CEC diary [Kyoto/Utoro] Utoro Peace Memorial Hall connecting Japan, Korea, and the world

About Utoro Peace Memorial Hall

This is a facility located in the Utoro district of Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, where you can trace the memories of Korean residents in Japan. It is loved not only as a place to learn about history, but also as a center of the local community and a place for multicultural exchange, both within and outside the prefecture, as well as in Japan and abroad.

Website｜ https://www.utoro.jp/

1. “What is Utoro?”

Do you know the district called "Utoro"? During World War II, many Koreans moved to this area due to the construction of Kyoto Airfield. After the war, a lawsuit over land rights occurred, and Korean residents in Japan banded together to protect their homeland, ``Utoro.'' Not only the people living in Utoro, but also many Japanese people and the international community worked together to support their movement. It is in this district called ``Utoro'' that you can feel the importance of connecting beyond nationality and culture.

2. Facility introduction ~ Permanent exhibition (2nd floor)

At the permanent exhibition on the second floor of the facility, you can learn about the history of the Utoro district and its people. Many photographs and diagrams were used in the explanations, and the exhibits were very easy to understand, not only for those who wanted to learn more about them, but also for those of us who were learning about Utoro for the first time.

The first half features exhibits about the poverty, struggle, and sad history of Korean residents in Japan. However, in the second half, we were able to see exhibits about cooperation with Japanese residents of Uji City, interaction with the international community, and the bright history of the Utoro people who overcame hardships. At the end of the book, there is a photo of the smiling faces of the Utoro people, which makes you want to keep moving forward no matter how difficult things may be.

Each of the extensive exhibits has its own meaning.

3. Facility introduction - Cafeteria (1st floor)

The first floor of the facility is a cafeteria where people can chat and have a chat, and the staff is diverse, including not only visitors but also people who are active in the local community and volunteers. Even those who were intently viewing the exhibits on their own ended up chatting cheerfully in the cafeteria and leaving the memorial hall with smiles on their faces.

You can drink coffee for 100 yen per cup. It's a place with a gentle atmosphere, so you can't help but stop by.

I am fascinated by Deputy Director Kim's story.

4. The charm of Utoro Peace Memorial Hall

The Utoro Memorial Hall has so many other attractions that we can't list them all, such as the plaza where locals gather for yakiniku parties, the rooftop with a panoramic view of the Utoro district, and a relocated and recreated restaurant.

Although the facility deals with the complex issue of Korean residents in Japan, the staff, volunteers, and visitors were all filled with energy and smiles. The Utoro Memorial Hall is filled with the mysterious energy of the people living in the Utoro area.

Already 10,000 people have visited the Utoro Peace Memorial Hall since it opened in spring 2022.

Planning cooperation｜Maimai Kyoto