In brief
Following the death of Gil Won-ok, a prominent Korean comfort woman advocate, Mina Watanabe from Japan aims to keep alive the tragic narratives of survivors by seeking recognition and reparations from Japan’s wartime abuses.
Mina Watanabe has dedicated herself to advocacy work for women subjected to sexual enslavement by the Japanese military during World War II. Co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo, Watanabe illuminates the plight of so-called comfort women and other victims of sexual abuse. This critical mission comes into sharper focus with the passing of Gil Won-ok, a courageous Korean comfort woman who advocated for justice until her recent death at age 96. Ms. Gil was one of the last remaining voices of the approximately 240 Korean comfort women who bravely shared their experiences of exploitation. With her departure, the number of survivors dwindles, leaving few to carry the torch of justice. Yet, Watanabe, born long after these atrocities, feels a deep responsibility to continue this important work. Her commitment to advocating for the recognition of these women stems from her profound interest in women’s rights, which began during her education in Tokyo.In the 1990s, as some survivors began to speak publicly about their trauma, Watanabe’s life was forever changed. Inspired by their resilience, she co-founded WAM in 2005, fueled by contributions from supporters domestically and internationally. The museum emphasizes the history of sexual violence against women in wartime, with a particular focus on Japan’s past.Despite facing backlash and isolation from segments of Japanese society, Watanabe remains unwavering in her mission. Through international campaigns, she continues to fight for the rights and acknowledgment of comfort women, ensuring that their stories are told and remembered as part of history.
