Japan will expand DNA tests for human remains from World War Two in Okinawa Prefecture that have not been identified more than 70 years after the war ended.

The remains of about 187,000 people have been recovered in the southern island prefecture that became a fierce battleground in the war, but few have been identified.

The welfare ministry started intensive DNA examinations two years ago for remains found at 10 locations.

The remains were compared with DNA samples provided by about 300 relatives of the war dead. But no match was found.

From April, the tests will be expanded to uncremated remains of about 700 people that have been kept by the prefecture and remains of several hundred people preserved at memorial towers across Okinawa.

The ministry is urging relatives of the war dead to provide DNA samples.

NHK