As international attention fades, advocates like Mina Watanabe work to ensure that the legacy of Japan’s "comfort women" is remembered and justice pursued.
Justice for Japan’s Comfort Women: A Continuing Struggle
Justice for Japan’s Comfort Women: A Continuing Struggle
Mina Watanabe tirelessly advocates for survivors of Japan's wartime sexual slavery and honors their stories.
Mina Watanabe has dedicated her life to raising awareness about the unfortunate legacy of "comfort women," a term used to describe the thousands of women, particularly from Korea, who were subjected to sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. Her efforts are encapsulated in the establishment of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo, an institution aimed at drawing attention to the stories of these women and broader issues of sexual violence in conflict.
With the recent passing of Gil Won-ok, a prominent South Korean advocate and one of the last remaining comfort women, the urgency of this struggle has intensified. Gil was among a vocal group who led the fight for justice against the Japanese government's refusal to fully acknowledge and take responsibility for the suffering inflicted on these women, and the loss of her voice has left a significant gap in the movement.
Despite having been born long after the war, Watanabe expresses a deep sense of responsibility towards these historical issues. Her journey began in Tokyo as a schoolgirl curious about women’s rights. She became profoundly affected when some survivors started revealing their stories in the 1990s. “Meeting them changed my life," she recounts, acknowledging her commitment to keep their memories alive and advocate for reparations.
Since co-founding WAM in 2005 with international support, Watanabe has not shied away from the challenges that accompany this advocacy. She has faced criticism and a sense of isolation in Japan, particularly from those who dismiss the comfort women narrative. Yet her resolve remains firm, as she continues to educate new generations and recognize the plight of women seized during wartime.
The struggle for justice for Japan’s comfort women persists, fueled by the few survivors who remain and advocates like Watanabe who believe in the power of acknowledgment and reparation. As the world looks toward a future fraught with conflict, their stories serve as vital reminders of the past and the ongoing fight for justice.
