Although, 74 years have passed since the end of war, 1.12 million remains are yet to be repatriated to Japan. Considering the sentiments of the bereaved families of those deceased Japanese soldiers, some of whom were at a very advanced age, prompt recovery of the mortal remains to Japan is their utmost priority.

The  1st phase of Japan Association for Recovery & Repatriation of War Casualties (JARRWC) was on a 10-day visit to the state of Nagaland as part of their mission to collect information by interviewing the informants who provided about the remains of the Japanese war dead.

Besides that, field investigation of burial sites of the remains will be done based on the information collected in research activities so as to confirm the burial condition of the remains under the ground by excavating the soil surface at the site where the excavated site will be reburied. The team will be visiting villages like Jotsoma, Kigwema, Riisoma etc under Kohima district where the information of the mortal remains of Japanese war dead is found. 

Team leader, Kazuhiko Furumoto, while briefing the state officials about the schedules and activities to be taken up during their 10-day visit, earnestly requested the state government to support their survey mission and provide safety and security measures wherever and whenever needed. He also sought the support and guidance of Anthropology Department, Kohima Science College in ascertaining the information about the mortal remains from anthropological aspects. 

He mentioned that the next phase of exploration is scheduled to be conducted from November 10 – 24, 2019 where the team will focus not only in plain areas but also in hilly and mountainous areas. In the 2nd phase, the team will visit Yikhum village under Wokha district, Chakhabama, Jessami etc. 

The state government has also assured to support their mission and provide safety and security measures in addition to providing necessary assistance and information. 

Principal Secretary, School Education, Menukhol John who chaired the programme expressed condolences to the bereaved family of Naoko Andou who is part of the team. The delegation also agreed to John’s suggestion on having a meeting with the state government when the team is about to leave Nagaland after their 2nd phase in November. Kazufumi Yamashita is also one of the members in the 1st phase of JARRWC. 

Commissioner & Secretary, IPR, V. Maria Yanthan, SP Kohima, Kevithuto Sophie, Officials from Tourism, Art & Culture, Principal Kohima Science College and Department of Anthropology attended the meeting.