This is the first in a series of stories about the Japanese forced in to labor camps in Siberia immediately following the end of WWll.

Seventy years have passed since World War II ended, but for many Japanese soldiers captured and deported toSoviet detention camps in Siberia, the story needs to be told.

At the time of Japan’s surrender to Allied forces on August 15, 1945, most of the rest of the world thought it was the end of World War ll. However, another horror was just beginning for more than 600,000 soldiers of Japan’s army; they were deported to Soviet labor camps in Siberia known as Shiberia yokuryū, the Siberian Internment. Most were held for years, and forced into labor and reeducation campaigns. More than 60,000 of the captured Japanese soldiers died.

Most Americans are unaware that the Soviet Red Army imprisoned more than a half-a million Japanese soldiers and civilians immediately following the end of World War II in 1945. The Red Army deported the Japanese to labor camps in Siberia, where many remained imprisoned until 1956, despite Japan’s efforts to gain their release.

And it’s been a little-discussed topic even in… Read More