Exploring Historical Lessons for Future Japan-Korea Relations at Chosei Coal Mine Conference

Upcoming Event: Japan-Korea Future Learning Session #1 (Chosei Coal Mine)

Date and Time

December 21, 2025 (Sunday) 14:00 - 16:00 JST
Venue: In-person at the Asia Culture Center, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo & Online via Zoom
Theme: Historical Insights on the Chosei Coal Mine Water Disaster and Citizens' Involvement in Japan-Korea Relations

Peatix registration is required to attend this event.

Venue Address

Asia Culture Center
2-12-13 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021
Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Sengoku Station on the Toei Mita Line.

Event Overview

This event aims to explore the lessons learned from the tragic water disaster at Chosei Coal Mine and its relevance to contemporary Japan-Korea interactions. Participants interested in the history of the disaster, the status of ongoing negotiations regarding victim remains, and broader historical contexts related to Japan-Korea relations are encouraged to attend. High school, university, and graduate students, as well as young professionals, are particularly welcome.

Speakers

- Yoko Inoue: Chairperson of the Association for Historicizing the Chosei Coal Mine Water Disaster

- Background: Yoko hails from Tenryu Village in Nagano Prefecture. She became aware of forced labor at the Hiraoka Dam during her university years and later became involved with the Chosei Coal Mine issue after moving to Yamaguchi. A founding member of the association in 1991, she worked to preserve the memory of the wartime water disaster and has actively engaged with bereaved families in Korea.

- Keiji Ueda: Secretary General of the Association for Historicizing the Chosei Coal Mine Water Disaster

- Background: Keiji joined the efforts for the return of remains from Chosei Coal Mine in 2023. He plays a key role in negotiating with both the Korean government for support and the Japanese government.

Key Participant Information

- Cost:

- Students & In-person: Free
- General Online Participation: ¥700
*Students must show their student ID on the day.

- Capacity:

- In-person: 30 attendees (first-come-first-served basis)
- Online: No limit

- Language: The event will be conducted in Japanese. Please inform us at the time of registration if you require assistance.

Schedule

- 13:30 Registration starts (Online participants can join from 13:50)
- 14:00 Opening
- 14:05 Presentation by the speaker
- 15:00 Q&A session
- 15:10 Break
- 15:20 Discussion
- 16:00 Closing

How to Register

Please register through Peatix.
Registration Deadline: December 21, 2025, 10:00 JST
After registering, online participants will receive a Zoom link to join.

Purpose of the Event

The Chosei Coal Mine, located in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, had a labor force primarily from the Korean Peninsula, often nicknamed the 'Korean Coal Mine.' It was known for its hazardous conditions. In 1942, a catastrophic water disaster occurred, leaving the remains of victims unrecovered and abandoned in the seabed. Recognizing the need to memorialize the victims, the Association for Historicizing the Chosei Coal Mine Water Disaster was established in 1991 with three primary goals: 1. Building a memorial stone inscribed with the names of all victims, 2. Preserving the refuse tunnel (Piya) constructed for ventilation, and 3. Collecting testimonies and materials for historical documentation.

In February 2013, they achieved one of their goals by establishing the memorial. With the discovery of remains in August 2025, ongoing negotiations for DNA identification and the collection of these remains have become critical objectives. As part of this effort, the 'Chosei Coal Mine Remains Collection Project 2026' seeks to bring in divers from around the world to aid in this vital work. By the end of November 2025, crowdfunding efforts raised the targeted ¥12.5 million to further these endeavors.

This learning session aims to delve deeper into the history of the Chosei Coal Mine, providing insights into both past and present struggles while fostering a discussion about the future of Japanese-Korean relations. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations about contemporary issues, facilitated by activists committed to this cause. We hope to see many individuals joining us for this significant event!

Organizing Bodies

- Accredited NPO Asia Community Center 21 (ACC21): An international NGO focused on poverty alleviation in Asia, working with numerous local NGOs since 2005. It supports marginalized youth and fosters international cooperation in education and cultural exchanges.

- NPO AsiaCommons: This organization promotes personal and grassroots connections across Asia, aiming to enhance awareness of cultural diversity and ensure a shared sense of respect among participants through various events and programs.

Join us as we reflect on the lessons of the Chosei Coal Mine disaster and envision a better future together!