Overview
- At least seven sets of human remains were uncovered in a Maezato, Itoman cave, including seven skulls and other bones found with dentures, rings, and gold or silver teeth.
- The Kyoto-based NPO Kuentai began probing the site in 2024 and, with volunteer support including Self-Defense Forces personnel, advanced the dig by about one to two meters.
- One skull contained a U.S. bullet and another complete denture, and small bones possibly from a child were recovered along with multiple ornate rings.
- No Japanese military weapons or equipment have been found, leading Kuentai to assess that civilians such as women and elderly people may be among the dead.
- Prefectural staff inspected the site on November 7, halted volunteer excavation due to collapse danger, and began consulting the national government for an official recovery operation, while advising families with possible ties to apply for DNA matching.