Women's Active Museum on War and Peace - Shinjuku City

(English below) It's an unacceptable reality, but I think it's important to firmly inherit history so that this kind of thing never happens again. I hope that as many people as possible will visit this facility and learn about the importance of peace and coexistence. Translation: It's a hard reality to accept but we have to ensure the continuation of history so that this never happens again. I hope more people visit this facility and learn the importance of peace and coexistence. The Women's Active Museum on War and Peace focuses on Japan's system of "comfort women" around WWII. It's an important issue that anyone who loves Japan should work to understand. It is very small, and the exhibits are in Japanese. But upon request they have extensive English translation available.

Take the Tozai Line at Waseda Station, Exit 2, follow Waseda Street in the direction of Famima, cross the Baba Shimomachi intersection and proceed to the left. After passing Anahachiman and Saise, turn right before the gas station. In front of the curve, you can see buildings with nameplates such as Waseda Hoshien and Scott Hall. When you pass under the building, it becomes a square surrounded by chapels and buildings. It is about 600m from the station. Since there are multiple groups living together, you cannot see the building of this museum from the street. The Women's War and Peace Museum is located on the second floor of the AVACO building with brick tiles. When you go up the elevator and follow the passage to the right, you will see a red room with pictures of former comfort women all over the wall. Enter through the glass door marked WAM, pay the entrance fee of 500 yen at the reception, fill in your address and name, receive instructions and explanations of the exhibition. Panels describing the origins and experiences of former comfort women, maps of the comfort stations on the Korean Peninsula, chronology, pictures pointing the muzzle at the Emperor Showa tied to trees, panels of the Women's International War Criminal Court, coverage articles, notes on visitors It is better to have time slowly because there is considerable volume. It is easier to understand if you look at it while receiving explanations from the staff. There was also a space for reading and reading materials, books, badges for WAM, and postcards for comfort women. There were many foreigners on the premises, and Japanese lessons were lively at the chapel building. I couldn't find the reason why a foreign Christian organization operating in Japan was displaying comfort women. I think people who lament that they have no discrimination or freedom of speech do not know this place. I thought the Japanese government was tolerant to have such a splendid place in Tokyo. On the Korean Peninsula and China, it would probably be impossible to make claims that degrade the country or display history. By the way, when I thought that there was no smell of cigarettes, there was an ashtray beside the parking space on the first floor of the AVACO building. It was surprising. If the weather is nice, you can relax on the bench in the square where you can see the beautiful chapel. If you have time, please go there.