UNESCO on Saturday made the decision to include a gold and silver mining complex on Japan’s Sado island on its World Heritage List after a last-minute deal with South Korea, which had opposed its inscription, saying the site was linked to hard and forced labor by Koreans. wartime.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee unanimously held an assembly in New Delhi to list the mining complex after Tokyo pledged to provide on-site explanations for the harsh warworks in question. The array brings the total number of World Heritage sites in Japan to 26.
Japan told the committee it was committed to efforts “not to sincerely forget all workers, especially those on the Korea Peninsula, and with explanations and exhibits on the entire history of mining. “
The move greatly pleased the Japanese who had been involved after an advisory framework to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization advised in June that the bid for the Niigata Prefecture site be sent I return to Japan to get more details about their offer.
“We need local efforts to maintain the Sado gold mine, identified as a global treasure, and pass on its legacy to future generations,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement.
In a public place in the district that houses the Aikawa-Tsurushi gold and silver mine, one of the deposit’s assets, about two hundred other people celebrated the news.
“It’s an honor and I’m happy,” said Toru Suzuki, 62, president of a tourism company that organizes exhibitions in mine shafts.
“I hope that more people from all over the country will stop in Niigata prefecture, which is not well known as a tourist destination,” said Nanami Soma, 28, who works in Niigata, the capital. of the prefecture.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it accepted the inscription on the foundation, on the condition that Japan would provide a full explanation of “the entire history” of the mining complex at the site, as requested by the advisory body. of UNESCO.
Japan has already submitted information indicating that the rate of dangerous paintings acting in Korea is high and plans to hold an annual commemorative occasion to honor allArray, according to Japanese authorities.
The advisory framework encouraged Japan to demonstrate the full history of the mines. The Japanese government placed special emphasis on the Edo era (1603-1867), during which gold was produced on a giant scale.
The Sado mining complex, considered in the 17th century as one of the largest gold producers in the world, is known for its pre- and post-industrialization technology.
This year, Japan and South Korea are members of the rotating committee, which is composed of representatives of 21 States parties. Japan is aiming for a unanimous vote to list the complex as a World Heritage Site.
The Japan Council for Cultural Affairs chose him as a candidate in December 2021, with the aim of being inscribed with UNESCO in 2023. However, the Cultural Affairs Agency, probably in view of relations between Japan and South Korea, was the first to be confused about whether it would submit an offer for the site.
Pressure from conservative lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party regarding the government’s position led Kishida to announce the appointment in January 2022.
Related Coverage:
South Korea says Japan’s Sado mine will most likely be listed as a World Heritage Site
© Kyodo News.
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