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U.N. issues fresh call to Japan over WWII 'comfort women'

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Come on Japan! Bite the bullet and do it. Give Korea & China nowhere else to run, end this for once and all [he says hopefully]

0 ( +13 / -13 )

But a slice of the political right, including current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, continue to cast doubt on the women’s ordeal

That's right Abe.

It was no ordeal.

You know they wanted it!

12 ( +20 / -8 )

Bullshit! Lately, Asahi Shimbun corrected its some of the past articles on "comfort woman" are all lies after decades. Everything is the propaganda of South Korea backed up by China to diminish Japan.

What about unit 731? I'm just curious if there's any truth to any criticism of the war-time government or if you think Japan was basically acting out of selfless compassion for Asian countries? In the colonial systems, we usually find that there was exploitation and that today's governments do best to admit that there is reason for resentment. But perhaps you believe Japan really acted selflessly?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

What happened to the San Francisco Peace Treaty? I thought all debts were wiped away.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

WWII ended 69 long years ago. Why are people still hounding Japan over this comfort women issue and not making Germany and Germans apologize daily for all its war crimes against Jews? Russia eliminated millions of its own people but no one makes a big deal over it, why? How about the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians who died since the us invaded Iraq under falsr pretenses. Yes Japan should compensate these comfort women but how about making all the other bad guys out there targets of our rage as well. Heck the Vietnamese should be screaming about all their women who got raped and shot by US soldiers. Japan is no better or worse than any other country that has waged war yet we single them out as being the only bad guys out there who have not owned up and apoligized. Typical hypocritical behavior by more guilty parties to draw attention from themselves and blurr the vision of the world's masses.

-13 ( +17 / -31 )

Many of Japan's leaders seem to think that gratuitous denial of the nation's past wrongdoings and defiant backpedaling on former apologies makes them and the nation look stronger, which is far from true.

Japan's current approach to peace where individuals are taught that they have been primarily martyrs and victims of history makes citizens cower in the face of international involvement. An approach to peace where citizens are taught that Japan itself as a past aggressor, but a nation that also had the strength to resolutely take responsibility for its actions, would make citizens feel a much greater sense of volition and pride.

10 ( +19 / -9 )

Its time for Japan to stop bankrolling the UN, having contributed far too much in proportion to Japans voting right (and denied seat on the Security Council). Stop being the UN's patsy. If you want to give to help others, give directly, not to the corrupted cleptocrats.

-6 ( +11 / -18 )

Sins of a nation that prevents genuine healing to take place both for the victims and those who victimized. No repentance no healing.

5 ( +12 / -7 )

“What we’re asking the Japanese government is to conclude investigations into the violations of the rights of comfort women by the military and to bring to justice those responsible and to pursue a comprehensive and lasting resolution to these issues,”

I agree that the issue should be concluded with Japan admitting GENUINELY and apologizing GENUINELY -- and note that past apologies have been largely personal and often scorned if not denied as official by the government before you say "They've apologized. It's over!" -- apologizing, and officially, but I'm not sure whom they could really 'bring to justice'. I also don't believe reparations are in order unless perhaps some culprits really are found to have directly been involved (or companies that profited). I am 100% in favor of Japan developing laws against hate speech, and not just for those (politicians or otherwise) who deny the issue of sex slaves, but in general. It's long overdue. But given that it's a homogenous society and a whole lot of people, politicians included, share the same way of thinking or have the same misconceptions, I doubt that will ever happen unless it's against people in and outside of Japan targeting Japan and the Japanese specifically.

Hawkeye: "WWII ended 69 long years ago. Why are people still hounding Japan over this comfort women issue and not making Germany and Germans apologize daily for all its war crimes against Jews?"

German Chancellors have and still do make offerings at and/or on the anniversaries and monuments involving Auscwitz and otherwise, and it is illegal to say the Holocaust never happened, and also groups like Neo-Nazis have been banned and declared criminals. Best yet is they ENFORCE the laws! They have gone above and yet still never believe they can go beyond when it comes to apologizing and making amends, and as a result they live peacefully and share none of the hostility that still revolves around Japan and the nations it put under its boot during their Imperial reign. There is a HUGE difference, and people like yourself refuse to admit it, and THAT is why the issue cannot simply be forgotten because it happened, and I bet you had to do the math -- 69 years ago. And yet I bet you don't ask Japan to forget about the atomic bombings already -- I mean, they happened long ago as well, no? And why the heck don't they get rid of all the commemorations to the dead in Pearl Harbor?? That was AGES ago, right? FORGET about the past completely, or remember it and use it as a lesson. Japan not only chooses and accepts white-washing with 'leaders' like Abe (and lest we forget, only this week it came to light that he donated money and words during the ceremony commemorating those found guilty of war crimes, including the class As, claiming those criminals helped bring about Japan's current peace!), but they even gloss over or completely deny murdering their own citizens in forced suicides in Okinawa!!

I am quite sure that an actual, honest apology recognized by the government and conveyed directly there after by the PM to the women, would be more than enough to let them finish their days in peace, and the nations develop a better relationship for the future. Until then, keep the heads in the sand and try not to act surprised when Japan is asked again by the rest of the world, and yes, the entire world, to atone for what it did.

16 ( +23 / -7 )

ok conclude the investigation - it never should have been reopened anyway- additional reparations are probably not legal at this time due to earlier agreements- but it appears as if emotional blackmail has it in for the Japan.

But i also have to agree with comments regarding other countries that make up the UN- including the US- if no one really faces the sins of the past but is quick to point the finger to loser of the war - how can we continue to stand on the high ground.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Most of the world, and anyone interested enough to read a Historical text knows that the Imperial Japanese army was a barbaric, sick child killing mass rape organisation that had no discipline no honor at all. It's time Japan admits that . Yes we raped on a grand scale, yes we killed anyone who was not wearing the same uniform, except people that needed viva section. To claim any victomisation is absurd. The victory sign is an acknowledgement. That 2 bombs were enough.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

"A U.N. watchdog issued a fresh call Friday to Japan to take full blame for forcing women from Korea and elsewhere in Asia to work as sex slaves during World War II."

Japan hasn't taken full blame for this yet? Unbelievable!

