Unfriendly relations

oldman-13

First, it is not accepted by many here that Japan waged a war of aggression, and in the prosecution of that war, committed atrocities (one of which was the so-called 'comfort women). It certainly is not accepted by the nationalist right in Japan. And that is rather an important point.

Second, the Japanese government has not "repeatedly apologized to the nations it had persecuted during WW2." Neither the Diet, nor the Emperor, has ever apologized. Note: statements of regret and deep refection are not apologies. Murayama, when PM, apologized, and the Diet refused to ratify the apology. Successive cabinet members and PM's first supported, and now retract Murayama's apology.

In short, no, Japan has no apologized. Japan has not apologized because not enough people in Japan accept that Imperial Japan prosecuted a war of aggression, just as they do accept that Imperial Japan committed many atrocities during the prosecution of that unjust war. That is why the revisionist text books, Yasukuni, and refusal to deal with the "comfort women" is a problem.

Finally, yes, I agree that Koreans, both South and North, are largely full of s**t when it comes to this issue. They grossly inflate the number of women coerced by Imperial Japan, possibly by a factor of 10. And, of course, they blame Japan for all the evil, while cheerfully ignoring basic facts, like, oh, I don't know, Park Chung He was a Lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Army, and fought for the Kwantung Army.

So, while, I have little respect for the frothing nationalist nonsense coming from South Korea, I share the same disregard for Japan's nationalist revisionism.

Readers, please stop bickering.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 12, 2014 - 07:15AM JST So you guys don't care about the comfort women? Of course you don't... in fact you outright deny it, lol. Just like the KKKs and neo-Nazis... Anyhoo, the Japanese government has already admitted, historians agree, so you're clearly on the wrong side.

As stated on numerous rebuttals to your opinions, no one is denying the existence of Comfort Women. Hell, no one is denying that the Japanese Government has already acknowledged them and apologized to them and even helped to start a fund to compensate them.

We are not denying that all this happened. We are clearly stating that the Japanese didn't have to this this because of the 1965 treaty.

Why didn't the Government of Japan start the fund themselves? Well that is simple to answer. If the Japanese Government would have started and managed the fund themselves the Government would have broken the 1965 treaty.

That is exactly why the Korean Government is pushing this issue. The Korean government doesn't want to pay the Compensation they promised to pay after the 1965 treaty.

So that is why the Japanese Government did what they could without breaking the treaty of 1965. They helped to start the Fund and then placed it in the hands of civilians.

Everyone and every time someone has brought up facts to counter your opinions you call them names and get mad. Come on, at least try and counter a single fact with something other than rhetoric.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 12, 2014 - 07:21AM JST Uh, I already said that I'm not a Korean. Get it through your head please. I'm asking whether you care about the comfort women or not, which you clearly don't.

Most people have already answered that question and asked you other questions to see where you really stand.

As the question I posted, do the Comfort Women of the Korean Conflict matter to you? It's not a hard question to answer, but it does seem as if it is very hard question for you to answer.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 12, 2014 - 06:50AM JST JoeBigs Or were they just worthless prostitutes that should be quieted and shuttered away? Really, "JoeBigs"? I have no intention of talking with such a senseless nationalist like yourself.

Talk about bad edited, you completely removed the first part out to avoid answering the question.

The full question was;

Okay then, now that we see eye to eye on something, when will Korea pay those women they coaxed into becoming Comfort women for the UN/US forces during the Korean conflict ever be properly compensated? Or were they just worthless prostitutes that should be quieted and shuttered away?

Come on at least for once answer a simple question.

We're talking about comfort women, which weren't even recognized in 1965 and Japan only offered an apology in 1993. You're talking about the normalization of S.Korea and Japan.

Weird ain't it? Normalization and settlement cost negotiated between Japan and Korea that lasted nearly two decades with hundred of thousands of diplomatic correspondence and not a word about "comfort women" by the Korean counterparts. Perhpas it's beceause the Korean government had throughout that time conducted the same system to their own women during that time as late as Pak daddy himself.

http://japan.hani.co.kr/arti/politics/15985.html

With the establishment of the AWF, the Japanese government had now compensated twice. It appears it's the Korean government as well as the civic group that's behind them that clearly do not care about their comfort women at all merely using them as "tools" to bash Japan.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 12, 2014 - 06:58AM JST You can try to make loopholes and excuses all you want, but there are two facts: 1) Most historians agree about the existence of comfort women, and 2) Japanese government has officially admitted that their ex-military forcibly, semi-forcibly or voluntarily recruited comfort women.

Loopholes, Excuses? How ridiculous. Do you know what treaty means? In 1965, South Korea agreed never to make further compensation demands against Japan, either at a government or individual level, after receiving U.S. $800 million.

You can try to make loopholes and excuses all you want, but there are two facts: 1) Most historians agree about the existence of comfort women, and 2) Japanese government has officially admitted that their ex-military forcibly, semi-forcibly or voluntarily recruited comfort women.

End. Of. What you are saying goes against those two facts.

Eiji Takano Feb. 12, 2014 - 06:50AM JST We're talking about comfort women, which weren't even recognized in 1965 and Japan only offered an apology in 1993. You're talking about the normalization of S.Korea and Japan.

In 1965, the Japanese goverment asked Korean goverment to show the concrete number of conscripted workers and soldiers, dead and injured and how much unpaid wages were. They asked to "show the evidences and they would pay". Korea agreed and investigated them. What I want to clarify here is that Korea didn't claim the compensation for the war time prostitutes. Why didn't they? It's because there was no abducted prostitute. Nobody said at the time in Korea, those prostitutes were abducted. Everyone knew there were many women who were so poor that they sold themselves to live and the Japan army didn't have to abduct Korean women. There were many Korean volunteers for Japan army at the time. Therefore Koreans didn't claim it at that time. It's the Korean goverment's problem if they did not disclose the comfort women issue at the time. What did South Korean goverment do with the $500+ million that Japan paid already?

sfjp330

Complete issue was settled in 1965. It is the responsiblity of Korean goverment since they told Japan goverment that they would handle the individual compensation. Where is your proof?

We're talking about comfort women, which weren't even recognized in 1965 and Japan only offered an apology in 1993. You're talking about the normalization of S.Korea and Japan.

Besides, "Settled" and actually compensated are two different things. You seem to only care about Japan's image or Japan's bidding, but clearly you do not care about the comfort women at all, the people that are actually in question.

And like I said, it's not just the Koreans.

JoeBigs

Or were they just worthless prostitutes that should be quieted and shuttered away?

Really, "JoeBigs"? I have no intention of talking with such a senseless nationalist like yourself.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 11, 2014 - 07:08AM JST I think that any decent person would probably want the country to properly apologize and compensate the victims (which the Japanese government has failed to properly do). Unfortunately there are many crazy right-wingers (especially in high-ranking positions) that are NOT taken responsibility for their words and actions.

