UNESCO finds Japan's Sado mines report insufficient on forced Korean labor history

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has called on Japan to provide a more comprehensive account of the history of forced Korean labor at the Sado mines, a site registered as a World Heritage site. In a draft decision, the committee stated that while Japan has made some progress in its interpretation and presentation strategy, it remains 'to be fully developed.'

“

the interpretation and presentation strategy of the whole history has shown some progress but remains to be fully developed.

The committee recommended that Japan engage in 'close consultation with the States Parties concerned' to ensure the entire history of the mining site, across all periods of exploitation, is addressed. Japan is required to submit regular updates to the World Heritage Centre on its efforts and provide a full implementation report by December 1, 2027. The committee plans to re-examine the issue at its 50th session in 2028.

This decision follows an examination of a conservation status report submitted by Japan in December 2025. Notably, that report omitted any mention of Koreans being forcibly mobilized to work at the mines. The committee expressed the need for 'further clarification' on how the site's interpretation strategy fully addresses the complete history of the property.

“

comprehensively address, at the site level, the whole history throughout all periods of mining exploitation.

Japan's inclusion of approximately 10 new signposts within the mining complex in early 2026, which referenced Korean workers' dormitories and shared kitchens, appeared to be the basis for UNESCO's acknowledgement of 'progress.' However, South Korea maintains that the entire history, including the forced mobilization of labor, must be reflected at the site.

“

the entire history of the Sado Island gold mines should be reflected, including that of forced mobilization.

An official from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the committee's decision aligns with Seoul's consistent position. The ministry views the decision as a validation of its stance, particularly given Japan's inadequate implementation of previous recommendations. South Korea has actively engaged in discussions with Japan, including director-level meetings, to emphasize the need for explicit references to the forced mobilization of Korean workers in the site's interpretation and exhibitions.

“

reflecting our consistent position in a situation where Japan’s implementation of the recommendations has been inadequate.