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Best to get over is just to admit Japanese War time Military did such disgusting sin but current government officials hasn't done and tell UN Abe was not born during that time so he never ordered such sin, Then give UN translated books of China Korea Jaoan conflict history of more than 3000 years. Let them study ancient history of /Kubirai Kahn etc and time Japan closed entire country except Nagasaki to the world. Make sure UN understand Abe did not order comfort women system before he was born,

1 ( +8 / -7 )

I dont really get it. According to this article and the UN representative, Japan apologized and set up a fund for compensation. So Japan should do concretely... what?

-1 ( +10 / -11 )

Japan really needs to get its crap together wrt WWII! I don't think anyone on this site thinks Japanese today are personally responsible, patently obvious, I think most sensible people here just want a Japan who simply acknowledges its past(doesn't have to self flagellate itself). I wish people in Japan would stand up and tell the right wingers to smarten the hell up!.

I want to live in a Japan that says, YES in the past we did......yada yada, BUT that was then WE aren't that Japan anymore! POINT BLANK!

Then Japan could tell China & the Korea's to SHOVE IT!..................... but alas the Japan of today is no where near able to do that sadly..........

This year my Japan News(formerly the Daily Yomiuri) has published a lot of UTTER CRAP regarding China & Korea, the propaganda has been hitting the pages fast & furious............. its SO BAD its embarrassing to even read.

Of late the above rag of a "newspaper" has been on bigtime about amending the Kono Statement regarding the sex slaves................ it has been truly painful reading, the gross utter ignorance is astounding. They have been ragging on about how the Asahi Newspaper "broke" the sex slave issue years back(ahhh NO!!) & all based on one Japanese guys testimony about being involved in the forcing of women to provide sex to J-troops, which has ""supposedly"" been discredited.............but in all the BS I read I didn't see anything discrediting the guy.......wtf!

If these moronic newspapers like ""Japan News"" push for sex slave denial it will cause a LOT of damage to this country.

One of the reasons I subscribe to the Japan News(Daily Yomiuri) is so I can read the BS the right wing media spews but this year its been absolutely brutal reading truly awful stuff. Japan is mortgaging its future in so many ways, I feel SO SAD for the young people of Japan, their elders are failing them miserably

9 ( +14 / -4 )

Complete DB from the UN, Japan has already paid korea for the war, UN needs to actually investigate things

6 ( +11 / -5 )

Some sickening comments here... What Japanese soldiers have done in the first half of the 20th century are atrocities that even the ISIS soldiers will blush about when reading about it.

Current leaders must take responsibility over the undisciplined army that rampaged throughout Asia, killing, raping, looting. It amazes me that current leaders dare to deny or trivialize it when people like General Iwane Matsui, were at utter dismay when he saw what the undisciplined army had done.

There have been sex slaves, Dutch, Indonesian, Phillipine, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese even Japanese among many others.

It's time for Japan to distantiate themselves for what their undisciplined army has done, instead of treating these animals like heroes.

I like many things about Japan, but these events are a major stain on an otherwise admirable people. Taking distance from these events will adorn them like nothing else can.

As for the JT'ers educate yourselves. I recommend reading the book Hirohito and the making of modern Japan.

6 ( +14 / -7 )

To be honestly, being a victim of China's aggression ''my country Tibet'' is reeling under a repressive rule with my people not having right to move from one place to another within one country; being a native when these Han Chinese have all the freedom. Still we do not complain against layman Chinese people. Why not these Chinese and Korean are determined to get even a single yen from Japanese is still in understandable, when you got more than enough what you deserve. Sometimes humanity, humility and gratitude pays. This my word is for Smith... He seems to be a cent propaganda machine. Have some shameless and bring human!!!!

4 ( +11 / -7 )

Here's the list of the probably hundreds of apologies by Japan:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

No one listens because it's to their advantage not to.

Judge Japan by their actions. How many people have been killed or wounded by Japanese self defense forces since WWII? Zero.

Mao was responsible for the deaths of probably 45 million Chinese, his own people. The US has killed and wounded millions of people since WWII. Where is the UN demanding those apologies?

The UN Committee on Racial Discrimination is announcing this? How about looking at the racial discrimination outside the windows of the UN?

2 ( +13 / -11 )

From this, and US President Obama criticized Japan in SK, and shrine criticism last December, all too obvious US and SK are working togather against Japan. No wonder SK's attitude toward Japan is so arrogant.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

@darname

I'm a big fan of Japan; I've spent over half my life here and intend to die here (eventually!).

I've been called an "apologist" and worse countless times, particularly on one website you probably know. I've even been asked "Whose side are you on?" in an occidental/oriental argument.

But until the Japanese Diet unanimously passes a full and frank apology for Japan's actions during the war, then I reckon China and Korea have every reason to feel aggrieved. Casual "statements" by individual ministers are woefully inadequate, and the Japanese government knows it.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

But a slice of the political right, including current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, continue to cast doubt on the women’s ordeal, claiming the brothels were staffed by professional prostitutes.

Unfortunately, this slice of political right of Japan led by Abe not only has been hurting Japan’s credibility and image in the international forums , but also dimming Japan’s bid to be the non-permanent member of UN security council.

A dose of history here: in 2005, Japan campaigned very hard to be permanent member of UN security council, but its bid was dashed even the US was the backer for Japan’s attempt. There is no doubt there many reasons contributed to Japan’s failure; however, one of the those reasons was Japan’s comfort women’ related historical issues. Since 2005, Japan’s standing in UN is increasingly becoming irrelevant even it pays more than most of the 190 plus members.

It’s expected that the new UN human rights chief, Zeid al Hussein, Jordan's ambassador to the United Nations,will continue to urge Japan to do right thing.

Although it may not happen during Abe’s admin, at some point of time in the future , I think Japan will finally come to the term to accept the full blames on its war-time sex slavery.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Unfortunately, this slice of political right of Japan led by Abe not only has been hurting Japan’s credibility and image in the international forums , but also dimming Japan’s bid to be the non-permanent member of UN security council.

Forget it, Wilbur. The thing is, Japan can get on its knees and China still won't let it become a permanent member. Being a permanent member is just too good.

Quite frankly, I'm disgusted at this irresponsible United Nations call. What about even a slight nod to the fact that South Korea had signed a treaty, and so it is really in South Korea's ball to take care of those "aging survivors"?

And to be blunt, Japan is not Germany but China and Korea are not Europe either. This is something that many people that take Germany as a model don't even try to take into account.

