The prolonged lack of research on Hong Kong's "comfort women" history under Japanese occupation has resulted in a dearth of educational exhibitions and archival materials. However, a breakthrough in Hong Kong academia has laid a solid foundation for the SAR government's subsequent efforts. In response to inquiries from Wen Wei Po, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) stated that the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and the Hong Kong Museum of History will collaborate with mainland museums starting late August to systematically exhibit the wartime history of Guangdong and Hong Kong, including content on "comfort women."
The Education Bureau also affirmed its support for teachers to educate students about China's War of Resistance and Japanese wartime atrocities, instilling patriotic values, resilience, and national identity. Wu Junjie, president of the Hong Kong War History Research Association, proposed that the Working Group on Patriotic Education organize citywide searches for wartime sites, including former "comfort stations," to serve as historical warnings.
Currently, exhibitions on Hong Kong's Japanese occupation period are primarily housed in the Museum of Coastal Defence and the Museum of History. The former focuses on resistance history, the East River Column, and prisoner-of-war experiences. At the same time, the latter's exhibit covers the occupation but omits the "comfort women" issue.
Public calls for enhanced historical education
Hong Kong resident Ms. Lo told Wen Wei Po that she had been unaware of Hong Kong's "comfort stations" until now, 80 years after the war. She urged the government to strengthen historical education to underscore both the brutality of war and the value of peace.
Visitors from mainland China echoed this sentiment. Mr. Zhong from Shenzhen described "comfort stations" as "places where women were humiliated," emphasizing the indelible scars of Japanese aggression. Mr. Li from Shanghai condemned the enslavement of women as a crime against humanity, asking, "Would you remain silent if your family suffered such atrocities?" They called for expanded educational efforts in schools and at former comfort station sites, suggesting plaques with historical images and texts be installed.
Upcoming exhibitions to address the gap
Dorothy Yim, LCSD's information officer, confirmed that the Museum of Coastal Defence and Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History in Guangzhou will jointly launch an exhibition in late August on resistance activities in Guangdong and Hong Kong, including documented "comfort stations." A separate exhibition with the National Museum of China will present broader wartime history, also covering "comfort women," from August to December.
These exhibitions will be supplemented with films, workshops, and lectures, according to Yim.
The Education Bureau noted that while textbooks vary in their coverage of "comfort women," teachers are encouraged to present factual accounts and organize commemorative activities to foster historical awareness and patriotism.
Uncovering hidden wartime sites
Wu revealed that Japanese forces established numerous "comfort stations" in Wan Chai, Tai Fat Hau, and Sai Wan during their 3-year-and-8-month occupation, coercing women through food rationing.
Recent discoveries of suspected comfort stations in Sha Tau Kok's Tam Shui Hang Village prompted his call for a territory-wide survey of occupation-era sites. On August 15, Wu's association will host a "Victory Commemoration and Peace Vigil" event to honor Hong Kong's wartime resistance.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Editor: Darius)
Related News:
Deepline | Echoes from deep: How Lisbon Maru reveals untold cost of WWII
Comment