“对历史罪行的无知是一种罪”——日本民间团体坚守相模湖水库强征劳工真相

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the tragic history of laborers from China, Korea, and other countries who suffered and died during the construction of the Sagami Lake Reservoir in Japan, emphasizing the importance of remembering and acknowledging this dark chapter in history [1][2][4]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Sagami Lake Reservoir, Japan's first multipurpose artificial lake, was constructed between 1940 and 1947, utilizing 3.6 million laborers, including nearly 300 Chinese individuals forcibly taken by the Japanese military [1]. - The harsh working conditions led to numerous fatalities among the laborers, with 28 documented Chinese laborers losing their lives during the construction [1]. Group 2: Memorial Activities - A memorial event was held on July 27, attended by over 350 participants, including local residents, students, and representatives from various governments, to honor the deceased laborers [1][2]. - The Sagami Lake Historical Records Association was established in 1976 to document the history of the laborers and has been conducting annual memorial activities since 1979 [2]. Group 3: Advocacy for Historical Truth - The article emphasizes the efforts of individuals like Hashimoto Toshiko, a founding member of the Historical Records Association, who advocate for the recognition of the suffering endured by the laborers [2][3]. - The memorial site includes a "Lake Monument" inscribed with the names of the deceased laborers, symbolizing the commitment to preserving this historical truth [2]. Group 4: Reflection on Historical Responsibility - The narrative stresses the importance of confronting negative historical events rather than concealing them, as articulated by Hashimoto, who reflects on the moral responsibility of acknowledging past injustices [3][4]. - The article concludes with a call to remember history as a means to foster peace and prevent the repetition of past atrocities, particularly in light of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War [4].