Okay then, now that we see eye to eye on something, when will Korea pay those women they coaxed into becoming Comfort women for the UN/US forces during the Korean conflict ever be properly compensated?

Or were they just worthless prostitutes that should be quieted and shuttered away?

BTW, Japan apologized, recognized and had Compensation ready for the asking from 1995 until 2007 when they didn't need to. It one slaps away an open hand that hand will close when you come back later.

The hand is now closed.

If they wish compensation then they best ask it from the Korean government or even better, let them get it from their nation's new BFF Communist China.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 11, 2014 - 08:06AM JST Well first off being Japanese has nothing to do with anything, and I probably know more about history than you.

When one debates with others one should never think themselves greater in anyway. Believing oneself to be great just means when you fall you fall from a greater height.

Eiji TakanoFeb. 11, 2014 - 08:25AM JST I'm not a Korean, please stop mistaking that anyone who disagrees with you or your views is a Korean. That's what netouyos do. Many Japanese will admit that the compensation were not fully paid to all comfort women. And it's not just the Korean comfort women.

Okay, tell us what percentage are you certain believe as you do? And what facts do you have to backup such a lofty claim.

Now, as with most Leftist and Far Left Communist they want to pay more compensation. That was one of the grand ideas of the Pro Communist China DPJ. But, whatever happened to them?

Oh, yes that's right, the Japanese people voted them out of office with a giant boot to their rear.

So please, if you don't mind, could you give us all a percentage of how many Japanese want to pay more and apologize more?

Also, is there a non-bias website or government study that will back-up your claims?

sfjp330Feb. 11, 2014 - 08:30AM JST Eiji Takano, Complete issue was settled in 1965. It is the responsiblity of Korean goverment since they told Japan goverment that they would handle the individual compensation. Where is your proof?

Also, the Korean Government at the time took almost all the money and used it for it's own projects rather than use it to compensate the people.

If I were the Korean government I too would be trying to make Japan pay rather than myself.

A US $1.00 in 1965 is worth today around $8.00, it's always about the money.

Every Wednesday, like clockwork. What's amazing about the nature of Koreans is that their schools will allow these protests as "off campus" events to protest in front of Embassies on regular school days.

Apology issued, treaties signed, another apology specifically for comfort women issued, and money provided and yet these educators cannot relay this to their students.

Eiji Takano,

Complete issue was settled in 1965. It is the responsiblity of Korean goverment since they told Japan goverment that they would handle the individual compensation. Where is your proof?

sfjp330

Why don't you ask your own Korean goverment. Japan asked the Korean goverment in 1965 and the Korean goverment said they would handle the individual compensation. It's the responsibity of Korean Goverment since they kept the money for themselves. Why don't these comfort women ask their own goverment about the compensation and ask where the money went? Facts are In 1965 the issue was settled for $500+ million that was paid out to Korea under their terms. What did South Korean goverment do with the millions that Japan paid already?

I'm not a Korean, please stop mistaking that anyone who disagrees with you or your views is a Korean. That's what netouyos do.

Many Japanese will admit that the compensation were not fully paid to all comfort women. And it's not just the Korean comfort women.

Eiji Takano Feb. 11, 2014 - 08:06AM JST The compensation were not fully paid to all "comfort women". This is a fact.

Why don't you ask your own Korean goverment. Japan asked the Korean goverment in 1965 and the Korean goverment said they would handle the individual compensation. It's the responsibity of Korean Goverment since they kept the money for themselves. Why don't these comfort women ask their own goverment about the compensation and ask where the money went? Facts are In 1965 the issue was settled for $500+ million that was paid out to Korea under their terms. What did South Korean goverment do with the millions that Japan paid already?

oldman_13

Eiji, for a "Japanese" person you sure do seem rather clueless about history.

Well first off being Japanese has nothing to do with anything, and I probably know more about history than you.

Japan HAS offered compensation and apologies to South Koreans, including comfort women. Ever heard of the comfort womens fund? Quite a few Korean comfort women did in fact accept the apology and reparation offered by this fund.

I'm sorry, but I never claimed that Japan never compensated or apologized, but it didn't do it properly, or denied it later. I'm sorry that you can't read properly but that's not my fault.

The compensation were not fully paid to all "comfort women". This is a fact.

Maybe it's only fair that for every apologies, we list "non-apologies" and "denials":

"It's obvious to anyone that the comfort women were necessary."

Toru Hashimoto, Mayor of Osaka

"There were 'comfort women' in any warring nations. It was not just Japan that did it."

Katsuto Momii, NHK manager

"The nanking massacre was a hoax made up by the GHQ to excuse the atomic bombing atrocities. Japan never invaded other nations but freed Asia from Western imperialists." Naoki Hyakuta, famous novelist of "Zero", which glorifies kamikaze pilots, and NHK manager

"Japan was not the aggressor in WW2 but freed Asian nations to become more independent."

Toshio Tamogami, ex-SDF General and Tokyo governmental election candidate

And that's just the tip of iceberg...

Eiji, for a "Japanese" person you sure do seem rather clueless about history.

Japan HAS offered compensation and apologies to South Koreans, including comfort women. Ever heard of the comfort womens fund? Quite a few Korean comfort women did in fact accept the apology and reparation offered by this fund.

Others did not, convinced by the anti Japanese South Korean nationalists that any such fund assisted by the Japanese government was somehow 'not genuine.'

I think that any decent person would probably want the country to properly apologize and compensate the victims (which the Japanese government has failed to properly do). Unfortunately there are many crazy right-wingers (especially in high-ranking positions) that are NOT taken responsibility for their words and actions.

Look, the Japanese government now (finally) officially admits the issues about comfort women, etc. So why are those right-wingers allowed to freely express their revisionist views without any consequences? (Like getting sacked). The answer is simple. The Japanese government lacks a core, a center that decides how the governmental entity as a whole should be headed. So you have both the right and the left (with the right having most of the voice) going on in all sorts of directions without any real direction or road map.

It obviously angers many countries when Japan claims to have apologized already, then later someone in a high-ranking position claims that the nanking massacre was a hoax or some such nonsense (who does not get sacked, but even praised). It makes Japan seem very untrustworthy and backwards indeed.

JoeBigs

Nationalism in both those nations are driving their people insane. They just don't want to hear how many times Japan has apologized or how much they have paid. That to them was the past.

As a Japanese (I'm sure you are one, too), I would say that this is pure right-wing nonsense. "We have already apologized!" is just a typical right-wing excuse. Most right-wingers even admit that Japan did not need to apologize in the first place. According to them, it was the weak-willed "leftists" that "bent over" to the Chinese and Korean bullies.

You don't hear any Western nation saying something like "We have already apologized and compensated for the black slavery already! Stop bugging us!", do you? (Other than some crazy right-wing extremists like the KKKs and neo-Nazis, but they are not taken seriously).

JTDanManFeb. 10, 2014 - 03:58PM JST Old Man I wonder, do you accept that Japan waged a war of agression?

