What is the statue? New York Time summarizes the meaning well. “The statue has three figures holding hands on a pedestal, representing girls from Korea, China and the Philippines….It is a commemoration of the tens of thousands of “comfort women” who were detained and raped by Japanese soldiers before and during World War II[1]”.
For sure, this symbol is criticizing the pre-war
government behavior and post war government’s attitude toward this issue. But,
the statue is also a symbol of fighting human trafficking, violence against
women, and human rights in general.
I think that is why the people in San Francisco accept this statue. Original
idea came from local NGO, Comfort Women Justice Coalition. But “In 2015, the
San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to build a
Memorial to the “Comfort Women” in the City and to educate the community about
stopping human trafficking of women and girls. This clear mandate by the City
of San Francisco, which has supported peace and justice through its vibrant
history, will serve as an international beacon of hope around the world[2]”.
However, Osaka’s mayor and Japanese Government are reacting to this
statue and the decision of the San Francisco city in wrong way. “Japan's
government denies that the women were forced into sexual slavery and says the
statue wrongly blames Japan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said San
Francisco's decision challenges Japan's position and is "extremely
regrettable."[3]”
Osaka mayor Yoshimura said “The sister city relationship of trust is gone. I’ll
undertake measures to dissolve it,[4]”
The intention of Japanese government and Osaka local Government leaders is denying historical facts. And they got support from conservative citizens. We are trying to change the public opinion and Osaka mayor’s decision. Please search the information and hopefully sign the online petition.
Crick here: Online petition on Change. org.
You can see our English message on middle of the page.
The intention of Japanese government and Osaka local Government leaders is denying historical facts. And they got support from conservative citizens. We are trying to change the public opinion and Osaka mayor’s decision. Please search the information and hopefully sign the online petition.
Crick here: Online petition on Change. org.
You can see our English message on middle of the page.
[1] New York Times‘Comfort Women’ Statue in San Francisco Leads
a Japanese City to Cut Ties https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/25/world/asia/comfort-women-statue.html?smid=tw-share
[2] Comfort Women Justice Coalition http://remembercomfortwomen.org/
[3] CBS “Japan protests San Francisco's
"sex slave" statue decision” https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-protests-san-franciscos-sex-slave-statue-decision/
[4] Japan Times “Osaka mayor to terminate
six-decade ties as San Francisco designates ‘comfort women’ memorial city
property” https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/11/23/national/politics-diplomacy/osaka-mayor-terminate-six-decade-ties-san-francisco-designates-comfort-women-memorial-city-property/#.WmKtkfLfs6F
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