as memorabilia. 68 years after the war, one flag made it home. 85-year-old tadashi yamada holds his brother's flag. it came from america. his brother died in what is now myanmar. his remains were never recovered. >> translator: when i touch this flag, all the memories of my brother come flooding back. it makes me feel so sad. >> a former american soldier knows how special these flags are to people who lost relatives. 87-year-old martin conner of new york collects hinomaru and other items to send them back to where he thinks they belong. nhk world's miki matsumoto reports. >> reporter: a woman holds her dead son's hinomaru. her other son sent conner a photo with a thank you note. >> translator: my mother stares at the flag with tears every day. that makes me painfully aware of the horrors of war. i really hope more belongings can be returned to the families. >> reporter: conner has dedicated his life to searching america for the belongings of japanese soldiers. he has sent more than 100 items back to families over the last 40 years. >> i think it's the right thing to do. i know how i would fee