World War II Artifacts

2022/7/5

The Government of Japan recognizes that the original owners (or their family) would greatly appreciate the return of articles lost during World War II. That is why we are promoting the return of those artifacts. To facilitate the return of these artifacts, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Government of Japan will attempt to locate the original bearer of a WWII artifact or surviving kin of the original bearer provided the party requesting the investigation agrees to tender the item to the Ministry without demand for compensation, if and when the search is successfully completed. Please be aware that the online auction or sale of WWII artifacts (especially articles on which the names of the war dead are clearly visible) would deeply offend the feelings of the war bereaved. The Government of Japan would greatly appreciate your cooperation in refraining from the sale or purchase of such articles.

The procedure for the return of such artifacts is as described on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Government of Japan below.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/other/war-victim/memorabilia.html

Should you have any further questions, please contact the General Affairs, the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu by e-mail.

   E-mail address:  general.affairs@hl.mofa.go.jp