Memorial held for wartime Chinese forced laborers who died in Japan+

TOKYO, Aug. 8 Kyodo -
A memorial service was held Saturday in Tokyo for 6,830 wartime Chinese forced
laborers who died in various parts of Japan after being brought to the country
against their will, the first time such an event has been held to mourn all
Chinese who died in such circumstances.
About 300 people -- including around 70 from China such as two survivors of the
forced labor, bereaved families of the dead and monks -- took part in the
service at a temple in Tokyo's Sumida Ward.
''I hope the two countries will not only look back on history and pray for
peace but also take opportunities such as this memorial service to lead to
mutual friendship,'' Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai said at the event.
Separate memorial services had been held in various locations in the past, but
this year's event was organized in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the
discovery of remains of Chinese forced laborers at a mine in Akita Prefecture,
the organizers said.
Many Chinese died of poor nutrition, overwork and illness after being brought
to Japan to work at 135 locations such as coal mines and shipyards throughout
the country, according to the organizers.
==Kyodo
2009-08-08 23:53:59