And I think Japan is realizing this. It made a bid (within its limits to unilaterally concede and accept some responsibility for better relations (unlike Europe and Germany, China and Korea don't get nearly as much for forgiving Japan - their advantage is to keep the hate). All it did was give Korea and China more talking points ("See they admitted it! Now they backtrack!") Abe realizes he has to stop the bleeding somewhere even if it hurts and he does.

And it is not racism to say by the terms of a treaty, the problem is over with.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

This is just the UN stirring up more tensions in the east. Who are they going to bring to justice? It's only legitimizing China's role in the NWO. Propaganda for the next war.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

I dont really get it. According to this article and the UN representative, Japan apologized and set up a fund for compensation. So Japan should do concretely... what?

Japan has never issued an official apology ratified by the diet, and the compensation was provided by individuals, not the government. Therefore, both are hollow and only sound good as sound bites.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

I think U.N. people do not know there were many Japanese comfort women at that time.

When I was child , I heard they had to chose the job due to poverty, and some of them were sold by their parents to the brothel because of money. I remember seeing some newspapers ads to solicit applications for the job at a high salary( but no one sure if the salary was actually paid)

The things are more complicated because many Korean men were part of Japanese army at that time. Logically, it is possible that some Japanese right wing guys find Japanese comfort women then sue Korean government and erect a statue in the United States. That is definitely what I do not want to see.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

The Japanese establishment never changed their behavior, the exploitation of the people from poor countries is still continued,The Trainee program, which is deigned to exploit the manpower of the poor countries is the prime example, this is a modern day slavery, although the criticism came from around the world, but Japan rejected and ignored all objections and criticism and now willing to build the Olympics Avenue through the exploitation of these people. if japan ignored the human rights issue even today how will they accept a violation of human rights which happened more then a half century ago.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

How about Japan gets out from UN and create UnUnited Nations?

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

If i were japan better to ignore and dont contribute anymore in UN ,china did a lot of human rights violation and aggression from tibet to west philippine sea territory up to senkaku but there eyes and ears are blind common whose the hypocrite now

2 ( +5 / -3 )

JuST focus on what happening now UN or maybe your another decoy of CHINA

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@Toshiko

How about Japan gets out from UN and create UnUnited Nations?

That's exactly where Japan is right now.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

What happened to the San Francisco Peace Treaty? I thought all debts were wiped away.

Tom Webb -- did you read this part of the article?:

“We also believe its very important that denial of these events is not countenanced,” she added, noting that Japan also lacked legislation banning racist hate speech.

It is all the backtracking, obfuscating, white-washing, re-considering, etc. that Japan is doing that is so offensive. I'll buy the Japanese argument that they have sufficiently apologized and did what was needed under the peace accords regarding reparations. What I cannot stomach, however, is this generation of "leaders" trying to re-write history by minimizing the true nature of their atrocities. That, as the study says, is "failing to treat the aging survivors properly". In effect Japan is demonstrating that they think their ego is more important than the truth and the peace of mind of the victims. And that is wrong.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

@Toshiko

I agree. Japan has always contributed to the world peace and financially supported U.N. mission in the name of peacekeeping but has gotten nothing out of it. The big U.N. faces such as USA, China, France, Russia and the UK are still at ongoing wars, killing innocent civillians and tourturing anyone who is against their current government (not naming names here) yet they point their fingers at Japan. If U.N. has been working efficiently, why the world is looking as it is right now?

1 ( +7 / -6 )

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

"Quite frankly, I'm disgusted at this irresponsible United Nations call. What about even a slight nod to the fact that South Korea had signed a treaty, and so it is really in South Korea's ball to take care of those "aging survivors"?

I am assuming you are aware the tactic used by Japan right fractions, which is to point fingers to other countries when it comes to Japan’s war-time atrocities. But they do not realize the other counties’ crimes (whatever they were or are) have little to do with Japan’s ones. For instance if you are caught to drive through the red traffic light and killed someone, can you use someone else’s traffic violations to lesson your punishment of manslaughter. Of cause not.

Imho, Japan rejections to UN’s repeated calls are doing Japan disservices in the international community.

BTW, You sound like OssanNihon. :)

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

@Jerseyboy

I think it sounds more convincing if China wasn't doing what she's been doing (Tibet, East China Sea, etc) or South Korea wasn't educating children the way they do. Or the USA hasn't been at wars past 69 years. I understand and fully agree that looking back the past wrongdoing and learn from it so it won't be repeated is important. But what about current wrongdoings? Should we be arguing over what a Japanese politician said yesterday or how many innocent people died today because of a decision some country's some politicians have made?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

UN again jumping on the anti Japan bandwagon.

How charming, continually antagonize one of the biggest contributors to this worthless organization.

Between South Korea, China, and the UN, will this nonsense and one sided narrow view of these things ever end?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Japan must be down on their cashola payments. What is the consequence going to be from the UN when Japan doesn't agree?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

This is only UN watch dog, not UNSC. I don't think UNSC would pass a resolution on this.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The UN has no right to pressure Japan into apologizing for these actions, it's just going to force Japan farther and farther away just like in the league of nations. As for these comfort women, we've apologized again and again, loads of cash has been sent their way, and yet they cry for more! I doubt Japan will never be forgiven by those people, but I think that if they continue in their pursuits they will push Japan farther away, and when they need us we won't be there. Everyone knows Japan is a proud country, everyone knows we have superior ideals in terms of honor, yet they are all too arrogant to realize that if they continue to attack us over world war II, they might push us to fight in world war III. The fact that the world is pretty much cornering them is a clear give away that we might be at our breaking point, our allies are turning against us, what are we to do except separate ourselves from them? NATO does not care about us, Korea and china hate us, America is... Well America, they are the nosy neighbor of the world that won't do anything unless it's directly affected. I think if it comes down to war, we might fight alone.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@tinawatanabeAUG. 30, 2014 - 09:33PM JST

From this, and US President Obama criticized Japan in SK, and shrine criticism last December, all too obvious US and SK are working togather against Japan. No wonder SK's attitude toward Japan is so arrogant.

Of course, they know about a strong support of the USA !

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I think if it comes down to war, we might fight alone.

