SADO, Niigata Prefecture--Two separate memorial services honoring those who worked in Sado Island’s gold mines during World War II were held here after the South Korean government’s last-minute withdrawal from the Japan-organized ceremony.

Seoul’s decision to skip the original Nov. 24 event and hold its own service on the following day stemmed from reports that a Japanese government representative had previously visited war-related Yasukuni Shrine.

The two countries have worked to resolve the long-standing historical disputes over forced labor at the mines, but South Korea’s absence highlights the lingering challenges.

The Nov. 24 memorial ceremony came months after the Sado Island gold mines gained UNESCO World Heritage status. South Korea had opposed the designation, citing its history as a place where thousands of laborers from the Korean Peninsula were forced to work during World War II.

The controversy was reignited after it was announced that Akiko Ikuina, a parliamentary vice minister at the Japanese Foreign Ministry, would represent Japan at the memorial ceremony.

Some Japanese media reported in 2022 that she visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo after her election as a lawmaker that year.

Following the announcement of her participation in the ceremony, many South Korean media outlets highlighted these reports, sparking criticism in South Korea over her attendance.

Ikuina told The Asahi Shimbun, “I did not visit Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, 2022.”

Toshihiro Kitamura, press secretary at the Foreign Ministry, said on Nov. 24 that “we are aware that she did not visit Yasukuni Shrine after becoming an Upper House member in July 2022.”

Despite the denials, South Korea withdrew from the event and organized its own memorial.

“Given the possibility that these reports are true, we cannot proceed with our participation,” a South Korean official said.

The Sado Island gold mines, which operated for nearly 400 years before closing in 1989, were one of the world’s leading gold production centers in the 17th century.

During World War II, thousands of laborers from the Korean Peninsula, then under Japanese rule, were mobilized to work there under brutal conditions.

The South Korean government insisted it was a site of “forced labor.”

The mines gained UNESCO World Heritage status in July after negotiations between the two countries.

South Korea accepted the listing after Japan agreed to install an exhibit explaining the harsh working conditions of those brought over from the Korean Peninsula and elsewhere, as well as hold an annual memorial ceremony for all who worked there.

However, criticism continued in South Korea, mainly from opposition parties who claim the exhibit should include the term “forced labor.”

Discontent also spread concerning the nature of how the memorial ceremony was held.

Reports of Ikuina’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine added fuel to the fire, with growing objection in South Korea saying that her visit insulted bereaved Korean families and was inappropriate.

Meanwhile, Japan believes that efforts have been made to bridge differences between the two governments regarding whether those from the Korean Peninsula were subjected to forced labor at the mines.

“We accommodated South Korea’s request for a parliamentary vice minister or higher-level official to attend the memorial ceremony,” a Foreign Ministry official said. “But why has it come to this?”

TOKYO, SEOUL COORDINATING

The original memorial service on Nov. 24 was organized by a committee comprising a local civil society group, Niigata Prefecture and city officials who advocated for the World Heritage site designation.

It was attended by around 70 individuals, including Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi and Sado Mayor Ryugo Watanabe.

Although seating for about 100 people was arranged, the absence of the South Korean delegation left several seats vacant.

In her remarks at the event, Ikuina said: “The Sado mine workers, including many people from the Korean Peninsula, endured harsh labor and some lost their lives. We would like to once again extend our deepest condolences to all who have passed away.”

Locals expressed regret over South Korea’s absence from the ceremony.

The following day, the South Korean-led event took place on the island at the site of the “Fourth Soai Dormitory,” where workers from the Korean Peninsula lived during the war.

Around 30 attended, including Park Cheol-hee, South Korean ambassador to Japan, and nine bereaved family members.

“I hope this memorial service brings comfort to those who passed away and their families,” Park said. “Both Japan and South Korea need to work together to ensure the painful history from around 80 years ago is remembered.”

Although Seoul decided not to participate in the Nov. 24 memorial, a South Korean government official said, “We hope to ensure that this matter does not affect overall Japan-South Korea relations.”

Tokyo is also working to coordinate with Seoul to prevent any negative effects on the two countries’ relations, with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani scheduled to visit South Korea later this year.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration, which has emphasized improving Japan-South Korea relations, is now struggling with low approval ratings. Some South Korean government officials are calling for greater consideration from Japan.

(This article was written by Yoshinobu Motegi, Nen Satomi and Narumi Ota, correspondent in Seoul.)