Sado Mines Memorial: Unveiling the Shadows of History

Japan hosts a memorial at Sado Island Gold Mines, now a UNESCO site, acknowledging the Korean forced laborers exploited during WWII. While paying tribute to all deceased workers, critics argue Japan's narrative downplays historical atrocities. South Korea supports the listing after Japan agrees to a more inclusive exhibition.

Japan is set to hold a memorial ceremony this Sunday at the Sado Island Gold Mines, a location newly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This acknowledgment comes after years of historical disputes with South Korea, with Japan reluctantly admitting the mines' dark history involving forced Korean labor during World War II.

The ceremony aims to honor all workers who perished at the mines. However, critiques point to a persistent policy of whitewashing Japan's past wartime labor and sexual exploitation history. The contested Sado mines, operational for nearly 400 years, became a central point of controversy, particularly regarding the involvement of forced Korean laborers.

While Japan has installed new exhibition materials highlighting the severe conditions faced by Korean laborers and acknowledges their hardships, critics emphasize the need for transparency and a full acknowledgment of historical truths. This ceremony and the exhibit symbolize ongoing efforts to confront Japan's wartime history, as diplomatic relations with South Korea continue to evolve.

(With inputs from agencies.)