This is where you just don't get it, Japan doesn't teach it's children to hate Korean's or Chinese. The Japanese don't take their kids on anti-Korea propaganda school outings. They don't teach them to hate Korean's of Chinese.

Nationalism in both those nations are driving their people insane. They just don't want to hear how many times Japan has apologized or how much they have paid. That to them was the past.

What the bitter nationalist of both those nations want is more, more apologize more money and especially they want what isn't theirs, Japanese territories. South Korea invaded and has held one of those area's since the 1950's and Communist China wants Japan's Senkaku islands, Okinawa and whatever else they can grab.

But, luckily for Japan and the rest of Asia Japan now has an administration that is saying, "enough is enough we have paid and apologized enough no more blackmail!"

The second world war ended 68 years ago for Japan and the rest of the world except Korea and Communist China.

Since then how many wars has Japan fought in and committed atrocities in? Oh, right zero.

How about Korea? Well, they fought in Korea and Vietnam, both wars they committed war crimes and atrocities which no one was ever convicted or tried for.

As for Communist China, well just look at the wars they have mounted and then the wars they have waged against their own people. The numbers of war crimes and crimes against humanity are astronomical.

So in the end Japan's hands have been clean for 68 years while Communist China and Korea's hands are dripping in the blood of the innocent.

Of course JTDanMan, and nothing I ever stated on Japan Today has ever minimized that aggression, nor have I ever excused Japanese atrocities during WW2.

The point that I'm trying to make is that it is infuriating seeing young generation like the girl in the photo spreading outright lies about what Japan did and didn't do. The Japanese government has repeatedly apologized to the nations it had persecuted during WW2, and also offered reparations.

To see people exhorting Japan to "apologize," that they have "never" apologized, is an outright lie, and you darned well know it to be true.

Old Man

I wonder, do you accept that Japan waged a war of agression?

Words cannot express the anger seething inside of me with people like the girl pictured above holding a sign practically accusing the Japanese government of "never" apologizing.

Proof once again that the biggest white washers and revisionists of history is not Japan, but the Korean and Chinese nationalists and anti Japan crowd.

I'm not going to list the apologies and numerations as well as treaties Japan has given to South Koreans.

All I know is that these anti Japan crowd follow a set pattern. First, accuse Japan of "never" apologizing. Then if called out on this fallacy, immediately bring up the "it's not enough" card (unless a Japanese PM grovels and begs for forgiveness on hands and knees, no apology is never enough for these hypocrites). Then what the Japanese government (rightfully) protests such baseless accusations against its history, the anti Japan crowd and their supporters will immediately counter that this is "proof" the Japanese are "unrepentant" and "whitewashing" history.

Basically, it's all style over substance.

Those are simply isolated issues. It has little bearing on the fact that Taiwan has a close (and friendly) relationship with Japan. It should be fairly obvious why, too. It can't forge closer links with China because China holds Taiwan under the threat of war.

Let me compare Taiwan and ROK which is rising tension with Japan. Both have territory dispute with Japan. For Taiwan, it is more moderate as unofficial static. Both have condemned Japan fabrication of history such as changing text books. Taiwan has hosted comfort women forum and President directly demanded apology. Taiwanese fishermen still have mistrust and anger about J fishing authority for flip flopping treaty. If we ask Taiwanese fishermen, they have deep resentment to Japan more than PRC. At least, PRC did not rob their fish like Japan.

Many Taiwanese sleep and eat well even PRC showed war game before. The fact that people understand that PRC is very conscious about image. That threat existed since nationalists escaped to Taiwan.

True Taiwan will never want to surrender for reunification with force. Taiwan also have bad experience with J Air force harassing their commercial planes. At least PRC is not harassing Japan like Taiwan at the moment. Even they decalred ADIZ, Taiwan planes can fly as birds. During civil war, their common enemy is Japan. Therefore nationalist and communist made temporary truce for kicking out imperial army from their homeland.

Taiwan is a not tribunal state of PRC like ROK. It is also true that Taiwan is not a fan or disciple of Japan too. It is also contesting the fishing rights and territory dispute with Japan. Both Japan and PRC are unreasonable and unjust neighbors of Taiwan.

Japan has never honored treaties with Taiwan. Therefore Taiwan has no obligation for pleasing Japan too.

JTDanManFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:08AM JST Strangerland I am aware of that list. I wonder if you are. Name one on that list that comes from Japan.

Let me see if I understand your logic, if a Prime Minister goes to Yasukuni Shrine to pay his respects to all those who died in the service of their nation he is doing it in an official manner. He is also offending Korea and Communist China because he is the Head of Government and represents Japan.

But, if a Prime Minister apologizes to the Comfort Women or Whoever else, well that's not good enough because he isn't doing it in an official manner, because he is only the Prime Minister/Head of Government and it's not in an official manner.

What?

One is good enough to anger you, but the other isn't good enough to appease you!?!

What kind of logic is that???

Now, before you jump up and down while smoke is billowing out of your ears. Let's see what the Prime Minister of Japan said exactly about the Comfort Women in August of 1995.

Before I forget , this apology came from Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, head of the Government of Japan.

I offer my profound apology to all those who, as wartime comfort women, suffered emotional and physical wounds that can never be closed.

The logic is not there JTDanMan, what is there is baseless mindless anger that will never be satisfied

Anyone with a logical mind would come to the conclusion that Japan has apologized to the Comfort Women and for it's aggressions. But, an illogical mind thinks that Japan hasn't.

Do you see the difference or are you still so lost in your hate and rhetoric that you can't accept the obvious?

I am not surprised by your statements and I wont be by your defective attempt at a rebuttal.

In the eyes of most Korean's and their supporters the only way they will believe that Japan has truly apologized is if each and every Prime Minister, Governor, Representative, Government Worker, City Worker, Office Worker, House Wife, Homeless Person, Dead Person, Dog, Cat, Rat, Mouse, animals in the Zoo, Animals in the Wild, Insects and Bacteria were to simultaneously prostate themselves and beg for forgiveness.

But, in the frantic minds of these people, that would still not be enough for them. Japan and the people of Japan would then have to give every single Yen they have earned and will earn for the next 1000 years.

But, at the end of the 1000 years they would come back with more demands because the last apology wasn't good enough..

This isn't about getting an apology, if that were the case Korea and it's supporters have been satisfied decades ago.

This is all about Money and trying to humiliate the Japanese people as much as they can for as long as they can for something that happened over 103 years ago.

It is also a great way for the Governments of those nations to keep the anger of their people focused away from their nations leaders.

Imagine if the people of Communist China or Korea weren't kept angry at big bad boogeyman Japan. How long would their nations leaders keep their power? Years, Months or maybe just days.

Keep them anger and keep your job, that is why Korea and Communist China indoctrinate their people at a very young age. There is a word for this, brainwashing.

You seem to be intentionally misunderstanding what I write. I never said the PM's statements don't matter.

Murayama's statement mattered. If subsequent PM's reaffirmed it, then it could be considered to be a policy of Japan, like the Monroe Doctrine.

