As the 80th anniversary of World War II's end approaches in 2025, renewed attention focuses on one of history's darkest chapters: Japan's wartime 'comfort women' system. Professor Su Zhiliang, a Shanghai Normal University researcher, has dedicated 30 years to documenting this tragedy through survivor testimonies and military archives.
📜 His work reveals staggering numbers: Over 2,100 'comfort stations' operated across the Chinese mainland during the 1930s-40s, part of a systematic sexual slavery network affecting 400,000 women from 11 Asian countries and regions. 'These weren't isolated incidents,' Su emphasizes. 'They represent institutionalized violence that demands historical accountability.'
🌐 The research gains urgency as living survivors dwindle. This December, memorial events across Asia coincide with digital preservation efforts – from VR testimonies to blockchain-backed documentation. Young activists are using TikTok and Instagram to share stories through #NeverSilenced campaigns.
⚖️ While Japan acknowledged the system in 1993's Kono Statement, many survivors and scholars argue for stronger reparations. As Su notes: 'Remembering isn't about reopening wounds – it's about ensuring no future generation endures such dehumanization.'