Great idea. It worked out so well last time, didn't it?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I had once felt sympathetic for these old women, but then I came to conclude that they did not want to change, that they somehow preferred to remain as or to be cast as victims. 70 years have passed, people! These women could have and should have let the 1965 treaty (that normalized the Korea-Japan relationship) close the darkest chapter of their lives and rebuild new ones. They had at least 30 years after 1945 to start their new lives and make their new identities, but they did not or chose not to. They could have spent almost 40 years enjoying the lives they would have recreated, but they failed to make that choice. Change comes from within, but they have kept on expecting change from the outside. Now I feel sorry for them, these women, because they, THEMSELVES, wasted their last 70 years. They let go of so many opportunities to change their lives, waiting for the perfect one (the perfect apology?). They could have and should have changed their mindsets, as any human being, alive and breathing, can. Forever gone and unable to change were not the lives of these still breathing, still vocal women but those of the women who perished in the war, who did not have a second chance to live, let alone live again.

If this, what is it called?, committee or something of the UN really cares about the unresolved abuse of women in the past concerning Korea - yes SOUTH KOREA, it should go to Vietnam and meet the families of the women who were raped and then killed or mutilated by KOREAN soldiers during the 1960s and 1970s; the lives of those women were really gone, forever gone, unjustly. Those women had no second chance to even think about what happened to them, let alone keep on moaning for one apology after another. Ask them how they have been apologized by the KOREAN government (irony intended!).

If Vietnam is too far away from their office in Geneva, they could go to India. It's where women and underage girls ARE raped and hanged on trees. Oh, you would say it's India's internal affair, but it's abuse of women, isn't it?

Or absolutely more urgently, this UN committee and its supporters should go to places where women are CURRENTLY being beaten up, gang raped to death or buried alive. Ask me again if you don't know where they are!

In the mean time, this U.N. watch dog in Geneva could leave this Japan task to their Tokyo office right here; their Tokyo UN office's staff sure can handle this task after work. After work? Yes, because during business hours, they are busy going cap in hand to Japanese companies and government agencies begging for money, some of which to spend paying for salaries of the staff stationed in Geneva.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

The fact that the world is pretty much cornering them is a clear give away that we might be at our breaking point

Japan has cornered itself by refusing to properly acknowledge its past actions.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

"bring to justice those responsible?" - C'mon, most of them are probably already dead, or close to it.

“We’re asking them to provide apologies and provision of adequate reparation to surviving comfort women and their families,” - It's been done already. How many time will they have to do that?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

If the U.N.thinks japan should apologize, maybe japan should apologize? A real one. The world does not respect those who don't take responsibility. You can point fingers at this and that, but this is a separate issue japan has been denying. Will Japan step up or continue to believe it is beyond reproach?

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

“We’re asking them to provide apologies and provision of adequate reparation to surviving comfort women and their families,” - It's been done already. How many time will they have to do that?

The comfort women have never received money from the government of Japan. So lets start with 'once'.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

“We’re asking them to provide apologies and provision of adequate reparation to surviving comfort women and their families,” - It's been done already. How many time will they have to do that?

The comfort women have never received money from the government of Japan. So lets start with 'once'.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@Ethan Wilber

"Quite frankly, I'm disgusted at this irresponsible United Nations call. What about even a slight nod to the fact that South >Korea had signed a treaty, and so it is really in South Korea's ball to take care of those "aging survivors"?

I am assuming you are aware the tactic used by Japan right fractions, which is to point fingers to other countries when it >comes to Japan’s war-time atrocities. But they do not realize the other counties’ crimes (whatever they were or are) have >little to do with Japan’s ones. For instance if you are caught to drive through the red traffic light and killed someone, can >you use someone else’s traffic violations to lesson your punishment of manslaughter. Of cause not.

Your metaphor here is inadequate.

If I had been caught for driving illegally and killed someone 69 years ago, yes, of course I can accuse someone of their traffic violations today. Why? I actually DID pay fine and serve my jail time. And yes, I will be critical of other's driving badly—only because I don't want anyone to make the same mistakes I had made 69 years ago.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

At least the Japanese didn't kill them like many other Countries did. Why is it these people are starting to "Squak" now?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

@Strangerland

The comfort women have never received money from the government of Japan. So lets start with 'once'.

Right. South Korean government kindly offered a free delivery. So, you are right. Those women did not receive the money from Japanese government but their own. What?! They didn't?! So sorry to hear that :-(

1 ( +5 / -4 )

@tinawatanabeAUG. 30, 2014 - 09:33PM JST From this, and US President Obama criticized Japan in SK, and shrine criticism last December, all too obvious US and SK are working togather against Japan. No wonder SK's attitude toward Japan is so arrogant.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

They are together, I agree: Now, Chinal I am suspicious that USA and China arw together instigating Korea. After all China have been helping USA financial crisis for years.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

U.N. issues fresh call to Japan over WWII 'comfort women'

Japanese government will of course, definitely decline.

My guess is U.N. had absolutely no clue as to the retraction by Asahi which made their prior reports completely worthless.

Many in Japan are calling for a Diet committee hearing for Kono, Asahi, Mizuho, Uemura who are responsible for spreading this hysteria based merely on unverified accusations. Some civic groups are calling for perjury charges on former comfort women who filed suit in Japan.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Let me see, the world is going to hell in a hand basket and the UN is spending time on something that happened 70 years ago? Why don't they come up with a plan to deal with ISIS?

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Nigelboy, Asahi is the only news outlet left in Japan that has a shred of conscious left. The other outlets are now just Japanese government mouth pieces.

WWII ended 69 long years ago. Why are people still hounding Japan over this comfort women issue

It would have ended 69 years ago, if the ruling class Japanese then, had the fortitude and honesty to tell the truth and make up with their neighbours. But since they were essentially the same people who lead Japan to war and to their defeat, their pride wouldn't let them. Now their direct decedents have taken up their torches.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

Nigelboy, Asahi is the only news outlet left in Japan that has a shred of conscious left. The other outlets are now just Japanese government mouth pieces.

Puzzling comment considering that they LIED and admitted 30 plus years after the fact.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

If other countries were like Japan, the US, Germany, Australia, etc would deny what they did to the people they massacred, they would not teach it in school, and any apology would be followed by a disclaimer that the facts aren't really facts. Even Japan's own ally the US and the UN wants Japan to do the right thing. Japan has nothing to gain by its denial other than protecting some imaginary sense of face which it is actually losing by denial. By admitting its atrocities with no buts, it takes the ammo from its critics, helps to mend and heal ties with them and their people, but above all it is the right thing to do.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Japan will concentrate to talk about this issue. So, ISIS, Ukraine or whatever UN crisis, Japan can forget now. Big savings? UN can get help from China and S Korea,

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It'd be valid for the Japanese govt to ask the Korean govt, "Where'd the comfort women money go?"

