Return of World War II Artefacts
2023/6/7
The Government of Japan recognizes that the original owners (or their family) would greatly appreciate the return of items lost during World War II, and therefore has a system in place to return such artefacts.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Government of Japan facilitates this process by attempting to locate the original owner, or their surviving kin, of WWII artefacts. This is carried out under the provision that the party requesting the investigation agrees to tender the item to the respective Consulate-General of Japan without demand for compensation, if and when the search is successfully completed.
The procedure for the return of World War II artefacts is as follows. Please DO NOT send the item to the Consulate-General of Japan before the investigation is completed.
Should you have any further questions, please contact the Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane by phone or email.
Phone: (07) 3221 5188
Email: economic@bb.mofa.go.jp
* Please be aware that the online auction or sale of WWII artefacts (especially of items on which the names of the war dead are clearly visible) would deeply offend the feelings of the war bereaved. The Government of Japan would sincerely appreciate your cooperation in refraining from the sale or purchase of such items.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of the Government of Japan facilitates this process by attempting to locate the original owner, or their surviving kin, of WWII artefacts. This is carried out under the provision that the party requesting the investigation agrees to tender the item to the respective Consulate-General of Japan without demand for compensation, if and when the search is successfully completed.
The procedure for the return of World War II artefacts is as follows. Please DO NOT send the item to the Consulate-General of Japan before the investigation is completed.
- Email the completed Application for Research on Lost Artefacts (WORD format) to the Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane together with scanned photos or photocopies of the artefact. Any identifying markings should be enlarged and clearly legible. Please complete the form to the best of your knowledge, and include all details regarding how and where the item was recovered.
Please note that a conclusive outcome is highly unlikely if there is very limited information regarding the item.
Email: economic@bb.mofa.go.jp
Attn: Political Section/WWII Artefacts
- The completed application form along with the photographs will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for investigation. The investigation typically takes several months, and in some cases may take a year or more to complete. In addition, please understand that, while the Government of Japan acknowledges the sentiment with which the return of these artefacts are made, there are cases where original owners or next of kin are unable to be located, therefore making the return of the artefact not possible.
- You will be notified as soon as the investigation is conclusive, and in the case of a successful outcome, asked to send or bring the artefact(s) to the Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane. The Consulate-General will only receive the actual items at this stage of the process and only if the item has been traced back to its origin. Please note that due to rigid legal codes, military swords must be sent directly from the individual requesting the investigation to the original bearer of the artefact or their surviving kin.
- The Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane can only accept requests from individuals residing within its jurisdiction of Queensland. Those residing in other areas are asked to contact their regional Consulate or Embassy
Should you have any further questions, please contact the Consulate General of Japan in Brisbane by phone or email.
Phone: (07) 3221 5188
Email: economic@bb.mofa.go.jp
* Please be aware that the online auction or sale of WWII artefacts (especially of items on which the names of the war dead are clearly visible) would deeply offend the feelings of the war bereaved. The Government of Japan would sincerely appreciate your cooperation in refraining from the sale or purchase of such items.