In brief
Mina Watanabe, co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace, passionately advocates for justice for Japan’s so-called comfort women following the death of fierce activist Gil Won-ok. As the number of survivors dwindles, Watanabe emphasizes the need for acknowledgment of historical abuses and ongoing support for survivors.
Mina Watanabe has devoted her life to advocating for the women who were sexually enslaved by the Japanese military during World War II, known as comfort women. Co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo, Watanabe aims to raise awareness about these victims and the broader issue of sexual violence in conflict.The recent passing of 96-year-old Gil Won-ok, a prominent South Korean comfort woman activist, has brought renewed attention to this critical issue. Gil was among approximately 240 survivors from South Korea who bravely shared their stories of horrific abuse inflicted by the Japanese military throughout the 20th century. With her death, very few survivors remain to fight for justice.Despite not having direct ties to the victims or the wartime abuses, Watanabe’s commitment to women's rights began during her school years in Tokyo. The testimonies of survivors, which came to light in the 1990s, significantly impacted her, leading her to co-found the WAM in 2005. Through the museum, Watanabe has championed both local and international efforts to raise awareness and secure reparations for the survivors.Watanabe continues to face challenges, including alienation from some in Japanese society who may oppose confronting this painful aspect of their history. Nevertheless, she remains resolute in her pursuit of justice and recognition for these women who endured unimaginable suffering. As the number of survivors dwindles, the urgency to honor their stories and advocate for their rights becomes ever more critical.
