Japan has identified human remains from the Battle of Okinawa using DNA testing alone. This is the first time this has occurred, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The remains were discovered in Nishihara, Okinawa, in 2004.
The DNA matched a reference sample from a family of someone believed to have died in the WWII battle. The identity is being withheld pending family permission. This marks a significant advancement in identifying remains from the conflict.
The Battle of Okinawa, a brutal clash in 1945, resulted in massive casualties. Over 14,000 U.S. service members, 110,000 Japanese troops, and 140,000 Okinawan civilians perished. Identifying remains has been challenging due to environmental conditions.
Since 2003, Japan has used DNA analysis, identifying only seven sets of remains from Okinawa. Previous identifications relied on artifacts or testimonies. A change in DNA testing criteria in 2017 facilitated this breakthrough.
The ministry spokeswoman noted the DNA was extracted in extremely good condition. Unidentified remains are cremated and buried in national cemeteries. This identification offers closure to a family after decades of uncertainty.