A shocking discovery beneath an elementary school in Tokyo has unearthed a massive stockpile of World War II-era weapons. Authorities say it’s rare to find such a large cache buried in one place, raising questions about its origins and historical significance.
Hidden Arsenal Unearthed
Thousands of weapons, including 1,400 firearms and 1,200 swords, were found buried under Tanashi Elementary School in Nishitokyo, a city on the outskirts of Tokyo. Officials believe these weapons belonged to the Japanese Imperial Army and were likely hidden toward the end of World War II.
Alongside the firearms and swords, authorities also uncovered grenades, bullets, and even cannonballs about two meters (6.5 feet) below the ground. The discovery was made during a construction project that started in July, leading to an urgent response from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and local police.
What Happens to the Weapons?
While the grenades and bullets have been collected by authorities for safety reasons, the city has opted to dispose of the swords and firearms, as they are believed to be replicas or in poor condition. Initially, officials considered preserving all the recovered items, but logistical challenges may prevent this from happening.
This discovery underscores an ongoing issue in Japan—wartime remnants continue to be found, even in urban and residential areas.
Similar Finds in Japan and Beyond
While unexploded bombs and military relics from World War II still surface in Japan, such a significant cache of weapons buried in one location is unusual. However, this isn’t the first time old ordnance has been discovered.
- In August 2017, an undetonated bomb—thought to have been dropped by the United States—was uncovered at the Fukushima nuclear plant site, causing concern.
- In Hong Kong, early 2018 saw two massive bombs found in the bustling Wan Chai district, leading to evacuations as authorities worked to neutralize the devices.
The problem isn’t limited to Asia. Across Europe, similar discoveries continue to emerge, reminding the world of the war’s lingering presence.
Germany’s Unexploded Ordnance Problem
The German states of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have seen an alarming number of wartime explosives resurface, particularly along the Elbe River. Due to a severe heatwave in 2018, water levels dropped significantly, revealing numerous pieces of lost ordnance.
| Year | Location | Type of Discovery | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Fukushima, Japan | Undetonated bomb | Removed safely |
| 2018 | Wan Chai, Hong Kong | Two large bombs | Evacuations held |
| 2018 | Elbe River, Germany | 22 mines, grenades, explosives | Detonated |
Authorities in Germany have urged civilians not to touch any discovered explosives and instead call emergency services for safe removal. With over a million tons of bombs dropped on Germany during World War II—many of which failed to detonate—the country continues to grapple with their hidden dangers.
A Lingering Shadow of War
Despite being nearly 80 years since the war ended, its remnants continue to emerge, sometimes in the most unexpected places. The discovery in Tokyo serves as another reminder of how history remains buried beneath modern society, waiting to be uncovered.
