Activities of the Public Foundation for Peace and Consolation

1. Acquisition and storage of materials relating to war survivors

  The Foundation locates, collects and stores primary materials - diaries, notebooks, letters, paintings, photographs, film, books, and certificates - relating the hardships of those who suffered as a result of the war.


2. Exhibition of materials relating to the hardships of war survivors

  The above materials were used to establish the "Exhibition and Reference Library for Peace and Consolation - Remembering the Misery of War" in November 2000. This permanent exhibition is located in Tokyo, in the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, and is intended to instill visitors with a profound awareness of the hardships of those who suffered as a result of the war.
 In addition, special events such as film showings and seminars are held several times a year. "Peace and Consolation" exhibitions, organized directly by the Foundation or with the cooperation of other groups, are also staged at venues throughout Japan.


3. Lectures and seminars

  Academics and others are invited to give lectures in order to pass on to younger generations an awareness of the indescribable hardships endured by the war victims, and to promote a wider appreciation of the importance of peace.


4. Publications, documentaries and models

  In order to ensure that the hardships endured by the survivors of the war are not forgotten, and that their experiences are recorded for posterity, the Foundation publishes the results of its surveys and research. These publications, as well as video presentations based on the accounts of survivors, are distributed to public libraries, primary schools, museums and other institutions.


5. Surveys and research

  To acquire background and other information relating to the hardships endured during the war, the Foundation conducts wide-ranging research using memoirs, interviews, contemporary publications, etc. The result of such surveys and research is used for designing exhibits and producing publications.


6. Support for memorial services

  The Foundation provides assistance for memorial services arranged by support groups for those who died in the war.


7.Presentation of testimonials, silver cups and special gifts for particular services

  The Foundation presents testimonials or letters of appreciation, and silver cups to non-pensioned veterans (those who were in the armed services but who are not eligible for a military pension or other benefit), on condition that they served abroad for at least 3 years or, if less than 3 years, that they were on active service for at least 1 year. In addition, those who served for at least 3 years are further entitled to choose a gift - either a case for the silver cup and frame for the testimonial, or a pocket watch, or travel coupons.
  Testimonials are also conferred on those who did not serve abroad but were on active service for at least 1 year.
  Furthermore, the Foundation presents testimonials to the families of qualifying non-pensioned veterans who passed away before they could claim any of the above awards or gifts.


8. Presentation of testimonials to repatriates

  The Foundation presents testimonials to those repatriates who have received benefits from the government as stipulated by the Law Regarding Provision of Special Grants to Repatriates (Law No.114, 1967).


9. Presentation of testimonials and silver cups to the families of those who died during postwar internment

  The Foundation presents testimonials and silver cups to the families of those who died during internment in the Soviet Union or Mongolia after September 2, 1945.
  Note: in the case of those who survived these camps and returned to Japan, the deadline for claiming testimonials, etc. - either in person or, if deceased, by a family member - was March 31, 1993.
 


10. The Japanese Internees and Forced Labor in the USSR after the Second World War; The Excerpt Version

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