Korean Forced Laborers and Women Used as “Sex Slaves” During World War II: Transported by Japan's Merchant Ships

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to examine, through scholarly research, the issue of the responsibility of such civilian transportation in relation to war crimes and the responsibility of the Japanese government and during World War II. Relatively abundant research has been completed regarding the problem of transporting American war prisoners. In contrast, the research on forced labor vis-a-vis Koreans and Chinese women used as sex slaves, and on their modes of procurement and transportation, is inadequate or lacking altogether.Thus, this study seeks to examine the system of marine transportation of wartime Japan and the role of civilian transportation companies that took charge of shipping Korean laborers and women used as sex slaves. Our focus is on civilian, or private, merchant ships that were utilized to serve the goals of Japan's wartime machine.