This T-shirt was discovered near human skeletal remains found on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, March 21, 2024. (Okinawa Prefectural Police)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Human bones discovered this spring on Camp Schwab have prompted Okinawa police to request public assistance in identifying the remains.
The bones were found on March 21 by a contractor conducting an environmental survey at a construction site on the Marine Corps base. Among the items recovered nearby were a long-sleeved shirt, a T-shirt, a belt, black socks, and 201 yen, a police spokesman said by phone Thursday.
The bones are believed to belong to a man older than 40 who died more than several years ago.
“We have been analyzing the shape of the bones, but we haven’t been able to identify the race,” the spokesman said, adding that DNA testing may be an option.
The area, part of the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma replacement project, is managed by the Okinawa Defense Bureau, not the U.S. military.
Police have checked missing persons records but have had no luck identifying the remains.
“We decided to release this information publicly to seek help from the community,” the spokesman said.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Nago Police Station at +81-0980-52-0110.
