Peddlers and passersby at the former "comfort station" in Hongkou district, Shanghai, Feb 23, 2016. [Photo/CFP]

On learning about the demolition, Su came to the building and removed the doors and window frames, which were described by Sakashita in his memoir.

"In the future, I hope these things will be housed in a museum dedicated to these women," he said.

Li Jingfang, who has lived near the building for decades, says the former brothel receives many visitors. Many from Japan and the Republic of Korea, she said.