Subsequent PM's did not. They did not have to because it was not Japan's official position. It was not Japan's official position because Murayama did not announce it in an official capacity. He spoke not as the PM of Japan, but as Murayama. At least, that was the position of the Japanese Diet, who would not ratify the Apology. And the position of subsequent PM's., the present of which has taken it back.

Japan not apologized.

The PM is the representative of the people. If the PM makes an apology, it is as a representative of the people.

If that was not true, then Abe's denial also wouldn't matter, because his denial hasn't been ratified by the diet. And his visiting Yasukuni wouldn't matter, because he hasn't been told by the diet to go. But it does matter because he is a representative of the people. Same as Murayama's apology was made as a representative of the people.

They've taken back Murayama's apology. Not Japan's.

I've clearly stated who has the authority to speak for Japan: the Diet and the Emperor. You can also make the argument that a PM's position, adopted by subsequent administrations, becomes de facto part of Japan's position. That is, IMO, a fair argument.

Had either 1) the Diet ratified, or 2) subsequent administrations supported Murayama's apology, then we could today speak of Japan's Apology. Neither has happened. While it looked like subsequent govt's did continue Murayam's position, that ended; Abe flat out denies Murayam's position.

That is all there needs to be said about the Japan part of Japan apologizing.

As for the apologizing part, only one apology occurred, and that was Murayama's. Statement of regrets and deep reflections are not apologies.

Japan has not apologized.

If that were true, then:

subsequent PM's and cabinet members have taken it back.

There would be nothing to 'take back'.

Yes, it does.

It has the Diet. And the Emperor.

The Diet refused to ratify Murayam's Apology. For a while, PMs after Murayama supported the statement. Then subsequent PM's and cabinet members have taken it back.

Japan has not apologized.

The link didn't work. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

As it says at the top of the page:

This is a list of war apology statements issued by the state of Japan

Now if you are saying that Japan as an entity cannot apologize, well you are correct, as a country as an entity does not have a mouth, but that's just playing stupid semantics. The list is of official apologies by representatives of the country.

Strangerland

I am aware of that list. I wonder if you are. Name one on that list that comes from Japan.

Here is a whole list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

The problem isn't in the apologies. There is little doubt that those who apologized were sincere. The problem is those that followed and deny that Japan every did anything wrong, and try to portray Japan as the victim.

Mirai

You claim "Japan has apologized on numerous occasions."

Name one.

Someone said above that a PM apologising doesn't count as an apology. What would? Every man, woman and child getting down on their knees and begging forgiveness? For what? They had nothing to do with it. It's like the French demanding that the Italians apologise for what the Romans did to the Gauls.

sfjp330Feb. 06, 2014 - 08:27AM JST Huh? What can ICJ do? ICJ means nothing. Regardless if Japan or Korea went to ICJ, there is no guarantee that loser of the case will not fo

llow the ruling that was not in their favor. Nobody is going to enforce the ruling anyway.

Thank you for the honesty, you are correct if Korea ever agreed with Japan to go before the ICJ Korea would lose and then it would not follow the ruling. It would continue it's baseless assaults against Japan because it's better to point a finger than admit your own flaws.

Translation, Korea's argument have nothing to do with legality and everything to do with baseless rhetoric.

zaldausFeb. 06, 2014 - 10:50AM JST That has to work both ways. Did Japan uphold its treaties when it invaded China and South Korea? Did Japan uphold treaties when it committed massacres?

Wait a second, Japan invaded South Korea and China? When did this happen, last night?

Oh wait a second, I see, you're basing your argument on what happened over 100 years ago! BTW Japan didn't invade Korea, Japan won it's war against the Qing Dynasty and made it a protectorate of Imperial Japan. Then in 1910 the Imperial Japanese Empire annexed it.

So once more your argument is based on touchy feely nonsense rather than on fact.

Read the 1965 treaty between Japan-Korea and then get back to me.

When you behave like a rabid dog instead of a human being, all bets and treaties are off.

What "rabid dog" like actions has the Japanese government engaged in since the signing of the 1965 treaty? Most actions of that nature have taken place on the korean peninsula.

You've shown you are something else entirely instead of what they knew you to be.

I agree. The ROK has shown itself to be unworthy of any further discussion on this matter.

Well said zaldaus, Japan really needs to begin earning the trust of it's Asian neighbors but the attitude they present at this time is counterproductive to that. A lot more needs to be done of Japan's behalf - they needs to suck it up and be the adult in this relationship.

@ JoeBigs

"You are trying to compare some fantasy tale with the and diplomatic treaty's of nations? That is inane!"

"Diplomacy and treaty's have to be upheld"

That has to work both ways. Did Japan uphold its treaties when it invaded China and South Korea? Did Japan uphold treaties when it committed massacres?

When you behave like a rabid dog instead of a human being, all bets and treaties are off. Now, you have to EARN your neighbours' trust back. Do you understand that? Simply saying "sorry guys, let's just be friends" won't work anymore. You've shown you are something else entirely instead of what they knew you to be. A wolf instead of a sheep. Even when a wolf is not hungry, sheep will try to run away. They do not trust you. It is up to YOU to earn that trust.

@Mirai Hayashi,

Your analogy is mistaken, and the differences between the two places explain why the PM's visit is so provocative. The two memorials share neither the same history nor spirit. Although both were the result of civil wars, Yasukuni now focuses on the idealization of the Pacific War of WWII, while Arlington records the continuing sorrow of a nation. Unlike Yasukuni, Arlington is a cemetery. The bodies or ashes of those who served and their family members are interred on the grounds. None of this is true at Yasukuni. Those fighting for the Emperor from the civil wars of mid-nineteenth century Japan through the end of the Pacific War were transformed into divine spirits to join as one with the Emperor. Here the common foot soldiers and 14 Class A was rewarded in death by becoming equal to the Emperor.

@sfjp330

The US also has many memorials, cemeteries, etc to those who fought in the many wars they were engaged. Although admirable for their dedication in giving their lives for their country, not every single person in those memorials are "innocent" people and have also committed war crimes (torture, rape, slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children) and yet American Presidents and other leaders honor them every day.

The Japanese PMs are not honoring the crimes they committed; they are are honoring their dedication to their country (even though in many instances, their dedication was misguided and dictated by a power hungry government and emperor. ) and the fact that they gave their lives for a cause that they believed in.

For this reason, I see absolutely nothing wrong with the PM honoring the dead, because those people were doing what they believed was right at the time.

JoeBigs Feb. 06, 2014 - 07:22AM JST As with the Takeshima issue, Korea will not dare bring this case to the ICJ because the Government of Korea knows it doesn't have a legal leg to stand on.

