Photo/Illutration An undetonated bomb from World War II discovered in Nagoya’s Naka Ward on Oct. 17 (Provided by the demolition contractor Sakamatsu-gumi)

NAGOYA--A constructor worker made the unsettling discovery of an unexploded bomb from World War II on Oct. 17 at a building demolition site here in the central part of the city.

The worker made an emergency call at 8:50 a.m., reporting the discovery at the construction site in the city’s Naka Ward.

“I was digging with heavy machinery when I found a rusty, cylindrical object about three meters underground,” the worker said, describing the moment of discovery. “When I lifted it, it looked like a bomb. I've never experienced anything like this before.”

The Ground Self-Defense Force is currently working to safely remove the unexploded ordnance.

According to city officials, the explosive device is believed to be a 250-kilogram U.S.-made incendiary bomb, measuring 36 centimeters in diameter and 123 cm in length.

The discovery has prompted concerns over public safety in the area, which is a bustling office district located 750 meters southwest of the Aichi prefectural office.

The Allied forces conducted intensive air raids on cities across Japan until the nation surrendered in August 1945.

Nearly 80 years after the end of the war, undetonated bombs from that time still emerge from targeted areas, including urban centers and former military sites.

Most recently, a 500-pound U.S. bomb exploded under the taxiway at Miyazaki Airport on Oct. 2, creating a massive crater and forcing flights for the entire day to be grounded.

(This article was written by Misato Nara and Toshihiro Matsumoto.)

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