US Soldier returns Japanese photo

Last Saturday (March 14), a U.S. World War II veteran who fought the Japanese Army on 硫黄島 (Iwo-Tou*) returned personal belongings of a Japanese soldier who died in the battle.

(*The Japanese island of 硫黄島 is often mistakenly called “Iwo-Jima”. The correct name is actually “Iwo-Tou” (or “Iwoto”)).

The American former soldier, 85 year old Frank Hobbs, took an envelope from the pocket of Matsuji Takekawa who died at the age of 37 in the famous “Battle Of Iwo-Jima“*.

The envelope contained a photo of Mr. Takekawa’s youngest daughter as an infant and a drawing done by his older daughter when she was about 7 years old.

Mr. Hobbs decided he should return the belongings to Mr. Takekawa’s relatives before he dies.

Through the Japan Consulate in America, he was able to locate Mr. Takekawa’s youngest daughter (who was an infant in the photo) who, ironically, is living in America now.

Frank Hobbs and Yoko Takekawa, 64, had a tearful meeting at Mr. Hobbs’ home in Boston where he handed her her father’s belongings.

Ms. Takekawa will be bringing the photo and drawing back to her family’s home in 新潟県 (Niigata Prefecture, Japan).

The photo that Mr. Hobbs returned to the Takeyama family.

The drawing done by Chie Takegawa when she was about 7.

Frank Hobbs returning Matsuji Takegawa's belongings to his daughter Yuko.