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A questionable Japanese gold mine was recently added to UNESCO’s cultural heritage list after Tokyo promised to provide a complete and accurate account of its World War II history.
The Sado mine, located on an island off Niigata in northern Japan, has been linked to abuses against South Korean personnel in the war.
In the past, Korea had rejected UNESCO’s offer due to the mine’s dark history and Japan’s inability to recognize it, leading to a deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries.
However, at the annual assembly of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee held over the weekend, member states, including South Korea, gave their unanimous inclusion after Japanese officials pledged to provide enough data to tell the mine’s story.
During the meeting, Japanese delegates said the country had already installed new demonstration fabrics “for the harsh conditions” of Korean personnel, and claimed that personnel had been subjected to more damaging responsibilities in the mine shaft, causing some deaths.
A memorial service will be held at the site for all gold miners on Sado Island, officials added.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a statement that she was “truly delighted” with the designation of Sado Island because it highlights its “extraordinary value as a notable cultural heritage. “
Meanwhile, the South Korean delegation said it hopes Japan will fulfill its commitment to be fair to history and show “both the good side and the dark side” of the Sado mine.
The Sado mine operated for about 400 years and was the largest gold producer in the world before its completion in 1989.