Rafu Shimpo: Local JACL backs controversial comfort women monument

The controversial comfort women memorial in Glendale CA that officials from Japan have demanded be removed is being supported by the local chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League. (photo by Melissa Wall)

Rafu Shimpo is reporting the San Fernando Valley chapter issued a statement saying:

“As Japanese Americans whose grandparents or great-grandparents came from Japan, our attitudes toward our government differs greatly from Japanese citizens and their government,” said a SFV JACL spokesperson. “Because of the forced removal and mass incarceration of 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, we are sensitive to the impact of state oppression and violations of human rights.

“As Americans of Japanese ancestry, we do care about the image and reputation of Japan. However, from our perspective, the continued denial of the stories of the comfort women from the many countries in Asia does great damage to the image and reputation of Japan. We stand in solidarity with these women to their struggle for recognition and justice.”

You can read the resolution passed and find out what lead up to it in  Rafu Shimpo.