The Institute also played a “shuttle diplomacy” role in the course of these meetings, sharing information with the Korean and Japanese parties about their counterparts in the other country who were visited shortly before and thereafter. Through these meetings, the Institute connected with and encouraged those individuals whom it identified as having the best opportunity and ability to communicate their positions effectively, articulately, and diplomatically to the other side. The issues are many, of course, and must be both generated and negotiated mutually between all of the stakeholders involved, including the Comfort Women. Subjects discussed ranged from restorative justice and reparations, to health insurance, apologies, and commemorations.

While the recent incidents of riots in China may be instigated by government officials, they are clearly sustained by pervasive popular sentiments, and confirm our fears of reservoirs of hatred, deep and broad, among Japan’s neighbors. Korea is no exception, even while we see many promising signs of cooperation between these two nations. The claims of commentators that the historical issues are “peripheral” and will soon be forgotten -- that the real indicators of relations are to be seen in the volume of trade and exchanges on the popular level involving culture and athletics -- must be called into question by these recent, popular expressions of hatred.

In regard to the Comfort Women issue specifically, time is of the essence. This issue will not be forgotten and it is exactly the sort of historically based resentment that could precipitate violence long after the last victim is around to press claims. In fact, the Institute sees this crucial window of opportunity still open, while there are still former Comfort Women alive, to address the issue in a way that will not be possible later on. The issue of ruined sexuality and its effect on national consciousness is a possible future that benefits no one. If the Japanese Government were to acknowledge what was perpetrated to the actual victims with apologies, as have been offered in the past by Japanese Prime Ministers in their own names and with compensation, and as has been offered by Japanese NGOs, this could strengthen the ties between these two neighboring countries and prevent this incendiary conflict from being reignited in the future.

At the Institute, we aim to be in dialogue with all sides, share ideas, test their acceptability, and provide motivation and consultation to all sides in working toward consensus. We believe that is neither an unusual nor an impractical role for the “outsider,” who is unencumbered by local intrigues and resentments, to be able to establish new channels of communication that heretofore have not existed. That is exactly what we are doing between Korea and Japan. The Institute continues to work with local partners, increasing their capacity to build a cross-national alliance for conciliation.

For more information on this project, contact Hillel Levine, Director, at hlevine@centerforconciliation.org