Police Confirm Human Bones Found at WWII Korean Forced Labor Mine Japan

Human bones recovered from the Chosei Mine in western Japan have been confirmed as human remains, believed to be those of about 180 mostly Korean forced laborers who died in a 1942 mine collapse. The bones, including three limb bones and a skull, were found by Korean divers working with the Japanese group Kizamu Kai, which has been searching for the victims' remains since 1991. Although police could not determine if the bones belonged to the same individual or establish their exact age, the discovery is seen as a significant breakthrough in efforts to recover the remains of both Korean and Japanese workers killed in the accident. This finding comes shortly after a summit in Tokyo between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, highlighting improved bilateral relations focused on cooperation and reconciliation. The Chosei Mine tragedy had been largely forgotten until citizen activists revived interest to honor the victims and preserve the site. Historians note that many Korean laborers were forcibly conscripted by Japan during World War II to fill labor shortages in mines and factories.