In brief
As the number of survivors diminishes, Mina Watanabe continues her mission to raise awareness and advocate for justice for the so-called comfort women, promoting their stories and fighting for reparations.
Mina Watanabe, a prominent figure in the advocacy for Japan's so-called comfort women, has made it her life’s work to bring to light the stories of women who suffered sexual slavery during World War II. Co-founder of the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace (WAM) in Tokyo, she focuses on commemorating these survivors and raising awareness about sexual violence in conflict.Following the recent passing of Gil Won-ok, a 96-year-old Korean comfort woman, the urgency of this cause has intensified. Gil was one of the few remaining advocates who shared her harrowing experiences from the 1930s to the War's conclusion, and her loss highlights the dwindling population of survivors urging Japan to take responsibility for its wartime atrocities.Watanabe, who was born after the war, has fought tirelessly for justice despite having no direct ties to the victims. Her dedication to women's rights sparked during her school years and deepened when she met survivors in the 1990s. Witnessing their courage transformed her life, fueling her resolve to pursue acknowledgment and reparations from the Japanese government.Inaugurated in 2005 with international donations, WAM serves as a critical platform for these historical narratives. Mina actively campaigns globally, rallying support for the comfort women and navigating the challenges of national criticism and isolation from fellow Japanese citizens. Despite facing adversity, her commitment underscores a collective responsibility to confront historical injustices and advocate for survivors' rights through education and awareness.