Huh? What can ICJ do? ICJ means nothing. Regardless if Japan or Korea went to ICJ, there is no guarantee that loser of the case will not follow the ruling that was not in their favor. Nobody is going to enforce the ruling anyway. So what does it matter? What is important the most for Japanese or Korean politicians is the public opinion, and they will not respect the ruling that is not favorable on the sovereignty of Dokdo/Takeshima. Same thing can be said of China with dipute of Senkaku/Daioyu. So your back to square one.

zaldausFeb. 06, 2014 - 04:49AM JST I'll give you a good analogy. Say you're a thug. Your neighbour is a guy your age. He has an extended family. Say now you go and kill his mother and father. And you rape his sister.

You are trying to compare some fantasy tale with the and diplomatic treaty's of nations? That is inane!

Diplomacy and treaty's have to be upheld, Countries like Korea that act as childish as they are acting wouldn't win their case in the courts and Korea knows it. Japan has a treaty behind it while Korea has touchy feely flag waving propaganda behind it.

As with the Takeshima issue, Korea will not dare bring this case to the ICJ because the Government of Korea knows it doesn't have a legal leg to stand on. So they will send out their mindless drones in an effort to try and shame Japan into paying them more money.

And exactly as with the 1965 treaty Korea will take the money and not give a dime of it to those women.

This is all about money and nothing else, Korea keeps wanting and turns a blind eye to facts.

Fact, in 1993 the Government of Japan apologized, acknowledged and in 1995 helped to start a fund for the Comfort women.

Here is a better analogy for you, Korea is like a blackmailer that doesn't have anything on you, but still tries to blackmail you! Please, the government wants more money. most likely it wants to open another causeway or maybe a new bridge.

Money is what this is all about.

Analogies are a complete waste of time and yours is as viable as Cinderella in this case. Comparing a single person to an entire nation or to diplomacy is a farce.

Please, stick to the real issues and not to whimsical tales as if you were the author of a novel. This has to do with an agreement between two nation, not an agreement between two people! Wow, what's next comparing international politics to a horse sale?

Come on at least try harder than childish analogies.

Mirai Hayashi Feb. 06, 2014 - 06:55AM JST Japan has apologized on numerous occasions now.

While some PM did apologize, other PM have visited the Yasukuni Shrine, where the remains of convicted war criminals are entombed. The P.M. apologies really don't count as an official policy of Japan, as it solely depends on who the PM happens to be. PM Abe suggested that the 1993 cabinet secretary’s proposed apologies was unnecessary. His quote was: “There is no evidence to prove there was coercion, nothing to support it,” “So, in respect to this declaration, you have to keep in mind that things have changed greatly.” To Abe, Japan will not issue an aggressive apology, something he vows he would never do.

Obviously these people know nothing about recent history. Japan has apologized on numerous occasions now. Everytime there is a new PM, China and Korea demands that he apologizes for wartime crimes. China/ Korea: The war is OVER, and has been over for almost 70 years now. Most if not all of the people in the current Japanese government weren't even alive back then, and if they were, they were mere infants, and shouldn't be obligated to apologize for what the government did 70 years ago. Japan has apologize, no just move on to more important issues and stop letting your government's propaganda control you.

I am no fan of right-wing Japanese historical revisionism, and no doubt there was a nasty past there and deep scars...but I can't help but thinking "brainwashing" when I see protest photos like that. Most people don't let bitterness over history direct their daily lives in the present, more than 60 years later, unless they are taught to. That history has been consciously, instrumentally made into the foundation of Korean national identity, and its not pretty. I suspect that these people would not know what to do even if everyone in Japan simultaneously turned, bowed, and offered a true and heartfelt apology for colonial misdeeds. They would be completely lost without this touchstone.

@ Thunderbird2

"How would anyone approach the subject in a school? Hmm? Would you sit your 12 year olds down and tell them that their grandfathers or great grandfathers carried out some of the most vile acts seen during the early 20th century?"

Guess what? This is exactly how they approach the subject in Germany. And surprise surprise, it works. By doing so, they have all but eliminated violent nationalism in their country and earned the forgiveness and respect of their former victim nations. Also, in Germany any extremist or violent or excessively nationalistic rhethoric is forbidden by law. That also works. People know the consequences of their actions, and if they might be misled otherwise, as a last resort the court of law is there to remind them of it.

I don't know why you guys constantly say that Japan is a democratic country when it's not... How can a one party system b e a democratic system? How can Japan be democratic when farmers receive 4 votes when city dwellers receive 1 vote during elections?

@ gokai_wo_maneku

"Japan signed a peace treaty with S. Korea which said "all" issues from the war were resolved. Then a few years later, this issue was brought up."

I'll give you a good analogy.

Say you're a thug. Your neighbour is a guy your age. He has an extended family.

Say now you go and kill his mother and father. And you rape his sister. And you steal his family jewellery and all the money from the house. And then he calls the police and they come get you and beat you up. And you get a suspended sentence. The money is never recovered.

Now, you go up to this guy and say. "Hey, you know I shouldn't have done that. So here, I'll buy you a brand new car, expensive one. But you must sign this paper that all is forgotten between us and never mention any of this ever again."

The guy is devastated, it's all he can do to keep alive. So he signs that slip of paper you hand him and he gets his car.

Do you REALLY think that the issue between you and that guy is over just like that? Do you REALLY think saying sorry once or twice will keep him happy and everything is forgotten?

Idiotics NHK and right wings, should stay Quiet! Please URUSAI !!!!!

Well, Mr.Katsuto Momii, the new president of NHK's comment on the "Comfort Women" were somewhat right as those days it was a very common senario to have military prostitution in all countries, so what I think 67 years past and Japan has already paid the compensation, Korea has developed their economy with those funds instead of compensate those victims and China has earned interest giving loans to Africa with those compensation funds. Now Japan should stop compensating or appoligising, enough is enough! Coming to the point of evasion, well before WWII it was very common to evade but after WWII China is still trying to occupy some part of Japan, India and continuing the process, Korea & Russia is also on the run to capture some islands from Japan, what's going on buddy... grow up it 22nd century and yes US, Russia, France are continuing they war business selling arms. We don't need wars in coming centuries rather the world can't afford another World War. We the commoners are sick and tired of political unstabilities, economic slowdown, unemployment, corruptions, dirty diplomacies, religious violances..... do we need more of these???? Think... make some creative conclusions. We the human can't walk backward so go forward, be happy, be healthy and rest in peace!!

Well, looking at the photo, these people should instead be apologizing for being a nuisance.

When it comes to Korea and Japan a song always comes to mind as to the Korean demands.........Pink Floyds "Money!"

BTW, listening it to it right now, only difference is the Floyd's song was great, Korea's greed is just plain insane.

They want more, more, more, and more money!

I wonder what highway their government want to build using the new Japan's money they want? Maybe a new highway direct to one of Kim's Villa's or maybe to one of his elite Communist members house's. When Park sells her country out for a slice of the Communist Chinese pie then the people will see what this is all about, Money.....

I hope everything is done to calm tensions. I have family and friends in Japan and do not want war brought on their doorsteps.

Many here say Japan has apologized, and downrate those who say otherwise.

