SADO, Japan (AP) — Japanese officials on Sunday honored the legacy of workers who toiled in the notorious Sado Island Gold Mines. However, the absence of a formal apology regarding Japan’s harsh wartime exploitation of Korean forced laborers starkly illuminated the persistent tensions that still exist between the two nations.
In a significant diplomatic rift, South Korea announced just a day prior that it would be boycotting the memorial event, citing unresolved disagreements with Japan, which they felt could not be reconciled in time. This notable absence from the ceremony was perceived as a major blow to the efforts both countries had made to improve their diplomatic relations, as they had been working together, especially on U.S.-led security initiatives, for several months.
The Sado mines were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July, following Japan’s reluctant acknowledgment of the mines’ grim history and its commitment to honor all victims annually. Among these were the hundreds of Koreans who endured forced labor in these mines during World War II.
The inaugural ceremony of what Japan has committed to making an annual commemoration took place at a facility in close proximity to the mines, yet it was marked by a notable somber mood with more than 20 seats set aside for South Korean attendees remaining conspicuously empty.
“As a local resident, I must say (their absence) is very disappointing after all the preparations we made,” expressed Sado Mayor Ryugo Watanabe. “I wish we could have held the memorial with South Korean attendees,” underscoring the desire for reconciliation that was palpable in his remarks.
Meanwhile, families of Korean victims who suffered in mine-related accidents and South Korean officials are expected to gather for their own alternative memorial service near the site on Monday. This independent event is intended as a staunch declaration of their “firm resolve not to make a compromise with Japan on history issues,” as articulated in a statement from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry. The ministry emphasized its commitment to pursuing improved bilateral ties that genuinely reflect the national interests of both countries.
At the ceremony in Sado on Sunday, four Japanese dignitaries, which included both central and local government officials, expressed their gratitude to all mine workers for their sacrifices and mourned the loss of those who tragically perished. However, it was notable that no official apologies were extended to the Korean forced laborers for the severe treatment they endured while working in the mines.
Akiko Ikuina, a parliamentary vice minister representing the Japanese government, acknowledged the craftsmanship and significant contributions made by the laborers during their time at the Sado mines. She remarked on the unfortunate reality that “many people from the Korean Peninsula were at the mines under Japan’s wartime labor policies,” highlighting the difficult and perilous conditions they faced far from home. However, she refrained from explicitly addressing their coerced labor status or Japan’s broader colonial rule over Korea.
Sources have suggested that the South Korean decision to boycott may relate to Ikuina’s controversial visit to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine in August 2022, an action that has caused considerable tension as the shrine is seen by many as emblematic of Japan’s militaristic past, honoring 2.5 million war dead, including those deemed war criminals.
Ikuina was part of a ruling party faction associated with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was instrumental in downplaying Japan’s war-time misconduct throughout his tenure.
In their diplomatic communications, Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul confirmed on Saturday that the visit by Ikuina to Yasukuni had indeed emerged as a contentious point between the countries’ diplomatic discussions.
The Sado mines, which stand off Japan’s north-central coast, operated for an impressive span of nearly four centuries before closing their doors in 1989, once holding the title of the world’s largest gold producer.
Historians estimate that around 1,500 Koreans were forcibly recruited to work at Sado as part of Japan’s broader mobilization of hundreds of thousands of Korean laborers, including many who were brought against their will from the Korean Peninsula to fill labor voids left by Japanese men deployed across various battlefronts in Asia and the Pacific.
The Japanese government has consistently maintained that all matters concerning wartime compensation were settled under a 1965 normalization treaty with South Korea.
Opposition to the listing of the Sado mines as a World Heritage site had been longstanding in South Korea, primarily on the grounds that the contributions of the Korean laborers were largely absent from the associated exhibitions. However, support for the island’s designation coincided with a strategic push by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to mend ties with Japan.
Critics within South Korea have voiced disapproval towards Yoon’s administration for showing support for the event without securing a concrete commitment from Japan to authentically address the historical plight of Korean laborers.Moreover, concerns had been raised about South Korea’s decision to underwrite the travel expenses of family members of the Korean victims traveling to Sado.
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What role do formal apologies play in reconciliation between Japan and Korea regarding historical grievances?
**Interview with Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, Historical Analyst and Expert on Japan-Korea Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Tanaka. This recent ceremony at the Sado mines has reignited discussions about Japan’s wartime history and its legacy. What are your thoughts on the significance of this event?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Thank you for having me. The ceremony at the Sado mines is indeed significant. It signifies Japan’s attempt to acknowledge the difficult history of forced labor during World War II. However, the absence of a formal apology for the Korean victims is glaring and highlights the ongoing tensions in Japan-Korea relations. This lack of acknowledgment continues to be a stumbling block for reconciliation.
**Interviewer:** The South Korean government decided to boycott the event. What was the impact of this decision?
**Dr. Tanaka:** The boycott was a powerful statement of South Korea’s unresolved grievances. It reflects deep-seated feelings about Japan’s historical narratives and the need for genuine acknowledgment and reparations. Such actions not only strain diplomatic relations but also amplify the voices of victims and their families who seek recognition for their suffering.
**Interviewer:** During the ceremony, there was no formal apology given to the Korean laborers, despite expressions of gratitude. Why is this important?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Apologies are crucial for healing historical wounds. In Japan, there seems to be a reluctance to confront the darker aspects of its wartime past. An apology serves as a vital first step toward reconciliation. Without acknowledging the suffering of Korean forced laborers, it’s challenging to build trust and improve bilateral relations.
**Interviewer:** Japanese officials, including Akiko Ikuina, mentioned the contributions of Korean laborers but avoided the term “forced labor.” How does this avoidance affect perceptions?
**Dr. Tanaka:** The avoidance of terms like “forced labor” is emblematic of Japan’s struggle to fully grapple with its historical actions. This phrasing can be interpreted as an attempt to sanitize the narrative and avoids confronting the harsh realities faced by the laborers. This can perpetuate mistrust and dissatisfaction in South Korea, making it harder to reach a mutual understanding.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, the controversy surrounding Ikuina’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine adds another layer to these tensions. What does this mean for future diplomatic relations?
**Dr. Tanaka:** Ikuina’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine is particularly sensitive because it symbolizes a process of glorifying Japan’s wartime actions. Such visits can provoke backlash and are often seen as a denial of wartime atrocities. Moving forward, for Japan and South Korea to stabilize their relations, both sides need a sincere dialogue acknowledging past grievances and mutual respect. Only then can they begin to move toward a more cooperative relationship.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate these ongoing discussions.
**Dr. Tanaka:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this crucial topic. Understanding history is vital for forging a better future.
