Japan Says It Will "Closely Monitor" UNESCO Deliberations on Sado Mine Recommendation

▲ Sado Mine, Japan

The Japanese government has stated that it "needs to first closely monitor the deliberation process of the World Heritage Committee" regarding the draft decision released by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which recommends that the "entire history of the Sado Mine be reflected."

During a regular press briefing today (July 16), Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara responded to a related question by stating, "The deliberation on the state of conservation report for the Sado Mine is scheduled at the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held in South Korea starting July 19," adding that he would keep a close watch on the situation.

In a draft decision released yesterday (July 15) evaluating the state of conservation report for the Sado Mine submitted by Japan, the World Heritage Committee stated, "Consult closely with concerned parties to comprehensively address the entire history throughout the period of mine operation, and improve interpretation and presentation strategies and facilities at the site."

This is interpreted as a request for Japan to improve upon the fact that it has not properly informed the public about the forced labor of Koreans, contrary to the promise made when the Japanese government registered the Sado Mine as a World Heritage site.

The committee also requested that Japan regularly report relevant progress to the World Heritage Centre and submit a future implementation report by December 1, 2027. This draft decision will be reviewed at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held in Busan until July 23, after which a final decision on its adoption will be made.

Kihara stated, "The Japanese government has taken the resolution made at the time of the World Heritage registration seriously and has responded in good faith," adding, "We will continue to respond appropriately, including by providing sufficient explanations of Japan's position to relevant parties."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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