Japan and Poland mark centennial of orphans’ rescue from Siberia

Tokyo and Warsaw recently commemorated the centennial of Japan’s rescue of hundreds of Polish orphans from Siberia, saying the humanitarian act continues to carry significance with Poland hosting about 1 million displaced people from war-hit Ukraine.

Hirobumi Niki, a Japanese lawmaker who belongs to the Japan-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Association, called for increased coordination between the two countries, which share the experience of supporting war-displaced people, including children, in bringing an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“It is extremely important that Japan and Poland step up efforts to prevent war, which creates tragedies like (orphaning children), and maintain peace in partnership with other countries,” Niki, a House of Representatives member from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said during a ceremony on Oct. 19 at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo.