Participants at a memorial service for Japanese who died in Soviet detention camps after World War Two have urged the government to get a full picture of their internment.
About 180 people observed a moment of silence at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday. The event was organized by an association of former internees and bereaved families.
August 23 marks 80 years since the then Soviet Union ordered Japanese soldiers and civilians in China and elsewhere to be sent to labor camps in Siberia and other places.
Japan's welfare ministry estimates about 55,000 internees died in detention. But their exact number and the extent of internees' suffering remain unknown.
The remains of 20,264 internees have been recovered. But work to collect the remains in Russia has been suspended amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Former internee Nishikura Masaru, who is 100 years old, said it is not known how many people were interned nor has it been determined why they were held captive and who was responsible.
He called for public discussions to help resolve the remaining issues.
An 82-year-old man whose father died in Siberia said little is known about what happened in the labor camps. He urged the government to take the initiative in settling postwar issues including the recovery of the remains of deceased internees.
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Quiz 1:
Question text: What event was organized by an association of former internees and bereaved families on August 24, 2025?
A. Memorial service for Soviet detention camp victims
B. Discussion on postwar issues related to Japan and Russia
C. Collection of remains of deceased Japanese internment camp victims
D. Recognition ceremony for Japanese war heroes
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 1: A
Quiz 2:
Question text: Approximately how many people died in detention according to Japan's welfare ministry?
A. 50,000
B. 45,000
C. 55,000
D. 60,000
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3:
Question text: What is the current status of work to collect the remains of Japanese internment camp victims in Russia?
A. Ongoing and active
B. Suspended due to conflicts in Ukraine
C. Completed and all remains have been recovered
D. Paused for an undetermined time period
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 3: B
About 180 people observed a moment of silence at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo on Saturday. The event was organized by an association of former internees and bereaved families.
August 23 marks 80 years since the then Soviet Union ordered Japanese soldiers and civilians in China and elsewhere to be sent to labor camps in Siberia and other places.
Japan's welfare ministry estimates about 55,000 internees died in detention. But their exact number and the extent of internees' suffering remain unknown.
The remains of 20,264 internees have been recovered. But work to collect the remains in Russia has been suspended amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Former internee Nishikura Masaru, who is 100 years old, said it is not known how many people were interned nor has it been determined why they were held captive and who was responsible.
He called for public discussions to help resolve the remaining issues.
An 82-year-old man whose father died in Siberia said little is known about what happened in the labor camps. He urged the government to take the initiative in settling postwar issues including the recovery of the remains of deceased internees.
----------------
Quiz 1:
Question text: What event was organized by an association of former internees and bereaved families on August 24, 2025?
A. Memorial service for Soviet detention camp victims
B. Discussion on postwar issues related to Japan and Russia
C. Collection of remains of deceased Japanese internment camp victims
D. Recognition ceremony for Japanese war heroes
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 1: A
Quiz 2:
Question text: Approximately how many people died in detention according to Japan's welfare ministry?
A. 50,000
B. 45,000
C. 55,000
D. 60,000
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3:
Question text: What is the current status of work to collect the remains of Japanese internment camp victims in Russia?
A. Ongoing and active
B. Suspended due to conflicts in Ukraine
C. Completed and all remains have been recovered
D. Paused for an undetermined time period
[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 3: B
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Summary
Memorial service for Soviet detention camp victims organized by an association of former internees and bereaved families on August 24, 2025. The event marked 80 years since the internment of about 180,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians in labor camps following World War Two. Approximately 55,000
Statistics
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ID: 6b51132a-3614-4801-ba34-a2d0c8af4ec0
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250823_09/
Date: Aug. 23, 2025
Created: 2025/08/25 07:03
Updated: 2025/12/08 02:46
Last Read: 2025/08/25 09:10