Former POWs visit Japan

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  From Oct. 16-23, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited former American prisoners of war to visit locations around Japan, including Tokyo and Kyoto.

This trip was established to promote mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the U.S. through encouraging reconciliation, said Tomoko Iwamori, a represenataive from the First North America Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

While visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the POWs attended a press conference with the Japanese Foreign Minister in which he addressed the suffering endured by the service members.

"I would like to offer you my heart-felt apology for the tremendous damage and suffering that was caused," said Koichiro Gemba, Japanese Foreign Minister.

He went on to say that he would like to develop the Japanese-American relationship through deeper understanding and trust.

For Harold Bergbower, a former POW, this trip allowed him to see how the Japanese-American relationship has evolved since his captivity during World War II.

"It has helped me realize that this is a different generation," said Bergbower. "This generation should know their history, good or bad, and learn that war should never happen again. This visit helps us all bridge the gaps."

Bergbower had the chance to visit the site of his old slave labor camp with his daughter, which is now a metal and chemical company.

"I was blown away by the generosity and the true willingness of the Japanese metal company in wanting to know their company's history," said Bergbower's daughter.

After visiting the old slave labor camp, Bergbower said he "feels a peace of mind," adding that meeting with the workers and the mayor of Takoka helped him move on.

While many POWs may not be fully healed from their wounds, they understand the need to learn from what has taken place.

People must continue to work to get over the tragedies of World War II, said Robert Vogler, a former POW. The price of the war, as he said, was not cheap.