Twenty Two: Revealing the Untold Stories of China’s ‘Comfort Women’

As the world remembers the dark chapters of its history, there are tales that remain shadowed in the background. Monday marked the 92nd anniversary of the “September 18 Incident”, a prelude to China’s grueling 14-year confrontation with Japan’s fascist regime. Amidst the pivotal moments of this prolonged war, where Japan accused China of sabotaging a railway, eventually leading to the occupation of China’s northeastern regions, the personal sufferings of countless individuals became overshadowed. Between 1931 and 1945, a staggering 35 million Chinese were either wounded or killed due to the invasion.

One such grim narrative, often sidestepped in the annals of history, is the agonizing experience of the “comfort women.” This term, which cloaks the stark reality beneath its surface, refers to the young girls and women who were brutally forced into sex slavery during World War II by the Japanese military. To bring this heart-wrenching narrative to the forefront, a poignant documentary titled “Twenty Two” delves deep into the lives of 22 surviving “comfort women” from China.

Crowdfunded by more than 32,000 compassionate supporters, filming for “Twenty Two” began in 2014. The creators’ mission was clear: to amplify the voices of these marginalized victims and ensure their stories are never forgotten. After its impactful debut in China in 2017, the documentary has since touched the hearts of international audiences, having been showcased across multiple countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, and European nations like Germany and France.

By the time of its initial release in 2017, only eight of the women featured in “Twenty Two” were still alive. One of the brave souls who shared her story, Wang Zhifeng, passed away recently, leaving behind her harrowing account. During a heart-wrenching conversation in 2017, Wang expressed that she would accept an apology from the descendants of her tormentors, provided they were told of the unspeakable acts their predecessors had committed.

Disturbing statistics from the China Comfort Women Research Center estimate that nearly 400,000 Asian women, predominantly from Korea and China, were abducted from their homes during the war. They were forcibly transported to “comfort stations” – essentially brothels for Japanese soldiers. There, they endured unimaginable torment.

Director Guo Ke, taking to a popular social media platform, emphasized the imperative of remembering the past. As more witnesses to this harrowing chapter in history pass away, the urgency to preserve their testimonies grows. The recent passing of a former “comfort woman”, Jiang, at the age of 102, further underscores this urgency.

These revelations have stirred deep emotions. As one user on social media eloquently stated, “Learning about their painful, unbearable past is not about harboring hatred. It’s about acknowledging their sacrifices, understanding their plight, and ensuring they receive the justice and respect they deserve.”

READ MORE:

• Remembering the Tragedy: The 11th International Memorial Day for ‘Comfort Women
• “Old Man Style” Trend: Chinese Women’s Move to Men’s Wardrobes
• Embracing Comfort: An Artistic Exploration of Food & Solitude