Saitama City Mayor Koji Yamada attended a memorial service today, September 1, 2024, for the victims of the 1945 Korean massacre in Saitama Prefecture, reflecting on the enduring pain etched on the face of a grandmother present at the ceremony. The service, held at a memorial hall in Urawa ward, commemorated the 86 Koreans and 16 Japanese who perished during the incident, stemming from misunderstandings and anxieties following JapanS surrender in World War II.
The memorial service gains renewed significance amid ongoing efforts to uncover the full truth of the massacre and address the lingering trauma experienced by descendants of the victims. Yamada’s observation of the grandmother’s expression – a visible manifestation of “terrifying things” witnessed – underscores the intergenerational impact of the tragedy and the importance of continued remembrance and reconciliation. The Asahi Shimbun reported on the mayor’s reflections and the solemn atmosphere of the event.
The massacre occurred on September 22, 1945, just weeks after Japan’s formal surrender.Fueled by rumors of a Korean uprising, local residents and members of the Saitama Prefectural Police attacked Korean residents and laborers in several locations within the prefecture. Investigations in the years following revealed widespread abuse and killings.
during the service, Yamada expressed his commitment to learning from the past and preventing similar tragedies from occurring again. He acknowledged the deep wounds inflicted by the massacre and pledged to continue supporting efforts to preserve the memory of the victims and promote understanding between Japan and Korea. The mayor’s attendance and remarks represent a continued effort by Saitama Prefecture to confront its historical responsibility for the events of 1945.
