Eighteen artworks, including royal portraits depicting the successive kings of the Ryuku Kingdom, were unveiled to the media and relevant parties from Japan’s national and prefectural governments on April 30 at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum.

They are believed to have been taken to the United States by soldiers during the chaos after the Second World War.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted Japan in March to inform that the artworks had been found in the U.S. and returned them to Okinawa.

Of the four royal portraits that were returned, the two that were in a condition suitable for viewing were displayed, along with maps, pottery, and other items.

A reception was also held to commemorate the return, attended by dignitaries from Japan and the United States.

According to the prefecture, there is no plan to make them public for now.