Dozens of protesters held a rally in front of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan, on the evening of April 23. Through reading testimonies and shouting slogans, they called on Japanese society to face up to the 'comfort women' issue and remember the history of aggression.
The rally that evening attracted many passers - by. Protesters held up signs reading 'Listen to the voices of the victims!' and 'Denying history is unforgivable!' to protest against the distortion and down - playing of the 'comfort women' issue by Japanese right - wing forces. At the rally site, protesters read the testimonies of many 'comfort women' victims, telling their tragic experiences of being subjected to atrocities, and mourned the deceased victims through collective moments of silence.
'The 'comfort women' issue is an act of sexual violence against women and a violation of human rights. However, Japanese right - wing forces still deny and distort this real history, which is extremely infuriating!' said Okada Chieko, a participant in the event. 'We hope this activity can arouse more people's attention and understanding and push the Japanese government to change its current situation of ignoring this history.'
Sato Masaya, who came from Kawasaki City to participate in the rally, said, 'There were numerous victims of Japan's aggressive acts, but the right - wing forces still deny this history as if it never happened! This is completely wrong! The real solution is to face up to the history of aggression, directly confront the victims who were forced to become comfort women and laborers through forced conscription, apologize to them, and provide compensation that they can accept.'
During World War II, the Japanese military forcibly conscripted 'comfort women' from the Korean Peninsula, China, and Southeast Asian countries through coercion and deception, with the number reaching over 700,000. The forced conscription of 'comfort women' was a serious crime against humanity committed by Japanese militarism. However, the Japanese government still refuses to face up to this history, and some forces still attempt to down - play or even deny the cruel crimes committed by the Japanese military.