3 ( +6 / -3 )

The U.N. panel, made up of 18 independent human rights experts, earlier this month reviewed Japan’s respect for an international anti-racism accord.

... so they chose to dig up this piece of ancient history instead of dealing with the dozen or so CURRENT racism issues in Japan?

The U.N. truly is a steaming heap of dung.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The UN chief is really putting his weight on Japan. He's afterall, first and foremost Korean. And like some other posters say, he and his dummies could have used their highly salaried positions on more glaring issues.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

This coming from a body that has zero ability to enforce it's recommendations.

The U.N. and it's whimsical groups such as C.E.R.D. are corrupt, inept and completely useless. The U.N. has zero rights to try and tell Japan what it should do when it comes to freedom of speech since Japan, like many other nations hasn't signed up for the "hate speech" bull.

Ever wonder which nations are on this committee? Well, all you need to do is look it up and see how easily money can buy you propaganda.

If you want to take the time and see what this happy toothless U.N. committee has been wasting money on this last session all you need to do is follow the link.

http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=936&Lang=en

For the right amount of cash you too can buy votes in any UN committee.

https://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/196-membership/39949-vote-buying-in-un-security-council.html

The UN is a useless tool that can't do much where it matters and has caused more harm than good in many places.

Oil for Food program a perfect example of how corrupt the U.N. is.

http://www.economist.com/node/10853611

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I think it sounds more convincing if China wasn't doing what she's been doing (Tibet, East China Sea, etc) or South Korea wasn't educating children the way they do. Or the USA hasn't been at wars past 69 years.

NY Today -- yup, the usual lame, "but China and SK are bad too" argument" And now you have added the U.S. to the mix. Bravo. Sorry, no dice. Morals are absolute, not relative. What China may or may not be doing to its people, and what SK may or may not be teaching their children is irrelevant to Japan taking total and un-wavering responsibility for its atrocities. Respectfully, why can't Japan do what Germany did and nmot look for excuses?

0 ( +8 / -8 )

NY Today -- yup, the usual lame, "but China and SK are bad too" argument" And now you have added the U.S. to the mix. Bravo. Sorry, no dice. Morals are absolute, not relative. What China may or may not be doing to its people, and what SK may or may not be teaching their children is irrelevant to Japan taking total and un-wavering responsibility for its atrocities. Respectfully, why can't Japan do what Germany did and nmot look for excuses?

Not lame. It's defining the global standard. It's also a universal concept called 'practice what you preach'. And no. Germany has not addressed her military brothel issues.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

sensei258AUG. 31, 2014 - 01:02AM JST “We’re asking them to provide apologies and provision of adequate reparation to surviving comfort women and their families,” - It's been done already. How many time will they have to do that?

It is not about the past apologies but how the people in high positions, although of a minority opinion, make sure opinions such as nigelboy's are heard by the international community:

nigelboyAUG. 31, 2014 - 02:05AM JST Many in Japan are calling for a Diet committee hearing for Kono, Asahi, Mizuho, Uemura who are responsible for spreading this hysteria based merely on unverified accusations. Some civic groups are calling for perjury charges on former comfort women who filed suit in Japan.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Respectfully, why can't Japan do what Germany did and nmot look for excuses?

Because then it would actually have to take responsibility for its actions.

Germany has not addressed her military brothel issues.

Are you trying to claim this excuses Japan's wrongs?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

It is not about the past apologies but how the people in high positions, although of a minority opinion, make sure opinions such as nigelboy's are heard by the international community:

These 'people in high positions' are elected by the Japanese people and it's their JOB to echo their opinion.

As the initial Asahi articles put this issue at the forefront and paved way for Japanese population and their elected officials to resolve this matter in a sympathetic tone back in 1992, expect the opposite considering that the two central themes, "abducted by IJA" "200,000 comfort women" have basically lost the 'foundation' which were the Yoshida testimony and the deliberate confusion of Teishintai.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

These 'people in high positions' are elected by the Japanese people and it's their JOB to echo their opinion.

When you have the choice between politician A with right-wing views, and politician B with right-wing views, where both of these politicians will speak their right wing views out loud, it does not mean that they represent the views of the people.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Are you trying to claim this excuses Japan's wrongs?

That's quite a leap. I'm merely addressing that since Germany has not addressed their forced military brothels, jerseyboy's comparison is moot.

When you have the choice between politician A with right-wing views, and politician B with right-wing views, where both of these politicians will speak their right wing views out loud, it does not mean that they represent the views of the people.

It's not about right and left anymore. It's about Japanese populance being deceived by Asahi and the lawmakers who took part in this issue based on lies.

These ex comfort women and their supporters pushed too much where the general consesus among Japanese populace now is that they want retribution for those who are responsible which includes Kono and the head of Asahi.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

It's not about right and left anymore. It's about Japanese populance being deceived by Asahi and the lawmakers who took part in this issue based on lies.

These ex comfort women and their supporters pushed too much where the general consesus among Japanese populace now is that they want retribution for those who are responsible which includes Kono and the head of Asahi.

It most definitely is about the right wingers. The politicians most definitely do not represent the thoughts of the people, and the majority of people do not share that consensus as you claim.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

An official apology requires ratification by the cabinet - something that has never happened. All there are are apologies by individuals who hold government positions (and good on them), which isn't the same as an official apology.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

It most definitely is about the right wingers. The politicians most definitely do not represent the thoughts of the people, and the majority of people do not share that consensus as you claim.

With th recent retraction by Asahi, it's over. The more pushing by the ex comfort women and their supporters, expect a more aggressive counter approach. That's mass media for ya.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Papi

Nigelboy, Asahi is the only news outlet left in Japan that has a shred of conscious left.

Hahaha, remember KY?

http://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/29/world/for-scandal-baring-paper-in-japan-a-scandal.html

1 ( +2 / -1 )

if japan cannot accept or man-up its responsibility as stated in the heading of this news article, so-called "comfort-women" issue, then i doubt they will also be able to address women's issues at home as required by "abenomics", restructuring the economy with the inclusion of women in high ranks..recalling back a member of the diet harrassing a woman MP urging her to just marry and bear kids!! the kind of 'thinking' that (i think) won't help neither the comfort women issues nor abenomics per saying. or in other words, how can japan fully acknowledges the comfort women issue if the domestic women issue is still a problem.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Jerseyboy

NY Today -- yup, the usual lame, "but China and SK are bad too" argument" And now you have added the U.S. to the >mix. Bravo. Sorry, no dice. Morals are absolute, not relative. What China may or may not be doing to its people, and >what SK may or may not be teaching their children is irrelevant to Japan taking total and un-wavering responsibility for its >atrocities. Respectfully, why can't Japan do what Germany did and nmot look for excuses?

