two historic artifacts that were looted following the Battle of Okinawa in World War II have been returned to Japan after a family from Massachusetts discovered them in their late father’s personal items, the FBI said Friday.
The 22 artifacts, some of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, represent a significant piece of Okinawan history. They include six portraits, a hand drawn map of Okinawa from the 19th century, and various pieces of pottery and ceramics, officials said.
The Boston division of the FBI said they helped orchestrate the return of the items, which had been missing for almost 80 years to the government of Japan, Okinawa prefecture. A formal repatriation ceremony will be held in Japan at a later date.
In 2001, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education registered some of the artifacts with the FBI’s National Stolen Art File, a database of art and cultural property that have been reported stolen to the FBI by law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.
The artifacts were discovered when a family, who wishes to remain anonymous, came across what appeared to be valuable Asian art in their late father’s personal effects, according the FBI.
Their father was a World War II veteran, but never served in the Pacific Theater. The family then checked the National Stolen Art File and discovered that at least four of the items were missing 18th century portraits that had been listed in the database.
The FBI was able to authenticate the artworks.
“This case highlights the important role the public plays in recognizing and reporting possible stolen art. We’d like to thank the family from Massachusetts who did the right thing in reaching out to us and relinquishing these treasures so we could return them to the people of Okinawa,” Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said in a statement.
On Friday, Denny Tamaki, the Governor of Okinawa prefecture, announced the return of the artifacts to the people of Okinawa, Japan, according to the FBI.
veryGood! (2132)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- 4 children who survived 40 days in Colombia jungle reunited with families
- The Best Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Brands That Are Also Affordable
- Indigenous group requests internet blackout to limit negative impact of smartphones
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Nordstrom Rack Handbag Deals: Save 61% on Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Vince Camuto and More
- As Seagrass Habitats Decline, Florida Manatees Are Dying Of Starvation
- Diver finds long-lost World War II submarine after 25 years of searching
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- The White House Wants To Fight Climate Change And Help People. Cleveland Led The Way
Ranking
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Diver finds long-lost World War II submarine after 25 years of searching
- Cyclone Biparjoy makes landfall in India and Pakistan packing powerful rain and wind after mass-evacuations
- Gigi Hadid's Signature Scent Revealed
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Shares Sweet Pics of the Actor With Daughter Mabel on Child's 11th Birthday
- As Western Wildfires Worsen, FEMA Is Denying Most People Who Ask For Help
- Jungle commandos helped rescue children lost in Amazon for 40 days after plane crash
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Peter Thomas Roth Flash Deal: Get $109 Worth of Hydrating Products for Just $58
PHOTOS: The Record-Breaking Heat Wave That's Scorching The Pacific Northwest
Olympian Sunisa Lee Ending College Gymnastics Career Early Due to Health Issue
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Justin Long Confirms Kate Bosworth Engagement With Story About His Romantic Proposal
Hundreds of thousands of people in Ukraine could lose access to drinking water after barbaric dam attack
21 Things to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze