{"id":2585,"date":"2018-03-06T15:13:57","date_gmt":"2018-03-06T06:13:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www-archive.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp\/ipcr\/?p=2585"},"modified":"2019-03-14T23:31:54","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T14:31:54","slug":"fy2017iv-4suzuki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www-archive.cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp\/ipcr\/en\/fy2017iv-4suzuki\/","title":{"rendered":"IV-4. “Regaining Self: The Post-war Life of Survivors of Wartime Sexual Violence in Indonesia” (H28-2 FY2016-2017)"},"content":{"rendered":"
The research visually presents the struggle of survivors of Japan\u2019s military sexual slavery (the so-called \u201ccomfort women\u201d) system during WWII who are now living in Sulawesi, Indonesia. It will focus on how survivors tackled trauma through a long struggle against isolation and helplessness, efforts to reconcile with one\u2019s self, and the ability to gain self-esteem. The study also analyzes the involvement of the community in the survivors\u2019 process of regaining self.<\/p>\n
During the past five years, the research team has gathered and analyzed testimonies and materials on the sexual slavery system under the Japanese occupation of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It has found that survivors are living in isolation and hardship, but with a spirit of independence, gentleness, and strong sense of morality. We will gather and record narratives of their post-war lives to document their struggle in the particular context of the Sulawesi society in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The significance of the research lies, firstly, in its holistic approach that incorporates the aftermath of traumatizing events. This fosters a capacity for new understandings of the narratives and memories of survivors of sexual violence. Secondly, the research presents a new mode of expression by using visual media to depict experience. Thirdly, it bridges a gap in studies of sexual slavery by examining the context that the local community provided for the survivors\u2019 struggles. Finally, the research emphasizes the importance of recognizing suffering and pursuing justice in order to enable the recovery of survivors\u2019 lost relationship with society. In so doing, it is expected to have a practical significance not only for victims of the \u201ccomfort women\u201d system, but also for survivors of sexual violence more widely.<\/p>\n
According to interviews with survivors during the first year of this project, recognizing and understanding each other, as well as becoming aware of other survivors\u2019 experiences, lightened feelings of shame and fault. The interviews also uncovered new information, such as the existence of a local place called \u2018Ianjo\u2019 and cases of being taken away, forced labor, and rape. In the second year, our team will finalize interviews and edit the film.<\/p>\n
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