Remembering history: The tragedy of 400,000 WWII 'comfort women'

Editor's note: China's national memorial day for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre falls on December 13. CGTN presents a photo series that offers a comprehensive look at the crimes against humanity committed by the Japanese military during its war of aggression against China and the Pacific War in World War II. The series urges reflection on history, appreciation of the hard-won peace, and vigilance against any return of Japanese militarism.

Nearly a century has passed since the first women were forced into sexual slavery by Imperial Japan, yet the memories of their suffering remain deeply painful today.

From 1931 to 1945, an estimated 400,000 women from about 11 Asian countries and regions were coerced into serving as "comfort women" for the Japanese military. Most victims came from China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Philippines, with others from Myanmar, East Timor, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and several additional regions.

China was the most heavily affected. Chinese scholars estimate that more than 200,000 Chinese women were victimized under this system.

These women and girls were taken or deceived into military-run brothels, where they were forced into sexual servitude and denied basic human rights. Survivors' testimonies describe severe mistreatment, physical and emotional trauma, and long-lasting harm to their health and dignity.

In July, UN special rapporteurs and working groups under the Human Rights Council issued formal communications to the Japanese government, expressing serious concern over its continued failure to ensure truth, justice and reparations for survivors. They stressed that international law requires Japan to take steps to address these historical violations.

Countries such as South Korea and the Philippines continue to see regular public calls for Japan to fully acknowledge its wartime responsibilities. Observers note that without a sincere apology and concrete action, the wounds of history cannot fully heal.

Read more: Remembering history: Over 300,000 Chinese killed in Nanjing Massacre by invading Japanese forces