Expanding the Field of Struggle for the Japanese Military “Comfort Women”

In the second round of conversation with young scholars, we met with young researchers and activists Lee Eunjin, Lee Jaeim, and Choi Sung Yong, and asked what the issue of the “Comfort Women” in the Japanese military means to their lives, and how it motivates them.

• 2022-10-14
• Editorial Team of Webzine

The Japanese Military “Comfort Women” and the Multilayeredness of Coercion

How has our understanding of “coercion” in forced labor and the Japanese military “Comfort Women” system changed over time? This essay examines the multilayered nature of these issues, moving beyond nationalist narratives and historical denialism toward a broader understanding through the lens of universal human rights.

• 2026-10-13
• Jie-Hyun Lim

Japanese Military “Comfort Women” in the Dutch East Indies and the Batavia Temporary Court Martial

Notably, the Batavia Court Martial adjudicated a case involving the Japanese military’s exploitation of Dutch women as “Comfort Women.” This stood as the only trial that addressed perpetrators who abducted women for the purpose of forced prostitution among post-World War II war crime tribunals under international law.

• 2023-04-03
• Moon Jihie

Confidential Documents of Thailand’s Supreme Command - the Japanese Military “Comfort Stations” existed in Thailand

Patporn Phoothong

• 2019-09-17
• Patporn Phoothong

History of Japanese Military “Comfort Stations” Dates Back 130 Years

Japan’s state-level responsibility for the “comfort women” issue in the context of the country’s history of licensed prostitution system

• 2025-01-06
• Song Yeon-ok