Webzine-KYEOL │ Research Institute on Japanese Military Sexsual Slavery (RIMSS)

Activism Expanding the Field of Struggle for the Japanese Military “Comfort Women”

In the second round of conversation with young scholars, we met with young researchers and activists Lee Eunjin, Lee Jaeim, and Choi Sung Yong, and asked what the issue of the “Comfort Women” in the Japanese military means to their lives, and how it motivates them.

Editorial Team of Webzine

얀 루프-오헤른 Jan Ruff-O' Herne, 『나는 일본군 성노예였다: 네덜란드 여성이 증언하는 일본군 ‘위안소’』 (삼천리, 2018)

Historical Memory I was a sex slave for the Japanese Army: The Japanese Army's 'comfort stations' testified by a Dutch woman

Written by Choi Jae-in (The translator of 『Fifty Years of Silence』 by Jan Ruff O'Herne)

Choi Jae-in

Activism Exploring the ‘Women's International War Crimes Tribunal on the Trial of Japan's Military Sexual Slavery in 2000’ through the archives

The ‘Women's International War Crimes Tribunal on the Trial of Japan's Military Sexual Slavery in 2000’ (hereinafter ‘Women’s International War Crimes Tribunal 2000’) was held at the Kudan Kaikan Hall in Tokyo, Japan for six days, starting with the opening ceremony on December 7, 2000, until December 12, 2000.

Editorial Team of Webzine <Kyeol>

Historical Memory Confidential Documents of Thailand’s Supreme Command - the Japanese Military “Comfort Stations” existed in Thailand

Patporn Phoothong

Historical Memory History of Japanese Military “Comfort Stations” Dates Back 130 Years

Japan’s state-level responsibility for the “comfort women” issue in the context of the country’s history of licensed prostitution system

Song Yeon-ok

#Song Yeon-ok

Education Hoping for the Publication of an English Collection of Testimonials on ‘Comfort Women’ to Prevent Distortions and Expand Empathy in the International Community

Professor Jing Williams considers her education on the “Comfort Women” issue as “a process of planting seeds for the future,” recognizing that some of her students may become advocates for women’s human rights.

Jing Williams

Activism Uncovering the Tragic Legacy: Movement for the Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery in Timor-Leste

As of now, one victim of these atrocities remains alive in Timor-Leste. While the passage of time may have dimmed the memories of these atrocities, the quest for justice and accountability remains as relevant as ever.

Feliciano da Costa Araujo

1948년 네덜란드의 바타비아 임시군사재판에서 일본군이 재판 받는 모습 ⓒCollectie Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie

Historical Memory Japanese Military “Comfort Women” in the Dutch East Indies and the Batavia Temporary Court Martial

Notably, the Batavia Court Martial adjudicated a case involving the Japanese military’s exploitation of Dutch women as “Comfort Women.” This stood as the only trial that addressed perpetrators who abducted women for the purpose of forced prostitution among post-World War II war crime tribunals under international law.

Moon Jihie

[사진 3] 청팍옌 박사 가족이 소유했던 자란 주롱 케칠의 상가 건물은 일부가 과거 위안소로 사용되었다는 이유로 처음으로 보존 대상으로 선정됐다. (사진 제공:케빈 블랙번)

Historical Memory Characteristics of the Issue of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery in Singapore

Until 2022, when the book The Comfort Women of Singapore in History and Memory was published, it was widely thought in Singapore that there were no Singaporean "Comfort Women" who were sexually enslaved by the Japanese military.

Kevin Blackburn

Historical Memory Documenting Imperial Japanese Military’s Atrocities Against Women in China

While warfare continues inflicting damage and suffering in today’s world, and rape of women is still used as an instrument of armed conflicts, it is critical to bring the narratives of the “Comfort Women” into public memory.

Peipei Qiu

Activism Second “‘Comfort Women’ Litigation” Ruling Becomes “Magna Carta” of International Human Rights Law

Attorney Sanghee Lee, the head of the Lawyers for the Democratic Society Task Force addressing the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” Issue

Sanghee Lee

중국의 전범 관리소에 수감되어 ‘생각’을 하게 되는 일본군 전범들 ⓒ백정미

Other Reflections on Reading Statements from Japanese Military War Criminals

Confucius once said that failure to learn and think critically can lead to delusion and danger. However, can’t we minimize the misfortunes of our world by cultivating the power to think without necessarily recalling Confucius' statement?

Lee Sun-I

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