More than 80 years after WWII, the voices of survivors of Japan’s military sexual slavery system—known as ‘comfort women’—are growing fainter, but their demands for justice grow louder. From China to South Korea, the Philippines, and beyond, these women endured unimaginable horrors. Now, with fewer than a dozen survivors left in China alone, their fight for recognition and apology has become a race against time. 🕊️
Breaking Decades of Silence
In 1991, South Korean survivor Kim Hak-sun shattered the silence, inspiring hundreds across Asia to share their stories. Today, 96-year-old Peng Zhuying from China’s Hunan Province continues this legacy, demanding Japan’s government acknowledge its wartime crimes. "I want the world to remember us," she says.
Digging for Truth
Shanghai Normal University’s Professor Su Zhiliang has spent 30 years uncovering evidence of Japan’s systemic sexual slavery. His team identified over 300 survivors in China and built a museum to preserve their stories. "The evidence is undeniable," Su insists, pointing to diaries, military records, and survivor testimonies.
UNESCO’s Political Battle
A 2016 bid to archive ‘comfort women’ testimonies with UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register stalled amid geopolitical tensions. Japan’s government allegedly pressured UNESCO to block the nomination, leaving survivors in limbo. "This isn’t just history—it’s about accountability," says advocate Heisoo Shin.
Global Echoes of a Movement
From New York’s Statue of Peace to UN resolutions, the call for justice has gone global. Yet Japan maintains the issue was "settled" post-war. Survivors disagree. As Filipino advocate Sharon Cabusao-Silva notes: "An unofficial fund isn’t justice. We need truth."
Passing the Torch
With survivors like Lola Estelita Dy passing away, younger activists now lead the charge. PhD student Zhang Ruyi vows: "We’ll ensure their stories aren’t forgotten." For Professor Su, remembrance is a shield against future atrocities: "To honor them is to fight for peace." ✨
