Japan Reclaims WWII Artifacts Found in a Massachusetts Attic – Essential for American Travelers

A cache of artifacts found in Massachusetts and looted from Okinawa, Japan, have been repatriated by the FBI.

Treasure Chest in Boston

shutterstock 2996406 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christopher Penler

22 historic Japanese artifacts have been returned to Okinawa from the USA, after they were found in an attic in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Return to Okinawa

shutterstock 733962541 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

The Boston Division of the FBI arranged the return of the artifacts, according to an announcement on Friday. The pieces were looted from the Japanese island in the wake of the Battle of Okinawa, a historic World War II conflict. 

In the Attic

pexels fulvio pessi 4655819 1

Image Credit: Pexels / Fulvio Pessi

They were found in the attic of a deceased WWII veteran by his children. They came across the items while sorting through their father’s personal effects, and believed that the pieces were very valuable East Asian art.

A Significant Collection

pexels andrew schwark 9197843 1

Image Credit: Pexels / Andrew Schwark

The collection included “six portraits, a hand-drawn map of Okinawa dating back to the 19th century, and various pieces of pottery and ceramics,” said Art crime coordinator Geoffrey Kelly of the FBI’s Boston Division.

Registered As Stolen

shutterstock 67123384 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Brian A Jackson

After consulting the National Stolen Art File, the family found that atleast four items in their father’s attic had been registered as stolen in the database.

Confirmation Letter

shutterstock 543880450

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Africa Studio

Among the items was a letter confirming that they had been collected in Okinawa toward the end of the war.

Sources Unclear

shutterstock 588836057

Image Credit: Shutterstock / flysnowfly

The family confirmed that while their father was a World War II veteran, he had never served in the Pacific Theater, and it is still unclear how he obtained the items.

An “Incredibly Gratifying” Discovery

shutterstock 339704120

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

Special Agent Jodi Cohen, who represented the case, called it “incredibly gratifying when the FBI is able to recover precious cultural property that has been missing for almost 80 years.” 

Thank You to the Family

shutterstock 2246483757

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wellphoto

“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,” she continued.

Safe Transport Home

shutterstock 2432572683 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Antares_NS

Thanks to a joint effort from the FBI’s Boston Division and the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian Institute, all items were safely packaged and transported back to Japan.

Okinawa Governor Gives Thanks

shutterstock 2202072869

Image Credit: Shutterstock / metamorworks

The item’s safe return was confirmed by Okinawa authorities and the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, Denny Tamaki. 

Meaningful Cooperation

shutterstock 1088491037 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Savvapanf Photo

“It is very meaningful that the FBI, along with others in the U.S. Government, have cooperated to realize this return,” Tamaki shared on Friday after announcing the collection’s safe return.

Reported Over 20 Years Ago

shutterstock 487132885 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / J.Thasit

Some of the items had been reported stolen over 20 years ago, as reported by the FBI. 

Registered With the FBI

shutterstock 747380773 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / smolaw

They said, “In 2001, the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, as a result of its participation in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, registered some of these artifacts with the FBI’s National Stolen Art File.”

Plays An Important Role

shutterstock 2140269793

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster

According to Cohen, the case has highlighted “the important role the public plays in recognizing and reporting possible stolen art,” particularly art that holds significant cultural and historical significance.

More Pieces Still Lost

shutterstock 1099380299 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Naeblys

Kelly also described the items as representing a “substantial piece of history” in Okinawa and part of a number of significant stolen pieces that remain undiscovered since the end of the war.

Substantial Impact on Society

shutterstock 588834296 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / flysnowfly

He also described the damaging impact that stolen artwork and artifacts can have on a culture, particularly in the wake of international conflict and war.

“Taking Away Their History”

shutterstock 1776690806

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

“A nation’s cultural identity is really summed up in the artifacts and the history,” said Kelly. “And without it, you’re taking away their history. And the surest way to eliminate a culture is to eliminate their past.”

Making Every Effort

shutterstock 432822634 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

“It’s really important for us as stewards of artifacts and cultural patrimony to make every effort that we can to see that these go back to the civilizations and the cultures in the countries where they belong,” he concluded.

The Family Remains Anonymous

shutterstock 1800234322

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LI Cook

The Boston-based family also asked that they and their late father remain anonymous throughout the verification and repatriation process.

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Japan Reclaims WWII Artifacts Found in a Massachusetts Attic – Essential for American Travelers republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Necole A Berry.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

574f0d5f8994fe00a13150e220404453?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts