Psychological Warfare Team
Attached to U.S. Army Forces, India-Burma Theater
APO 689
Interrogation Data
- Place: Ledo Stockade
- Dates of Interrogation: August 20–September 10, 1944
- Date of Report: October 1, 1944
- Interrogator: T/3 Alex Yorichi
- Prisoners: 20 Korean Comfort Girls
- Date Captured: August 10, 1944
- Date Arrived at Stockade: August 15, 1944
Introduction
This report is based on information obtained from twenty Korean “comfort girls” and two Japanese civilians captured around August 10, 1944, in the course of mopping-up operations following the fall of Myitkyina, Burma.
It describes how these girls were recruited, the conditions under which they lived and worked, their relations with Japanese soldiers, and their general outlook on the war situation.
The term “comfort girl” is peculiar to the Japanese. It refers to prostitutes attached to the Japanese Army for the purpose of providing sexual services to soldiers.
Reports indicate that such “comfort girls” existed wherever the Japanese Army was stationed.
This report, however, deals only with Korean girls sent to Burma by the Japanese Army.
According to the information, approximately 703 Korean girls were sent to Burma in 1942.
Recruiting
In early May 1942, Japanese agents arrived in Korea to recruit Korean girls for “comfort service” in newly occupied territories of the Japanese Army in Southeast Asia.
The nature of the work was not explained clearly.
They were told they would:
- visit hospitals to cheer the wounded,
- tend to bandages,
- and engage in work to “make the soldiers happy.”
The inducements offered were:
- large sums of money,
- ability to pay off family debts,
- easy work,
- and the chance to live in a new land such as Singapore.
Under these false pretenses, many girls volunteered for overseas service and received several hundred yen in advance pay.
Most of them were uneducated and ignorant; only a few had previously engaged in prostitution.
The contracts they signed bound them to obey Japanese military regulations and to work under the “house master” for a period of six months to one year, depending on the advance received.
After signing, they were gathered in Pusan, Keijo (Seoul), Taegu, and other major cities, then shipped to Singapore.
From there, they were distributed to Akyab, Maymyo, Lashio, and other towns near the fighting lines in Burma.
Some were later sent to Myitkyina, Bhamo, Lashio, and Tamu.
Living and Working Conditions
Each unit had its own “comfort house,” consisting of 10 to 20 girls under the supervision of a Japanese “house master.”
The house master was officially appointed by the Army and was responsible for food, supplies, and general management.
The houses were made of wood or bamboo and resembled temporary huts.
Each girl was assigned a room furnished with a bed, mattress, and basic washing utensils.
Soldiers entered in turn, each staying for 15–20 minutes.
Each girl received about 20–30 men per day.
The fees varied according to rank:
- Privates: 1.50 yen per visit
- Non-commissioned officers: 3 yen
- Officers: 5 yen
Half of the fee went to the girl; the remainder to the house master, who used it to cover food, clothing, and medical supplies.
The girls could move freely within the compound during the day but were not allowed to go out at night.
For shopping or laundry, they were always escorted by soldiers.
Income and Payment
Each girl earned approximately 150–300 yen per day, of which half was retained by the house master.
Some were repaying advance loans of 200–300 yen, deducted from their wages.
Food and clothing were supplied by the Japanese Army, so they were able to save most of their earnings.
At the time of capture, some girls had accumulated 1,000 to 5,000 yen, which was kept under Army supervision.
They expected to take these savings home after the war.
Health and Sanitation
The girls were given weekly medical examinations by Army doctors.
Venereal diseases were checked regularly, and infected girls were isolated for treatment.
Army medics inspected the houses and kept them in sanitary condition.
Soap and disinfectants were supplied by the Army.
Despite occasional bombings near the front, the comfort stations were reported to be relatively clean and well-maintained.
Relations with Japanese Soldiers
The girls generally preferred officers and NCOs, who were more polite and gave them gifts or food.
They described most soldiers as “kind but sometimes rough,” especially when drunk.
However, the interrogations revealed that the girls were rarely abused, due to strict discipline within the Army.
There were no known cases of escape, attributed both to close supervision and the fact that most girls had no serious complaints about their living conditions.
Understanding of the War Situation
By August–September 1944, the girls were aware of Japan’s deteriorating position.
They knew that American and Chinese forces were advancing in northern Burma and that supplies were becoming scarce.
Nevertheless, many claimed Japan would still win, fearing to express defeatist views.
Capture
The twenty Korean comfort girls were left behind when Japanese forces withdrew from Myitkyina in early August 1944.
They were ordered to care for wounded soldiers and arrange supplies but failed to escape in time.
They were later captured during mopping-up operations.
At the time of capture, they were in good health and carried 100–2,000 yen each.
Their clothing and belongings were noted to be “clean and orderly.”
Attitude During Interrogation
The girls were cooperative and answered questions frankly.
Most spoke some Japanese, allowing interrogation without interpreters.
They considered themselves part of the Japanese Army and showed no hostility toward the soldiers.
They did not show fear toward the Americans; rather, they appeared relieved, saying they might now return home.
Some, however, expressed shame about their work and said they could not face their families in Korea.
Psychological Observations
The interrogator observed that the girls were mentally stable and disciplined, accustomed to obeying orders.
They viewed their work as professional prostitution, though most cited economic need or family debt as the main reasons for joining.
“None of the girls appeared to have been forced into service by physical coercion, but economic necessity and false promises were clearly decisive factors.”
Social Background
Most girls came from poor rural families and were uneducated.
They could not read Japanese and had signed contracts they did not fully understand.
Korean society at the time was patriarchal, and women had little say in family decisions.
Daily Life
The girls worked from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Morning hours were spent cleaning and preparing, with peak activity occurring after soldiers received their pay.
They received similar rations as Japanese soldiers and often had rice, vegetables, and occasionally meat or fish.
Some read books, listened to music, or chatted with friends during free time.
They were occasionally given gifts such as perfume, chocolates, or kimonos by officers.
Leisure and Recreation
Many girls enjoyed singing.
In the evenings they performed songs accompanied by shamisen or harmonica.
The Army encouraged such entertainment to boost morale.
They were sometimes allowed to attend movies or plays in groups.
Festivals and religious holidays were celebrated with parties organized by officers.
“The comfort girls appeared to have become accustomed to their life with the Japanese Army, accepting their situation as inevitable and attempting to make the best of it.”
Conclusion
The interrogations concluded that:
- The comfort system was a supervised, regulated prostitution system within the Japanese Army.
- Some women volunteered; others were misled by agents.
- There was no evidence of physical coercion, though economic and social pressure played a major role.
- The system’s main purpose was to prevent sexual crimes and control venereal disease among troops.