I challenge any and all to make the case that Japan has indeed apologized. Take note: a cabinet, or Prime Minister making an apology is not Japan apologizing, when a later cabinet or PM takes it back.

See for "Japan" to "apologize" two things are required:

Japan. An Apology.

chucky3176Feb. 05, 2014 - 09:48PM JST I had to laugh at this comment. Japan's "democracy" was hoisted upon them from the US. Japanese never fought for "democracy". And even then, I don't think Japan is really a true "democracy".

I understand that most Communist see democracy as something to laugh at because one Dictator isn't making insane choices for millions of people. But your claim that Japan isn't a Democracy is really a new one and must be questioned.

So, how can you prove to the world that Japan isn't a Democracy?

Prove your point or just sit this one out like you usually have to....

The world is watching Chucky, play or sit out.

Yes Japan has apologized, but in today's climate it's important to affirm relations not be taken in by division. Japan keeps opening up a hornet's nest every time some yahoo oyaji government minister or appointee mentions ignorance of history. It's called bad faith and that is continuing to cloud what should be a resolved issue

has to make anybody feel physically sick to hear these prominent position Japanese ministers and company leaders pass off the terrible things the Japanese army did. But even worse is the fact that nobody speaks out against them. Too busy playing games on their mobiles or reading comics. What is the likelihood of history repeating itself under these conditions? Very high! We should all pray for those who suffered under these animals and at the same time we should be scared for our own future.

How would anyone approach the subject in a school? Hmm? Would you sit your 12 year olds down and tell them that their grandfathers or great grandfathers carried out some of the most vile acts seen during the early 20th century? That they were stupid for fighting for and believing in a living god? That they were so evil they deserved to have the atomic bombs dropped on them? How can you look a child in the eye and tell him or her that?

Why is that so bad? By understanding your history, you'll get an accurate picture of what actually took place during those horrible times.

I found something interesting on on the internet from a German person:

I went to school in Germany for 13 years and I can tell you that nowadays they tell you everything about WWII and the Holocaust. In the last 2 years before our Abitur (German High School diploma) we talked about it so much that many students actually got annoyed with it. The good news: Not only did we speak about faults and horrifying actions, we also discussed psychological aspects and reasons. We read Günter Grass none stop and tried to figure out why it happened, and how to catch it if history repeats itsself. To sum it up: Instead of just going over the facts out Gymnasium teachers made sure that we truly understood what happened (as far as that is even possible today). We really learned something.

Now, imagine if that was Japan. I'm sure you'd see much more transparency and understanding than what we're seeing today.

I agree with Tinawatanabe... not including something in a text book is not hiding the facts - as has been said, the facts about sex slaves, Burma Railway, etc... they are easy to find, even on a humble smartphone. Had the books been denying Japanese war crimes, then yes, I would have an issue. Omission is not denial.

How would anyone approach the subject in a school? Hmm? Would you sit your 12 year olds down and tell them that their grandfathers or great grandfathers carried out some of the most vile acts seen during the early 20th century? That they were stupid for fighting for and believing in a living god? That they were so evil they deserved to have the atomic bombs dropped on them? How can you look a child in the eye and tell him or her that?

Japan will never learn. Shameful and disgusting attitude.

Why do it for it just falls on deaf ears as the previous 100 times have.

Sad to see how are Koreans dealing with the past, i saw some very shameful videos about anti-japan education in Korean schools, and as a world traveler like i am myself, i decided not to travel to Korea , i never been there,i was considering the possibility to go, but now i don't wanna go anymore,because they promote events such this fake protest paid by some politic party...Now advised my whole family to boycott Korea(being the head of the family), and also not to buy Korean goods and products, japan needs to stop being so shy on the foreign policies, stand up own its way and its importance to the world peace.

Geoff,

Prime Minister Murayama's statement was pretty unequivocal in its apology.

Japan has not - and Japan will probably never! - apologized. "Japan sincerely regrets..." is not saying sorry. SORRY is saying sorry, and that is not something the Japanese government is not prepared to do.

First step, like what German had done, make it a crime for denial of Japanese atrocities.

And even then, I don't think Japan is really a true "democracy".

I'm sure that Japanese democracy is the most matured in entire Asia. Name another country on the continet which can say that they're on the same level as Japan.

Japan must apologize for nothing! The war criminals must do that but they are already dead. So you really have no point!

I never seen protesters so happy as these are, they are enjoying this, this is for them double pleasure, tnot having to be in class, and at same time, can bash Japan , they have fun of their life, bdw, for those who forgotten , anti-Japan education in Korea , here the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZHy2NDU9R8

Serrano Japan has issued statements of those kind several times at SKorea's repeated demands, but SKorea's new demands only got stronger. No point of complying anymore.

Look like they got paid to do it, pretty simple like that. Korean gov is doing an intense job on spreading korean propaganda agaisnt japan, i wanna say some very bad things, but if i do so my comment will be removed.

If Japan does not like others interfering their internal affair, Japan should stop demanding removing of comfort women monument from New Jersey. It is none of the business of Japan. It is the internal affair of New Jersey and US. Japan should stop demanding French comic festival exhibiting comfort women art. It is the entirely business of France. Japan should stop demanding removing Korean assassin of J PM monument from PRC. It is not in Japan territory.

Whatever Japan want to implement the policy, it should be done locally. It is so hypocrite for uncivilized intrusion of other national affair. Japan has never been a fan of ICJ. The proof is rejection of Taiwan proposal for settlement of Territory dispute of ICJ back in 2012.

The more Japan deny about the past, the more Japan will cause the embarrassment at present and there is nothing to hide for future.

It would be really good if Abe would issue a statement acknowledging Japan's wartime atrocities, and then say, "Let's move on, shall we?"

These guys are smirking...Are they serious? Meh.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that this argument is going no where. Do you see countries always pissing on Germany? No. Its a new generation and they got the hell over it. Most countries who lives through the war agree that you can't force onto a new generation the mistakes of the past. Moving forward is the only way to have a brighter future for our children. Not holding onto the anger of the past.

Korean argue that members of the Womenfs Volunteer Labor Corps were forced to become military prostitutes, which is total nonsense.They institute lawsuits.They demand apologies. Every Wednesday they hold demonstrations.And now they have outdone themselves by installing a statue of a young woman in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul to symbolize Korean women whom they allege were coerced into sexual slavery during World War II. Who are these Koreans, and why do they continue to indulge in such shameless behavior? The claim that members of the Womenfs Volunteer Labor Corps were military prostitutes is worse than misguided; it is an outright lie.

Please read the article "THE TRUTH ABOUT THE “COMFORT WOMEN” http://www.sdh-fact.com/CL02_1/result.php?word=ZQ&startview=10&endview=20

I had to laugh at this comment. Japan's "democracy" was hoisted upon them from the US. Japanese never fought for "democracy". And even then, I don't think Japan is really a true "democracy".

