Japan accused of erasing Korean forced labor history in World Heritage sites

The Japanese government is facing criticism for allegedly omitting the history of forced labor involving Koreans at several industrial sites. Recent reports indicate that Japan is preparing to nominate the Ashio Copper Mine in Tochigi Prefecture for UNESCO World Heritage status. During the Pacific War, approximately 2,416 Koreans were mobilized to work at the mine, resulting in dozens of deaths due to accidents and disease.

Further controversy has arisen regarding a new guidebook published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Japan's UNESCO membership. The publication introduces various World Heritage sites, including the Sado Mine and the Meiji-era Industrial Revolution sites (which include Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima), but fails to mention the forced mobilization of Korean laborers.

Critics argue that these omissions violate previous commitments made by the Japanese government to explain the history of forced labor during the UNESCO registration processes. Instead, the materials focus on Japan's technological achievements and industrial prowess, such as describing the Sado Mine as a major gold producer during the Edo period and characterizing the Meiji-era sites as evidence of a successful modernization project.