Excavation for Japanese WWII remains in Taiwan

On July 20, 2026, experts began a week-long excavation in Hengchun Township, Pingtung, southern Taiwan, to recover remains of Japanese soldiers from World War II. The site is linked to the sinking of a military transport vessel and other ships in the Bashi Channel after attacks by U.S. forces in 1944. According to historian Kazuko Tachi, more than 4,700 soldiers and crew died, with 65 survivors. The Japan Association for the Recovery and Repatriation of War Casualties is leading the effort. Japan enacted a law in 2016 to accelerate recovery, extended through 2030. Official records indicate about 41,900 Japanese soldiers died in Taiwan, with 15,600 still missing. The last excavation in Taiwan was in 1975, recovering 242 bodies. Religious groups and volunteers have played a key role in recovery and memorial services.