And with what face would one speak of morals if he/she doesn't have one? Nigelboy is right; if you don't practice what you preach, what makes you think people will follow you? Or, is that the reason why you wouldn't hold the same attitude towards Park Chung-hee who encouraged the sex trade in order to generate revenue, particularly from the U.S. military? Just curious.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

WhirledPeas

This is where SL's "blind faith" comes from. A link that is totally clueless to the legislative procedures of Japan.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/former-korean-sex-slaves-to-meet-pope-in-seoul#comment_1832388

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Going with what I have gleaned from reading the newspaper articles on the issue of comfort women, I have got the feeling that what it is all about is not whether the Empire of Japan was culpable for getting together Asian women as comfort women to serve Japanese troops and managing military brothels , which there is a consensus as to holding Japan culpable, but what it is all about seems to have boiled down to whether imperial Japan or their agents resorted to force in a narrow sense of the term that ,to illustrate my point, they stormed into houses of Korean families and trucked them away for example ,or in a broad sense of the term implying that they sweet-talked or lied them into working as comfort women. Making a fine distinction between the two, which Mr. Abe tried to do five years ago when he wore the hat as PM, only to give up and back down from, would be seen as an attempt to dwarf the issue involving comfort women, in an effort to give the wrong impression to the internaional community as if forcibility in a broad sense of the term is nohing to be ashamed of as compared with forcibility in a narrow sense of the term. There they go employing another rivisionist take on the last war? Face the fact and say we are sorry, and make friends with the rest of Asia. That is the way for Japan to go forward with the 70 th anniversary of Japan's defeat and rebirth as a democracy only one year away.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I can't believe people are still wasting time arguing over this issue! Japan will never win this argument and will just keep spinning it's wheels and not going forward in a positive direction. How sad.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

UN is spending time on something that happened 70 years ago? Why don't they come up with a plan to deal with ISIS?

With ISIS, they cannot bash Japan. That's why.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

marcelitoAug. 31, 2014 - 06:10PM JST Lol...think you got that backwards....the only

The only way Communist China and it's tributary will end their propaganda war is if Japan's Prime Minister kowtows before Emperor Xi and follows exactly what South Korea's President Park has done, betray all the dead who laid down their lives defending Freedom and Liberty against Communism.

In her effort to atone for her father's actions against the evils of Communism silly President Park is willing to forget all those lives who paid a dear price for the liberties she has right now.

I just hope that before Communist Korean and Communist Chinese Tanks are allowed roll down Cheong Wa Dae Road with President Park strapped to a gun on one of those T-72's she realizes she made a mistake falling for the Giant Carrot Trap known as the Korean reunification PART TWO!

Yes gents Part two.......Way back in 1972....

http://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/dprk-perspectives-korean-reunification-after-the-july-4th-joint-communiqu%C3%A9

Enjoy the read if you dare.........

Yogi ZunaAug. 31, 2014 - 06:52PM JST I can't believe people are still wasting time arguing over this issue! Japan will never win this argument and will just keep spinning it's wheels and not going forward in a positive direction. How sad.

And nations like Communist "Tiananmen Square" China will continue to claim the victims role when even Mao said Japan had nothing to apologize about.....If it wasn't for the Imperial Japanese invasion there would never have been a Communist China. Mao and the rest of his psychopath mates would have faced justice the old fashioned way.

Just another reason to really dislike Nationalist!

Won't even post a link because if you Google it it will pop up faster than the Chengguan Communist police beating to death Chinese citizens.

You know, when Communist China goes the way of all Totalitarian/Authoritarian States there will be a whole lot of blood in the streets. I just hope it's not innocent blood...... But, if you live in the real world you know that the innocent always pay for the corrupt!

But, in the end after the Chaos is over order will rule for another 70 years or so...... :)

1 ( +5 / -4 )

United Nations Commission on Human Rights, was a den of anti-Japanese activists. This was revealed by the investigation. United Nations Commission on Human Rights, became the speaker of them. It's crap of the cavity!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Sure, everyone but Japan is in on this "propaganda war", how very interesting. So for the most part, it is Japan against the rest of the world on this subject, and good luck with that!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@Yogi ZunaSEP. 01, 2014 - 07:19AM JST

it is Japan against the rest of the world on this subject, and good luck with that!

China and SK , backed by the USA aren't "the rest of the world". Japan may spit on them just like Russia has done in response on economic sanctions.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

WhirledPeas

Interesting comment from a former director of the Asaian Women Fund.

 また日本が慰安婦問題の解決を目指そうとしたことについて、韓国側があまりにも評価しなさすぎたため日本側はダメージを受けたと紹介。朴槿恵(パク・クネ)大統領が、このことを十分に理解しているかどうか懸念しているとの見解も示した。

 さらに、朴大統領が日本に対し慰安婦問題でこれまでよりも強い謝罪を要求すれば、日本社会が許さないだろうと指摘。韓国政府が現在のような強硬姿勢を続けるなら、得られるものはないのではないかとの考えを示した。

It basically reaffirms what you stated about the enormous amount of effort by the Japanese government to atone the surviving comfort women but such effort was completely absent on the Korean counterpart which made the issue worse.

The final paragraph basically sums up what I stated which is that if Pak pushes this issue further, the Japanese people will not forgive.

Pretty strong statement but it's closer to the truth due to Asahi's retraction.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

To the former comfort women Japan apologized. Japan gave atonement funds. Japan gave health and welfare support. If a comfort woman did not receive the above, EITHER she did not self-identify during the time Japan advertised for the comfort women to come forward OR she declined the apology and compensation at the behest of activists like Chongdaehyop who were representing them.

The comfort women have never recieved an official apology from the government of Japan, ratified by the cabinet. And the compensation offered was from private citizens, not from the government. Therefore both the apologies and compensation are hollow, and little more than sound bites.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Japanese government can't apologize because what is left of Imperial Japan which resides in government is not allowed to apologize for anything. That might imply Imperial Japan was wrong, thus ruining their and their supporter's worldview. That would also create a myriad of compensation requests. It is wrong to compensate when you can bury your ethics instead. Thus it's important to keep the apologies as personal statements not official ones. In official cases it's better to run and hide. That's worked so far. After irradiating themselves even children, ignoring comfort women are small potatoes

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Strangerland: I am sure those private citizens that offered compensations would feel great knowing their contributions are nothing more than "hollow" and little more than "sound bites."

