Amy, a student who has just completed her third year at International Christian University in Tokyo, only learned in college that many people from various parts of Southeast Asia were captured by the Japanese army and lived as prisoners of war during World War II. This history is considered a significant issue abroad, including in the UK, but it is a past that many Japanese people are either unaware of or choose to ignore. Amy was overwhelmed with tremendous shame and guilt. She asked herself, "What can I, as a young Japanese person, do?"
A fund at her college supports peace activities among students. Her project to travel to England and interview former Japanese prisoners of war was selected and received support of 1 million yen (about 7 thousand dollars). Her first visit was to Mrs. Keiko Holmes, who had apologized for Japan's mistakes in England and had been working towards reconciliation.
Born in Mie Prefecture in 1948, Keiko studied in Tokyo and married an Englishman conducting business in Japan. The couple moved to England after discovering a monument to 16 British prisoners of war who died while working at the Iruka copper mine in Mie Prefecture. Keiko lost her husband in a plane crash in 1984. Upon returning to her hometown after a long period of mourning, she was touched to see that the tombstone of a British prisoner had been adorned with marble and flowers. Keiko Holmes attended the annual ceremony for the British Far East Prisoners of War, and in 1992, she brought 26 prisoners of war and their two widows to the memorial service for Iruka (now known as Ataya). Those who had harbored deep hatred and resentment towards Japan witnessed the memorial park maintained by the residents and received a sincere apology 50 years later. It marked the beginning of healing.
Amy also attended the 'Peace and Friendship' gathering, which was joined by 200 British prisoners of war, detained civilians, and their families. She traveled across England to interview the 20 individuals she met there, then returned to Japan to share their stories. Some say that her journey of reconciliation to Japan with 'Agape', an organization founded by Keiko Holmes, transformed her hatred of Japan into love for the Japanese people. Amy inquired about how forgiveness and reconciliation were possible and was told it was due to 'God's love'.
To apologize is to humble oneself and show vulnerability. Amy understands that even if one apologizes, forgiveness cannot be expected immediately. Even if the other party does not forgive or accept the apology, it is important to admit wrongdoing and demonstrate a willingness to mend the relationship.
This July, Amy will travel to England again with four friends. The people the students will interview are scheduled to visit Japan in October, and a 'Reconciliation Service' will be held at the International Christian University in Tokyo.
As for Amy, who looks up to Keiko Holmes, will she be able to visit Korea after the UK and meet with victims/survivors of the Japanese military's comfort women? We decided to wait for that day and stay in contact.
