Japanese Play Honors Korean Victims of 1942 Mine Disaster with Shamanistic Ritual

In a powerful act of remembrance and a call for genuine reconciliation, the Japanese theater troupe Shinjuku Ryozanpaku presented its play 'Silent Sea, Bones Speak' in Tokyo. The performance opened not with a curtain call, but with a traditional Korean shamanistic ritual, a 'swigimgut,' to console the spirits of the 183 Korean victims of the 1942 Josei coal mine disaster. This poignant beginning set the tone for a deeply moving theatrical experience that brought the forgotten suffering of Korean laborers under Japanese rule to the forefront.

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My father, who is still in the sea, crying out in anguish...

The play vividly recounts the horrific conditions faced by these workers, who were coerced into dangerous labor in the deep-sea mine. Their testimonies, brought to life on stage, speak of grueling 12-hour shifts, brutal punishments for perceived infractions, and the constant threat of death. The narrative highlights the stark contrast between the propaganda of contributing to Japan's 'Greater East Asia War' and the reality of slave-like conditions. Through the character of Park Jong-ho, a Korean worker writing a letter home, the play conveys the desperate hope for escape and reunion, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the historical trauma.

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Even if only spirits, I pray you return to your homeland, meet your families, and find your way to the Pure Land.

This production is particularly significant as it emerges from the efforts of Japanese citizens who have long worked to bring this historical injustice to light. The discovery of the mine entrance and the subsequent recovery of remains have finally brought the tragedy into public consciousness after 82 years. The involvement of the Shinjuku Ryozanpaku, led by Korean-Japanese director Kim Su-jin, is crucial. Kim's critique of Japan's historical accountability – stating that Japan has never offered a sincere apology – underscores the ongoing need for true understanding and healing between Japan and South Korea. The play is not just a performance; it is a vital step towards acknowledging past wrongs and paving the way for a more honest and harmonious future.

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We were told we were industrial warriors needed for the victory of our homeland's Greater East Asia War, but in reality, we were no different from slaves.