Japan's Delayed Repatriation of Indigenous Remains

Several Japanese institutions, including the University of Tokyo, have recently repatriated the remains of indigenous peoples from overseas that had been held for research purposes for approximately a century. The methods used to acquire some of these remains were inappropriate, and the response from these institutions has been belated.

The remains of ten indigenous Australians were returned to Australia by institutions such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University. In November 2024, the University of Tokyo also returned the remains of ten individuals to indigenous Hawaiians.

The study of indigenous remains gained traction in the 19th century alongside the rise of anthropology in Europe and the United States. This field, which explored the origins of races and ethnicities, classified humans based on physical characteristics and was used to justify colonial rule. Remains and burial items were collected for research through methods that included grave robbing.

In the 1970s, movements advocating for the restoration of indigenous rights gained momentum. Reflecting on the past, laws concerning the handling of remains were established in the United States and Australia from the 1980s onward, leading to a global trend of repatriation.

Japan's response, however, was slow. In 2016, it was revealed that remains of Japan's indigenous Ainu people and indigenous Australians had been exchanged between researchers in both countries. The Australian government subsequently sought the mutual return of the remains, but the University of Tokyo's response was reportedly slow, with some suggesting the remains could be retained for research.

The Japanese government was also hesitant to intervene, stating that the handling of remains should be left to the universities. It wasn't until 2023, when the Australian government formally requested their return, that the Japanese government ordered universities and museums nationwide to investigate the storage of Australian indigenous remains.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, recognized the right of indigenous peoples to reclaim human remains. Japan supported this declaration and should be responsible for responding sincerely to return requests.

Other remains of indigenous peoples from countries such as Indonesia are still held by Japanese universities and museums. Historical documents suggest the Japanese government has been involved in the transportation of remains from overseas.

The return of remains is a crucial step in restoring the dignity of indigenous peoples. Universities should independently investigate the status of remains in their possession. The government should support these investigations and assess the overall situation.