Osaka Air Raid: 80 Years Later, 167 Korean Victims, 37 Identified
- Commemorating the lives lost during the devastating air raids of World War II.
- It has been revealed that at least 160 koreans perished during the U.S.
- The Osaka Air Raid, a series of devastating attacks, aimed to cripple japan's war efforts.
Korean Victims of Osaka Air Raids Remembered 80 Years Later
Table of Contents
Commemorating the lives lost during the devastating air raids of World War II.

It has been revealed that at least 160 koreans perished during the U.S. air raids on Osaka, Japan, towards the end of World War II. Among these victims, over 30 had their Korean names identified, names that where previously only recorded under their Japanese alias due to the Sōshi-kaimei policy.
The Osaka Air Raid, a series of devastating attacks, aimed to cripple japan’s war efforts. These raids, part of the broader air raids on Japan, had a profound impact on the civilian population, including the many Koreans living in Osaka at the time.
Unveiling the Names of the Fallen
the ‘Executive Committee for the 75th Anniversary Memorial Service for Korean Victims of the Osaka Air Raid’ stated on March 13th
Remembering Korean Victims of the Osaka Air Raids: A Q&A
The air raids on Osaka during World war II were devastating, impacting countless lives. Among those affected were many Koreans living in Osaka at the time. This article explores the stories and remembrance of these Korean victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Osaka Air Raids?
The Osaka Air Raids were a series of destructive attacks by the U.S.Air Force on Osaka, Japan, in the final stages of World War II. These raids aimed to cripple Japan’s war efforts by targeting industrial and military infrastructure. Though, they resulted in widespread civilian casualties and the destruction of large parts of the city. According to deep-exp.com, the U.S. Air Force indiscriminately attacked ground targets, leading to a high civilian death toll.
How many Koreans perished in the Osaka Air Raids?
It has been revealed that at least 160 Koreans perished during the U.S. air raids on Osaka. This data came to light during the 75th Anniversary Memorial Service for Korean Victims of the Osaka Air raid on March 13, 2025.
Why were some Korean victims’ names recorded under Japanese aliases?
During World War II, Koreans were compelled to adopt Japanese names under the Sōshi-kaimei policy implemented in 1939 and 1940. This policy aimed to assimilate Koreans into Japanese society. As a result, many Koreans who died during the Osaka Air raids were initially recorded under their Japanese names (koreanmedals.com).Over 30 victims have since had their korean names identified.
Where can I find a list of victims of the Osaka Air Raids?
Peace Osaka, commissioned by the Osaka prefectural government in 2002, compiled a list of names of those killed in the air raids. The museum’s register covers 9,117 victims (asahi.com). Efforts are ongoing to identify more Korean victims and record their names accurately.
What is being done to remember the Korean victims?
Organizations like the ‘Executive Committee for the 75th Anniversary Memorial Service for Korean Victims of the Osaka Air Raid’ are working to commemorate the lives lost.These efforts include identifying the Korean names of victims previously known only by their Japanese aliases and holding memorial services to honor their memory.
Key Figures at a Glance
| Fact | Details |
| ————————– | ——————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Total Korean Victims | At least 160 |
| Identified by Korean Name | Over 30 |
| Reason for Japanese Names | Sōshi-kaimei policy, which forced Koreans to adopt Japanese names. |
| Memorial Efforts | ‘executive Committee for the 75th anniversary Memorial service for Korean Victims of the Osaka Air Raid’ and other organizations. |
| Victim Registry | Peace Osaka has a registry of 9,117 victims. |
What was the impact of the air raids on the civilian population of Osaka?
The air raids had a devastating impact,resulting in a high number of civilian casualties and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.
What was the Sōshi-kaimei policy?
A policy enforced during WWII forcing Koreans to create family registries and use Japanese names.
* Are there museums dedicated to the victims of the air raids?
Yes, peace Osaka serves as a museum and memorial (asahi.com). In Japan, there is also a museum devoted to the kamikaze (koreanmedals.com).
