In a significant development, a contentious Japanese gold mine has been inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage site list, marking a culmination of efforts after Japan committed to providing a comprehensive historical account of its wartime activities.
The Sado mine, situated on an island near Niigata in northern Japan, has long been associated with the exploitation of South Korean laborers during World War II. This historical backdrop led to previous rejections of Japan’s bid for UNESCO recognition by South Korea, severely straining bilateral relations between the two nations.
However, at the latest UNESCO World Heritage committee meeting held over the weekend, member states, including South Korea, unanimously supported the inclusion of the Sado mine. This shift came following assurances from Japanese officials that they would present detailed and accurate information regarding the mine’s history.
Japanese delegates, in their presentation, emphasized that new exhibition materials had already been installed at the site to illuminate the harsh conditions endured by Korean laborers. They also acknowledged that these workers were assigned to more perilous tasks within the mine, resulting in fatalities.
Moreover, it was announced that an annual memorial service will be conducted at the Sado Island gold mines to honor all the laborers who suffered there.
Expressing her satisfaction with the decision, Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa remarked in a statement that the designation of Sado Island underscores its exceptional cultural significance and historical value.
Meanwhile, the South Korean delegation stressed the importance of Japan fulfilling its commitment to present an accurate and balanced narrative of the Sado mine’s history, encompassing both its positive and negative aspects.
The Sado mine operated for nearly four centuries and was renowned as the world’s largest producer of gold before its closure in 1989.
This recognition by UNESCO is expected to contribute positively to the preservation and understanding of the Sado mine’s complex historical legacy, while also fostering reconciliation efforts between Japan and South Korea.