In a poignant ceremony held on May 18 in Inawashiro, Fukushima Prefecture, diplomats and advocates for Japan-China friendship gathered to honor the completion of the renovation of a monument dedicated to Chinese laborers who perished during World War II. The event, which included a commemorative tree-planting ceremony, served as a reminder of the shared history and a renewed commitment to fostering peace between the two nations.
Historical records reveal that towards the end of World War II, approximately 40,000 Chinese individuals were forcibly taken to Japan and subjected to harsh forced labor, resulting in the deaths of 6,830 people. Among these, about 1,000 were sent to Fukushima, where 25 died under inhumane conditions. In 1971, a 17-foot-tall monument was erected in Inawashiro to mourn these souls and stand against militarism. The monument underwent its first expansion in 1988 and recently completed a second major renovation in 2023, supported by Japan-China friendship organizations.
Participants at the ceremony emphasized the importance of learning from history, looking towards the future, and working together to safeguard peace. They also expressed their support for the continued improvement of China-Japan relations. The event was attended by notable figures, including Hisashi Endou, president of the Fukushima Prefectural Japan-China Friendship Association, who delivered a speech during the ceremony.
The renovation of the monument and the commemorative ceremony underscore the ongoing efforts to acknowledge past injustices and build a foundation for a peaceful and cooperative future between Japan and China.