Gunma Prefecture appears to have banned entry by reporters to avoid further controversy.
Authorities in Japan’s Gunma Prefecture admitted that they had removed the ‘Memorial for Forced Mobilized Koreans’ that had been installed in the prefectural park.
According to the Sankei Shimbun on the 2nd, Gunma Prefecture effectively admitted, “We will not deny” the report in some media that the memorial monument was removed and the site where it was installed became an empty lot.
Regarding the fact that the park has been closed since the 29th of last month, when the demolition administration began, and entry by reporters as well as general citizens has been banned, he explained, “This is for the purpose of ensuring the safety of (demolition) workers and nearby residents.”
He also responded, “We took into consideration (preventing) the possibility that a new dispute could arise by sending a press agency (to the park) to report.” This means that it was done to avoid aggravating controversy through media reports.
Gunma Prefecture said, “We cannot provide specifics” regarding the progress of the memorial monument removal.
When the newspaper pointed out that they were hiding the demolition, etc., they responded, “That’s not true. The work is being recorded. “If necessary, we will consider disclosing it at a later date,” he explained. It was emphasized that the reason for closing the park was safety issues.
This memorial monument was installed in Gunma Forest, a prefectural park located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, in April 2004. It was a conditional installation that “no political events will be held.”
On the front of the memorial stone, the phrase ‘Remembrance, reflection and friendship (記憶 反省 そしてて友好)’ is written in Korean, Japanese and English, and on the back it is written in Korean, Japanese and English, ‘We deeply reflect on the fact of history that caused great damage and suffering to the Korean people, and we will never make the same mistake again. “I express my determination not to repeat this.”
The civic group has held a memorial event in front of the memorial every year. At the 2012 event, one participant mentioned “forced detention.” Gunma Prefectural authorities then refused to renew the installation permit, saying that the remarks made by attendees of the rally held in front of the memorial in 2014 were political.
A civic group objected and filed a lawsuit, but Japan’s Supreme Court confirmed in 2022 that the local government’s decision to disallow the decision was legal.
Gunma Prefecture notified civic groups that demolition would begin on the 29th of last month. It is scheduled to be completed by February 11th.
On the 29th of last month, when the demolition work began following administrative execution, the civic group received the return of three metal inscriptions.
However, Gunma Prefecture closed the park, so the demolition was not made public.
Accordingly, the Asahi Shimbun reported on the 31st of last month, footage of the demolition via helicopter. The place where the memorial was located has already become an empty lot. Nearby, trucks and excavators were working to fill the spot where the memorial had been with new dirt.
The concrete structure with the inscription attached was broken into an unknown shape.
Gunma Prefecture Governor Ichita Yamamoto offered an explanation regarding the removal of the memorial at a regular press conference on the 1st, saying, “We are not denying the spirit of the memorial and the monument.”
He added, “There is no intention to revise past history.” “Everything is my responsibility. “The citizens of the prefecture will definitely understand,” he said. He said the reason for removing the memorial was “the decision of the Supreme Court.” “It did not develop into a diplomatic issue,” he emphasized.
Gunma Prefecture stated that the removal of the memorial to Asahi “is not being done arbitrarily by Gunma Prefecture.” It was claimed that this was the result of consultation with civic groups.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.