Tensions Rise Over Proposed New Zealand Statue Commemorating 'Comfort Women' Japan Forced into Sexual Slavery

Auckland authorities to decide on installation of memorial to WWII-era sex slavery victims

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A detailed, realistic painting of a bronze statue of a seated girl in a public park, with warm sunlight filtering through the trees and creating deep shadows across the sculpture's surface, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and historical weight.A contemplative memorial statue stands as a solemn reminder of the wartime sexual violence inflicted upon 'comfort women' by the Japanese military.Los Angeles Today

A proposed bronze statue depicting a seated girl, intended as a symbol of wartime sexual violence, has sparked tensions between Japan and New Zealand. The sculpture, donated to the Korean cultural garden at Barry's Point Reserve in Auckland by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, commemorates an estimated 200,000 women forced into sexual slavery in Japanese military brothels between 1932 and 1945, known as 'comfort women'. Japan's ambassador to New Zealand has warned the planned memorial could harm diplomatic relations.

Why it matters

The 'comfort women' issue has long been a source of tension between Japan and its neighbors, with Japan repeatedly calling for the removal of similar statues erected around the world. This proposed memorial in Auckland reflects the ongoing efforts to commemorate and bring awareness to this dark chapter of history, despite Japan's objections.

The details

The sculpture was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance and is intended to be installed in the Korean cultural garden at Barry's Point Reserve in Auckland. Japan's ambassador to New Zealand, Makoto Osawa, has said the planned memorial is 'needlessly stirring up' this chapter of history and warned it could harm diplomatic relations, not only between Japan and New Zealand, but also between Japan and South Korea. The Japanese embassy has more bluntly described the statue as part of an 'anti-Japan' movement.

  • The first 'peace statue' commemorating 'comfort women' was erected in Seoul in 2011, followed by similar installations around the world.
  • Auckland authorities are expected to decide later this month whether to proceed with the installation of the proposed statue.

The players

Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance

The organization that donated the proposed bronze statue to the Korean cultural garden in Auckland.

Makoto Osawa

Japan's ambassador to New Zealand, who has warned the planned memorial could harm diplomatic relations.

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What they’re saying

“The planned memorial was 'needlessly stirring up' this chapter of history and warned it could harm diplomatic relations, not only between Japan and New Zealand, but also between Japan and South Korea.”

— Makoto Osawa, Japan's ambassador to New Zealand

What’s next

Auckland authorities are expected to decide later this month whether to proceed with the installation of the proposed statue commemorating 'comfort women'.

The takeaway

The ongoing tensions over memorials to 'comfort women' highlight the complex and sensitive nature of this historical issue, which continues to strain diplomatic relations between Japan and its neighbors. The proposed statue in Auckland reflects the global efforts to bring awareness to this dark chapter, even as Japan maintains its objections.