UNESCO draft decision on Sado Mine exhibition calls for more on forced labor; Japan to watch deliberations

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has released a draft decision indicating that the exhibition detailing the forced labor of Koreans at Japan's Sado Mine remains insufficient. The Japanese government, however, has adopted a stance of waiting to observe the final deliberations of the World Heritage Committee, which is scheduled to review the matter starting November 20th in Busan, South Korea.

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We are aware that the draft decision of the World Heritage Committee was posted on the UNESCO website on November 15.

Japan had pledged to inform visitors about the "entire history of Sado Mine, including Korean forced laborers" as a condition for its inscription as a World Heritage site. Yet, the exhibition at the Sado Island Aikawa Folk Museum offers no records of "forced labor" by Koreans. A section of about 23 square meters states that "conscription (including Koreans) was based on laws," but it fails to acknowledge the forced nature of the labor. While it documents harsh working conditions, such as Koreans working 28 days a month and disputes over treatment, it does not admit to forced mobilization.

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We need to pay close attention to the deliberations concerning Sado Mine scheduled for the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Korea from the 19th.

The World Heritage Committee's draft decision noted progress in the exhibition strategy but deemed it "not sufficient." It recommended "comprehensive reflection of the heritage's entire history across all periods of mine development" through close consultation with stakeholders. The committee also requested regular progress reports to the World Heritage Centre and a final implementation report by December 2027.

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There has been progress in the interpretation and exhibition strategy for the heritage's entire history, but it is not sufficient.

Despite these recommendations, the Japanese government maintains a passive approach. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that the draft decision "positively assesses the progress" on exhibition and historical explanations, while also mentioning future plans. He asserted that Japan has "seriously and faithfully implemented the decisions made at the time of Sado Mine's inscription" and will "appropriately respond by sincerely explaining Japan's position to stakeholders."

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The draft decision seems to positively assess the progress of the explanation and exhibition of the mine's entire history, and mentions future plans.