Japan's Sado Mine was rejected as a World Heritage Site after South Korea strongly opposed Japan's declaration due to historical disputes
[Global Times Comprehensive Report] Kyodo News reported on the 28th, citing people familiar with the matter, that UNESCO has not included the Sado Mine in Japan on the World Heritage List in 2023, citing incomplete information on the recommendation book.
According to the Niigata Prefectural Government, the Sado Mine on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture was one of the largest gold mines in the world in the 17th century.
In December, Japan's Cultural Affairs Commission put the Sado mine on the list of candidates for World Heritage nomination, a move that sparked fierce protests in South Korea.
South Korea said that during World War II, thousands of laborers on the Korean peninsula were forced to do hard labor here, so they urged the Japanese government to give up the declaration.
In the face of strong opposition from South Korea, the Japanese government considered suspending the application, but finally submitted a recommendation letter to UNESCO in February this year to formally apply for the Sado Mine to be included in the World Heritage List.
UNESCO has expressed concern to Japan that the conflict between the two countries over historical issues may affect the World Heritage Committee, and ultimately did not forward the recommendation letter of the Sado mine to the consulting agency for further review, which also means that Sado The mine will not be included in the 2013 World Heritage List.
The Japanese government plans to try again in 2024 or later.
(Chen Yahan)