Lei Jiner, a victim of Japanese Army’s "comfort women" system, died on June 30 in Hunan, China. She was 98.

Lei Jin’er was born in Huarong County, Hunan province on July 25, 1925. One day between the spring and summer of 1943, the Japanese troop came to mop up Yuan Jia Zui of Huarong. Five-year-old Zhang Erying was playing with two little girls in front of her home. The Japanese suddenly arrived, accompanied by gunfire. Seeing Zhang Erying standing still, Lei Jin’er picked her up and ran forward. Because of the dirt road and of Zhang on her back, Lei could not run very far. At this time the Japanese soldiers had approached. Lei put Zhang Erying on the roadside ditch, covered her with straw, and told her not to make a sound. Lei continued to run forward. Unfortunately, she was captured by the Japanese soldiers and taken to a stronghold, where she suffered brutal treatment. Every day she was ravaged by several Japanese soldiers. A dozen days later, her father paid her back.

Over the years, Zhang had been grateful to Lei Jin’er. In May 2011, Zhang was thrilled to learn that her rescue was still alive. In November of that year they finally met, crying with each other.

Zhang Erying found her rescuer and they cried intensely

In October and November last year, the staff of our Memorial Hall visited Hunan twice and identified seven survivors of the “comfort women” system, including Lei Jin’er. The staff was planning to visit the survivors in Hunan in the near future. However, Lei had passed away. The meeting last year was her farewell.