Again Japan is handing an easy diplomatic victory to a country with a much shallower history of democracy, human rights and openness

letsberealistic If somebook did not include comfort women( I don't know which one), it does not matter. You are interfering in another country's domestic issue. That's not civilized person's attitude. Mind your country's business. If you can't stand Japan's attitude, take that to the International court.

Okay, you march into another county, you murder, rape and cruelly subjugate the locals for 60 years and then expect one or two apologies and some cash to be enough to heal the wounds

Well how many apologies and how much cash would suffice? I suspect its a number so large scientists haven't discovered it yet.

And another thing, what makes your 60 years of "cruel subjugation" (lets just pretend you are right in that) more significant than the trials and tribulations endured by mostly everyone else on the planet too? You think anyone outside of ROK cares about your ancient grudges? People have their own problems to deal with. ROK just sounds like a nation of raving narcissists with all their "look at me", "feel sorry for me" , "remember my suffering".

then once that's done you can begin considering taking back the apologies and erasing or changing the facts to make your actions less horrible and THEN you are surprised the people you attacked begin protesting?

How about eighty years of being a good neighbor, and being nothing but helpful to ROK as they tried to pull their country into the modern world? ROK should be setting up monuments of thanks to Japan for all the help and money they have received post WW2.

You're kidding, right??

No, I am not. That article is from more than a year ago. Has there been any official change in policy since then? No. Did you actually read that article? If you had, you would see it did not really answer my question. You are aware that as early as May 17th 2013 that Abe stated his support for the Murayama statement/apology are you not? It seems not.

Slumdog: "when and where did he say that?"

You're kidding, right??

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/31/uk-japan-apology-idUKBRE8BU03020121231

Want any other of the many, many hits? And don't backtrack and say your question was "misinterpreted".

This is getting ridiculous. Every day there is an article with Japanese telling the world that they already apologised. And another article with other Japanese saying there was nothing to apologize about.

I'm starting to get dizzy.

"We have nothing to apologise about!" "We already apologised - forget about it!" "We did nothing wrong, it's all lies!" "Shut up! We apologised 50 years ago!"

I wish I were rich. I'd give money to the comfort women, telling them that you can't live your life thinking other people will change.

1965's treaty made that a certain.

No it did not, as this link shows. http://www.japanfocus.org/-Totsuka-Etsuro/3885 At the time sex slaves were "used", Japan was signatory to a couple of treaties above slave labour and the mistreatment of women. Treaties which were broken

While I appreciate the thumbs down for my question. What I would really like is an answer to my question of when and where Abe said he wants to change the "only somewhat apology that Japan has issued"? From everything I have read, the one that has been constant is that Abe has said he stands by the apology. If smith or someone else has other specific information, I would be very interested in reading it.

FernandoUchiyama Japan is not hiding anything from textbooks. What is not included? If something is not included ,it's from defferent consideration, but not hiding! Any information is available in japan so what's the point of hiding from textbooks!

@ JeffLee , no ,Japan has compensated for that tragedy during the time of president Ngo dinh Diem or very close to that which is around in the 1960's or in the 1970's. IJC did not seize the rice stocks but rather gave order to farmers to grow some kind of water grass for the army instead of rice, hence the famine, mainly in the north.

My way of seeing it is that Japan has apologized and korean and chinese rethoric is exaggerated.

But while that is true, It is also true that Japan hides the bad things they did in WWII from history books. Japan has to change it. The true is always better because it is attached to human feelings which basically is what moves people. I don't wanna see japanese people become alienated. To be strong, a society must be free and well informed.

It will not be shame to Japan to do it. It is a shame not to do it.

I like Japan very much. To me, the government should revise all the text books. For the sake of the world and of Japan.

insincere

Look at them! They're enjoying their insincere protest. I salute South Korea for all of her efforts on brainwashing her youth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfYqbZKjtdI

My apology to budgie Feb. 05, 2014 - 06:17PM JST for wrong reply. In fact I replied the post of wipeout Feb. 05, 2014 - 06:15PM JST

If I made a mistake I do not mind about apologizing twice. Japan should follow my apology.

Okay, you march into another county, you murder, rape and cruelly subjugate the locals for 60 years and then expect one or two apologies and some cash to be enough to heal the wounds - then once that's done you can begin considering taking back the apologies and erasing or changing the facts to make your actions less horrible and THEN you are surprised the people you attacked begin protesting?

And this is why we will never move forward.

Japan should demand apology from Korea for sending now so many prostitutes and criminals to Japan.

igloobuyerFEB. 05, 2014 - 07:35PM JST Speak for yourself; I don' see smihjapan's comments as ani-Japan at all, I see hem as generally, intelligent, informed and fair. Like me is probably tired of the rose-tinted gasses view of Japan that many hold.

And like me ... we are tired of Koreas endless double standards and hypocrisy.

What's really uncool is Koreans being paying for "memorials" of this in Los Angeles. I find that incredibly inappropriate and they should take it elsewhere. SK also paid off New Jersey state politicians to get them to "condemn" Japan's actions in not apologizing.

budgie Feb. 05, 2014 - 06:17PM JST

Taiwan basically has a very good relationship with Japan,

I guess you have come down from another planet. Taiwan is the Champion of comfort women movement. It has far more active and energized than ROK. Taiwan president Ma directly demanded Japanese government apology. ROK president Park has tried her best not for embarrassing Japan.

http://www.ibtimes.com/taiwan-president-demands-japan-apologize-using-sex-slaves-world-war-ii-931089

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201308140029.aspx

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2010/12/27/2003491990

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/08/15/2003569745

Recently Taiwan has protested Japan for changing text books with Japan version. Taiwan government has never trusted Japan sweet promise and treaty. Even fishing treaty has been changed new version by Japanese fishing authority. Japan authority can change the multiple faces as Kabuki dancers. In the future fishing treat will become like Taipei treaty which will be evaporated as steam.

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201401280032.aspx

Japan beloved neighbor Philippines has comfort women movement too. It is more moderate than ROK and Taiwan. It is understandable Pinoys can not survive without Japan hand outs. However Victims and their descendants are so disgusted about Japan denying, fabricating and flip flopping with J versions.

http://repository.eiu.edu/theses/docs/32211131400061.pdf

Japan is the lone Planet of Asia for that issue. That apology demanding movement is unstoppable like Tsunami or earth quake. Korean residents of US has already established comfort women monument. Lest we forget!

History has no place in todays society, look at the European Union, just look at the flags all united under one, ok not without some problems, but not war mongering rhetoric. Look at the conflicts between those countries over the years, they put their history behind and moved forward. Its about time these Asian leaders started doing similar, a unified Asian region, one that leads the world by example of living and working together in peace and harmony. These nationalistic notions or rhetoric has no place in todays world.

letsberealisticFeb. 05, 2014 - 05:51PM JST Oh right, so these young Koreans are demanding money. Hmm, are people not reading the same news I am? I think it's more a protest at Japan's political revisionist direction demonstrated by Japan's political leaders (and more recently national television leaders).

