- Project Leader : Suzuki Takashi (Freelance Researcher)
- Collaborators : Matsuno Akihisa (Osaka University, Osaka School of International Public Policy)
- : Mizuno Kosuke (Kyoto University, Center for Southeast Asian Studies)
- : Utsumi Aiko (Osaka University of Economics and Law, Center for Asia Pacific Partnership)
- : Furusawa Kiyoko (Tokyo Women’s University, School of Arts and Science)
Outline of Research
The research visually presents the struggle of survivors of Japan’s military sexual slavery (the so-called “comfort women”) system during WWII who are now living in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It will focus on how survivors tackled trauma through a long struggle against isolation and helplessness, efforts to reconcile with one’s self, and the ability to gain self-esteem. The study also analyzes the involvement of the community in the survivors’ process of regaining self.
Description
During the past five years, the research team has gathered and analyzed testimonies and materials on the sexual slavery system under the Japanese occupation of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has found that survivors are living in isolation and hardship, but with a spirit of independence, gentleness, and strong sense of morality. We will gather and record narratives of their post-war lives to document their struggle in the particular context of the Sulawesi society in Indonesia.
The significance of the research lies, firstly, in its holistic approach that incorporates the aftermath of traumatizing events. This fosters a capacity for new understandings of the narratives and memories of survivors of sexual violence. Secondly, the research presents a new mode of expression by using visual media to depict experience. Thirdly, it bridges a gap in studies of sexual slavery by examining the context that the local community provided for the survivors’ struggles. Finally, the research emphasizes the importance of recognizing suffering and pursuing justice in order to enable the recovery of survivors’ lost relationship with society. In so doing, it is expected to have a practical significance not only for victims of the “comfort women” system, but also for survivors of sexual violence more widely.
According to interviews with survivors during the first year of this project, recognizing and understanding each other, as well as becoming aware of other survivors’ experiences, lightened feelings of shame and fault. The interviews also uncovered new information, such as the existence of a local place called ‘Ianjo’ and cases of being taken away, forced labor, and rape. In the second year, our team will finalize interviews and edit the film.
 More than 30 survivors gathered at Kalosi branch office of Lembaga Pengurus Ex-Jugun Ianfu Sulawesi Selatan, from all over South Sulawesi province on international Ianfu memorial day 14th August 2017. |
 Many girls about 13 to 15 years old were abducted by Japanese Military at field, home or on the road. They were brought to the place named Carruk among the mountain area in Enrekang Province and were forced to carry sands up from river or to work at field and raped by soldiers at night. These four survivors were at this place at that time. |