The Exhibition and Reference Library for Peace and Consolation

  The Public Foundation for Peace and Consolation was established in July 1988 in accordance with the Law Regarding the Public Foundation for Peace and Consolation. Subsequently, this law was revised as part of the reorganization of government agencies and on October 1, 2003 the body was reestablished as The Public Foundation for Peace and Consolation, Incorporated Administrative Agency. Its mission is one of remembrance and consolation for those Japanese - non-pensioned veterans, post-war internees, and repatriates - who suffered indescribably as a result of the last war, and as a symbol of the desire for lasting peace.

  In many cases, their sufferings were beyond description. Nevertheless, over five decades have passed since the war ended and those who witnessed it are now advanced in years; opportunities to relate their experiences grow fewer and fewer, and the war itself is beginning to fade from public awareness.

  It was for this reason that the Foundation established the permanent Exhibition and Reference Library for Peace and Consolation   Remembering the Misery of War The hardships endured by the people concerned in November 2000. The main purpose of this reference library lies in providing Japanese people today with a better understanding of the hardships endured by those who suffered in the war, repatriates and others. This permanent exhibition is also designed to offer an opportunity to pass on this knowledge from one generation to the next.

  Visitors to the Exhibition will find a variety of exhibits, panels, video presentations and models on display, which will contribute toward a deeper understanding of the tragedies war victims experienced. It is hoped that parents and their children will participate in this learning experience, appreciating the sufferings of those who were in the war so as to convey to later generations the inestimable value of peace.

Non-pensioned veterans Those who were ready to lay down their lives for their country and left home for military service and yet, though they underwent severe hardships, were deemed ineligible for a military pension as they had not served in the armed forces for the stipulated length of time.

Postwar internees Those who were forcibly detained in the Soviet Union and Mongolia, despite the fact that the Pacific War was over. In camps called "lageri", they had to perform hard labor in bitterly cold conditions and with little food. There were many who died in these camps, and even some survivors were unable to return home until diplomatic relations were restored between the Soviet Union and Japan in late 1956.

Repatriates Those who had been living abroad but were compelled to flee to Japan at the end of the Pacific War. Their lives in danger, they had to leave everything behind and endure terrible hardships in an attempt to reach safety in Japan. Many died on the journey.