Now, they are demanding money for the Comfort Women!

What they say they want is just an acknowledgement and apology, but wait, the Japanese government already did that in 1993!

Japan even went a step further, Japan started the Comfort Women's Fund that ran from 1995 until 2007?

So, if Japan already did all that, why do they want more now? Oh wait, could it be that there is actually more to this than meets the eye?

Hmmmmm, could it be that this is all part of a bigger picture?

We shall all see in the coming days.

BTW, what about the Korean War Comfort women? You know the one's that the Korean government and it's supporters call just prostitutes.

You know the funny thing is that the Korean government enlisted those women to serve and service the UN soldiers during the Korean conflict. The Korean government pimped out those women and then after tossed them aside as if they were worthless.

So tell me, why does Korea turn a blind eye to the plight of those women and not to the WWII ones?

gogogo FEB. 05, 2014 - 05:53PM JST

"Japan wont, if Japanese did the second step would be Korea asking for more money to which Japan has already paid to Korea in compensation."

This is the common refrain from Japanese. I doubt the Nation of South Korea would demand compensation, and even if the individual victims did so, paying off a few old ladies would be far less costly than funding the failing whaling industry another season or any number of wasteful pork barrel schemes.

I think the real reason is they have built a little creation myth about themselves and don't want to own up to past mistakes. The wartime deniers are just grubby little nationalists who want to reestablish the idea that the Japanese 'race' is superior and infallible compared to its neighbors.

Please ,ask your own government to give back ALL aids, ALL financial compensations in ALL forms ,shapes and sizes which Korea had taken from Japan first.; then start to demand apology.

Japan wont, if Japanese did the second step would be Korea asking for more money to which Japan has already paid to Korea in compesation

Smith, I am one of those who think people should move on... but in no way shape or form am I in favour of rescinding apologies, and I'm certainly not a denier - my great uncle was a POW of the IJA.

There have been official apologies... that should have been an end to it. But SK and China just keep pushing, and that no doubt forces these nationalists and right wingers to start spouting rubbish with their feet in their mouths.

The East Asian countries ALL need to get past this and move on.

This issue had died down and was all but forgotten until those stupid Japanese cronies started shooting their mouth off and downplaying the severity and then stating that the comfort women were necessary have fueled the fire up again.

The only somewhat sincere apology Japan has issued Abe now wants to change.

Perhaps you could tell me when and where Abe said that?

A high school student attends a rally demanding full compensation and apology for wartime sex slaves from the Japanese government

It's always about the money, Korea wants what they know they have no right to. 1965's treaty made that a certain.

Love the usual Japan haters hard at work to push their single sided "we want you money" agenda.

PandabelleFEB. 05, 2014 - 05:33PM JST Please posters refrain from bringing up this; you think that these protesters are unaware of history and the apologies and compensation? Yes, yes I think they actually are ignorant of those facts. Nationalists aren't really known for trying to get a balanced view of international relationships. For evidence, look at any country in East Asia.

Well, then, just for a moment, consider the possibility that they do know.

Here is a large part of the problem

What Japanese history lessons leave out http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21226068

Gokai: The only somewhat sincere apology Japan has issued Abe now wants to change. The sad part is, the people quick to jump in on a thread like this and say "Japan has apologized! Move on!, etc" are the same ones who support rescinding it and all the other denials and ultra-right moronic moves the J-government is making. That, or they jump on here and deflect by saying China and SK need to deal with their owns pasts, as though that makes Japan exempt from owning up to history (and not changing it!).

This young woman is bang on! For all who want to shake fists and say "Japan has apologized", I want to point out that the words mean nothing when insincere, and less than nothing when backed up by actions like those of Abe.

Please posters refrain from bringing up this; you think that these protesters are unaware of history and the apologies and compensation?

Yes, yes I think they actually are ignorant of those facts. Nationalists aren't really known for trying to get a balanced view of international relationships. For evidence, look at any country in East Asia.

I have to agree with the other posters. While these kids might be well intentioned, it's not very thoughtful rally. The issue isn't a lack of apologies or compensation, as Japan has done both. They should instead be protesting the politicians that put old grudges and selfish nationalism ahead of whats good for everyone in the region.

Japan signed a peace treaty with S. Korea which said "all" issues from the war were resolved.

Yet again, as this link shows, http://www.japanfocus.org/-Totsuka-Etsuro/3885 the matter was not resolved. In forcibly coercing the sex slaves, many of whom were under 21. And I quote: This becomes clear when we recall that the Convention concerning Forced or Compulsory Labour (No. 29) adopted by the International Labour Organization in 1930 was ratified by Japan in 1932. The first sentence of Article 2 prohibits forced labour of women. The Japanese Government has acknowledged that coercion was widely employed in recruitment and treatment of the comfort women. Article 25 stipulates that "The illegal exaction of forced or compulsory labor shall be punishable as a penal offence, and it shall be an obligation on any Member ratifying this Convention to ensure that the penalties imposed by law are really adequate and are strictly enforced." -

Korea, please do us a big favor. Please don't look this way, look the other way, thank you.

The old morons denying any of the wartime atrocities occurred are probably too stupid and ignorant to understand what the sign in English says.

Yup japan has apologised and paid compensation, ask the dim wits who have been in charge of korea what they did with the money. No go away and learn history before continuing to make a fool of yourself.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Japan has apologized. Compensation was paid to the SK government, but instead of giving that money to the women they used it to invigorate their moribund economy.

some of these "protsters" look pretty happy for people whio are upset by this historical issue.

Imagine if these eastern asian countries had a strong and vigorous relationship with each other. That's what they should strive for, as it would not only benifit themselves, but also the entire planet.

I agree that Japan needs to be much more transparent with their history and acknowledge the fact that they did terrible things back in the day, instead of seeing the apologetic attitude we're accustomed to. By taking the higher ground, it shows that Japan has evolved to something much greater.

Germany is a perfect example of this. They've acknowledged their history, and made amends for it along time ago. Now, they're the strongest country in Europe, with strong ties everywhere. By taking the higher ground, it made Germany prosper its relationship with its neighbours. That's what I'd love Japan to do as well. A strong relationship between the eastern asian countries is only benefitial to the world. I hope that Japan can make that jump someday so that its neighbours can put it past them and look ahead to the future.

Japan signed a peace treaty with S. Korea which said "all" issues from the war were resolved. Then a few years later, this issue was brought up. The treaty was signed, so it could not be handled between governments, so a private fund was set up. But that wasn't good enough, and the sex slaves were again.

Well, Japan has apologised. But unfortunately the message has been clouded by idiotic deniers who seem to be getting more and more prevalent as time goes by. Again Japan is handing an easy diplomatic victory to a country with a much shallower history of democracy, human rights and openness. The two countries should just get together in a serious academic forum to examine all evidence and come up with a history they can both agree on. Then talk about, excuse me, more important matters of mutual interest and benefit including North Korea and China.