Bones discovered at Japanese mine accident location where Korean laborers perished during WWII

In western Japan, a Japanese civil group assisting in the search for remains have discovered possible human bones at an undersea mine where around 180 predominantly Korean forced laborers died in 1942. Korean divers found what appear to be three limb bones and a skull over the last two days at the former Chosei Mine site in Yamaguchi prefecture. These bones are set to undergo examination by local police to confirm if they belong to any of the victims who perished in the mine disaster 83 years ago. The recovery of these potential human remains is deemed a significant development by Yoko Inoue, a spokesperson for the group known as Kizamu Kai, which had initiated the search. This discovery follows a recent meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Tokyo, emphasizing cooperation between their nations on various issues while steering clear of historical disputes. The Chosei undersea mine began operations in 1914 and experienced a fatal accident in 1942 when part of the mine shaft ceiling collapsed, resulting in the loss of the lives of the workers inside. The mine disaster, largely forgotten until reexamined in 1991 by concerned citizens looking to honor the victims, prompted a renewed effort to locate and commemorate the deceased laborers. The search for remains began underwater in the previous year, following extensive collection of information about the mine by the Kizamu Kai group. Efforts were additionally supported by Ishiba's government showing a deeper understanding of Japan's wartime actions, deploying experts to ensure the safety of the search operation. The Japanese government remains in close observation of the ongoing examinations by the police, despite some reluctance to financially assist in the searches. Concerns have arisen over Japan's past reticence in addressing wartime atrocities, including the abuse of Asian women and the forced labor of Koreans during the war. While historical disagreements have strained Japan-South Korea relations, recent advancements indicate a positive shift in their ties as external pressures urge collaboration for regional stability amidst growing threats in the area.