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Is this another scheme to embezzle Japanese money using comfort woman again? Last payment, victims did not receive and Korean Govt spent the payment.

UN has to blame Japan to hide its failure on ISIS ans UKLAINA crisis or hoping Japan to send JSDF as collective defense there? Too bad UN criticized Japan in hurry. Collective defense does not cover UN war zone because Japan hating UN is not covered in definition of countries friendly to Japan. Abe, etc will have to rethink about re-interpretation of Japanese constitution now,

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Strangerland

The comfort women have never recieved an official apology from the government of Japan, ratified by the cabinet. And the compensation offered was from private citizens, not from the government.

When will you Koreans ever learn how to stop lying?? http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/page3e_000118.html http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/q_a/faq16.html#q5

3 ( +3 / -0 )

In negotiations, the South Korean government initially demanded $364 million in compensation for Koreans forced by into labor and military service during the Japanese occupation; $200 per survivor, $1,650 per death and $2,000 per injured person. In the final agreement Tokyo provided an $800 million aid and low-interest loan package over 10 years. In 1994, the Japanese government set up the Asian Women's Fund (AWF) to distribute additional compensation to South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Indonesia. Sixty Korean, 13 Taiwanese, 211 Filipino, and 79 Dutch former comfort women were provided with a signed apology from the then prime minister Tomiichi Murayama, stating "As Prime Minister of Japan, I thus extend anew my most sincere apologies and remorse to all the women who underwent immeasurable and painful experiences and suffered incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women." However, many former Korean comfort women rejected the compensations because of pressure from a non-government organization known as the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, or "Chongdaehyop", and because of media pressure. Eventually, 60 former Korean comfort women accepted funds from the AWF along with the signed apology, while 142 others received funds from the government of Korea. The fund was dissolved on March 31, 2007

3 ( +3 / -0 )

a signed apology from the then prime minister Tomiichi Murayama, stating "As Prime Minister of Japan, I thus extend anew my most sincere apologies and remorse to all the women who underwent immeasurable and painful experiences and suffered incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women."

The Japanese cabinet did not ratify this apology, and therefore while it is great that a prime minister gave a personal apology, the apology was only from him, and not from the government of Japan.

However, many former Korean comfort women rejected the compensations because of pressure from a non-government organization known as the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, or "Chongdaehyop", and because of media pressure.

You neglected to give the actual reasons behind the refusal - the fact that the money came from private citizens and not from the government of Japan. The government set up the fund, but did not contribute to it.

So while the apology and compensation sound nice as sound bites, they are both hollow, as the comfort women received neither apology nor compensation from the government of Japan.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

StrangerlandSep. 03, 2014 - 12:05AM JST The Japanese cabinet did not ratify this apology, and therefore while it is great that a prime minister gave a personal >apology, the apology was only from him, and not from the government of Japan.

I think that whirledpeas' post makes it pretty clear that "ratification" is not a litmus test of whether any apology is official or not. Maybe you should give it a rest.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

You neglected to give the actual reasons behind the refusal - the fact that the money came from private citizens and not from the government of Japan. The government set up the fund, but did not contribute to it.

Simple. The said group that WhirledPeas alluded to wanted to keep the issue going. This was also reiterated by Ahn Byung-jik of Seoul National University who spent several years investigating the former comfort women under this group.

As other have already stated, your prerequisites for an official apology is a joke for as I alluded in the another article, for an apology is NEVER a bill submitted to the Diet, PERIOD. And most importantly, the Korean government also stated after the issuance of Kono statement that,

"....there was a straightforward expression of remorse and apology, given by the STATE to those concerned"

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

It must some special Japanese magic to claim you've apologized and paid money for the very things you claim you didn't do. Military industrial sexual violence against women is not something you can sweep under the rug with technicalities. Have more decency and pride in yourself.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Simple. The said group that WhirledPeas alluded to wanted to keep the issue going. This was also reiterated by Ahn Byung-jik of Seoul National University who spent several years investigating the former comfort women under this group.

Let's just say you're right, for the sake of argument. So? What does the group that influenced the decision have to do with the validity of the decision? They decided not to accept the money, because it didn't come from the government of Japan. Whether or not that decision was influenced by some group doesn't change the fact that the money didn't come from the government of Japan, which is why the money was not accepted.

As other have already stated, your prerequisites for an official apology is a joke

You gave your opinion that was along the lines of 'I don't like it, so I don't agree'. I don't recall anyone else piping up. But again, how does this change the fact that the cabinet has never ratified an apology to the comfort women?

an apology is NEVER a bill submitted to the Diet, PERIOD

Only because they don't want to. And if they don't want to, then no apology will by any Japanese politician will ever be taken as an apology from Japan, since they cannot get the backing of their government on said apology.

there was a straightforward expression of remorse and apology, given by the STATE to those concerned

1) And yet the state has never ratified an apology

2) Link please.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Let's just say you're right, for the sake of argument. So? What does the group that influenced the decision have to do with the validity of the decision? They decided not to accept the money, because it didn't come from the government of Japan. Whether or not that decision was influenced by some group doesn't change the fact that the money didn't come from the government of Japan, which is why the money was not accepted.

Then it becomes the problem of the South Korean government to handle this particular group.

You gave your opinion that was along the lines of 'I don't like it, so I don't agree'. I don't recall anyone else piping up. But again, how does this change the fact that the cabinet has never ratified an apology to the comfort women?

It doesn't. But as other have stated, it's irrelevant.

Only because they don't want to. And if they don't want to, then no apology will by any Japanese politician will ever be taken as an apology from Japan, since they cannot get the backing of their government on said apology.

A "bill" when approved becomes a "law".

Link please.

http://www.awf.or.jp/e2/foundation-01.html

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Then it becomes the problem of the South Korean government to handle this particular group.

If that were true, the Japanese government wouldn't be facing the complaints it is facing. But the fact remains that the Japanese government didn't put any money into the fund, the money supplied only came from private citizens.

It doesn't. But as other have stated, it's irrelevant.

It's only relevant if Japan never wants to give a proper apology. As long as the government does not get together and make an apology from the government as a whole, they will never get recognition for having apologized as a nation.

