March
18
/ 2024
Seeking to correct an 80-year-old injustice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has returned a collection of looted cultural artifacts to the people of Okinawa, Japan. These artifacts were previously in the possession of an American serviceman who served during World War II, but was not actually a part of the U.S. invasion and occupation of the island of Okinawa during the latter stages of that great and terrible conflict. Just a few days ago, the FBI officially handed over 22 artifacts stolen from Okinawa cultural institutions in 1945 to authorities in Japan, who were delighted to receive this unexpected treasure. The cache of 18th and 19th century artwork included several vivid and colorful painted scrolls, multiple pieces of ceramic