A "bill" when approved becomes a "law".

So?

Link please.

http://www.awf.or.jp/e2/foundation-01.html

And how does that change the fact that the cabinet has never ratified an apology?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

If that were true, the Japanese government wouldn't be facing the complaints it is facing. But the fact remains that the Japanese government didn't put any money into the fund, the money supplied only came from private citizens.

It is true. It's completely the Korean government's fault that this issue is still continuing. And thanks to the retraction by Asahi, the foundation of 'abducted by IJA' or the "200,000 comfort women' crumbled. As the former AWF stated in a recent interview, 朴大統領が日本に対し慰安婦問題でこれまでよりも強い謝罪を要求すれば、日本社会が許さないだろうと指摘

The issue is over as far as the Japanese position is concerned. FINALLY.

It's only relevant if Japan never wants to give a proper apology. As long as the government does not get together and make an apology from the government as a whole, they will never get recognition for having apologized as a nation.

Nobody cares about getting a 'recognition' from Korea.

So?

So an apology is never a "bill" submitted to the Diet.

And how does that change the fact that the cabinet has never ratified an apology?

It's not necessary.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

@Strangerland: I just copied an article and pasted. There is no my opinion in that pasted comment, Just copied from an article.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It's completely the Korean government's fault that this issue is still continuing.

Ignoring the fact that I disagree, the fact is that regardless of whose fault it is, the issue is causing troubles for Japan. Arguing whose fault it is doesn't do anything to solve the issue. If Japan wants to clear up the issue, they should stop getting hung up on 'fault' (the trees), and focus on solutions (the forest).

The issue is over as far as the Japanese position is concerned.

Except that it's not - they've got the UN stepping in on the issue now, and Japan is losing the propaganda war on the issue. If you think that isn't damaging to Japanese interests, you're kidding yourself.

Nobody cares about getting a 'recognition' from Korea.

Other than anyone whose business interests are tied up in Korea. You should hear some of my Japanese clients complaining about the government actions in regards to the whole comfort women issue. They make my comments look like flowery love notes.

So an apology is never a "bill" submitted to the Diet.

It may not have ever been, that doesn't mean it cannot be. If Japan wants to clear up this issue, they need to look at new solutions. You know what they say about the definition of insanity - it's doing the same thing and expecting different results. If your previous actions didn't work, you need to do something else.

And how does that change the fact that the cabinet has never ratified an apology?

It's not necessary.

That depends on the overall goal of the Japanese government. If the goal is to live in harmony with the rest of the region, it most definitely is necessary. And the majority of people in Japan want to live in harmony with their neighbours.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

Ignoring the fact that I disagree, the fact is that regardless of whose fault it is, the issue is causing troubles for Japan. Arguing whose fault it is doesn't do anything to solve the issue. If Japan wants to clear up the issue, they should stop getting hung up on 'fault' (the trees), and focus on solutions (the forest).

It's not causing trouble for Japan, anymore thanks to the Kono review which lead to Asahi's retraction.

Except that it's not - they've got the UN stepping in on the issue now, and Japan is losing the propaganda war on the issue. If you think that isn't damaging to Japanese interests, you're kidding yourself.

Non binding useless committee which used one of Asahi's retracted articles in their reports.

It may not have ever been, that doesn't mean it cannot be. If Japan wants to clear up this issue, they need to look at new solutions. You know what they say about the definition of insanity - it's doing the same thing and expecting different results. If your previous actions didn't work, you need to do something else.

Not anymore thanks to Asahi's retraction. The Diet might call for a 'resolution' to seek apology from the Korean government, though thanks to the Asahi retraction.

That depends on the overall goal of the Japanese government. If the goal is to live in harmony with the rest of the region, it most definitely is necessary. And the majority of people in Japan want to live in harmony with their neighbours.

Not anymore. I think the general populace is pretty ticked off with decades of Korean selfish whining and demands. I've never experienced such animosity from Japanese population. This is what happens when you push the envelope too far.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

All Japan has to do is wait another 5-6 years then there will not be any of these "survivors" left alive to cause all this fuss

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Hawkeye.......spot on! I live here in Okinawa and the folks here have put WWII behind them and they suffered greatly. Personally I think the UN is useless and for them to address this 69+ years ago matter, is useless as well. Perhaps they should be more concerned about the Middle East, there lies a problem the whole world should be concerned about.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

wait another 5-6 years then there will not be any of these "survivors" left alive

Actually Japan needs them because their stories are so inconsistent with historical facts, such as helicopters or jeeps (Japan did not have those), or locations or years, etc.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Nothing much seems to change in Japan but possibly this UN Watchdog group will have some influence. I know Japan has apologized and paid lots of money but this issue will never go away unless Japan apologizes unambiguously so that we do not need to read these stupid articles every day and just we can all live in peace with our Asian neighbors.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

yes that is right Zichi. Japan has to make the next move in this game of chess. There are many egos to deal with which is really the main problem. I know that other countries like China have issues with past behavior but still the world needs to evolve quickly and to apologize is fine but you can see in this article that there will be more money needed!!!! Money, money and money. The whole system is screwed up on all the sides but at least Japan can be an example and do the right thing to move past this.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

ClippetyClop said: "Come on Japan! Bite the bullet and do it. Give Korea & China nowhere else to run, end this for once and all [he says hopefully]"

As long as Japan holds on to its precious delusion of being somehow better than Koreans that will never happen. The inflexible Japanese neck cannot bend before perceived 'inferiors', and Koreans therefore will always have this issue to hold over Japan before the world stage. Lucky them.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Surely the UN has bigger things to deal with that harassing Japan about this?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The reason this continues is that Japan continues to give Korea and China the opportunity to continue it, and both countries love this!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Except that it's not - they've got the UN stepping in on the issue now, and Japan is losing the propaganda war on the issue. If you think that isn't damaging to Japanese interests, you're kidding yourself.

In which case, it is actually more impossible to concede. The UN should not have done that. Concede to that and you let the Koreans push you forever.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

In which case, it is actually more impossible to concede. The UN should not have done that. Concede to that and you let the Koreans push you forever.

Kono Yohei did a pretty goood job of conceding. Things quietened down. It's Abe and Yomiuri and Sanket etc. who are now stirring things up by seeking to undermine Kono.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I'm sure if South Korea stopped bitching about this,men Japan would apologise Nd Seoul can shut the hell up about ti

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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