S Korean assembly speaker says apology needed from Japanese emperor

Live up to your signed agreements Korea. You owe an apology to your own people by keeping this alive. #2015

Give it a rest, please!

Emperor Akihito, in 1996: "There was a period when our nation brought to bear great sufferings upon the people of the Korean Peninsula. The deep sorrow that I feel over this will never be forgotten"

This is why I have ZERO respect for Koreans.... apologies have been made and reparations paid, but they still continually use this issue for their own political gain. The Japanese do have their faults, no doubt, but they have too much pride to play the victim more than one time. OK, yes, you do hear from A-Bomb survivors and relatives, but it is not specifically directed at any one country. It is mainly a call to reduce or scrap all Nuclear weapons.

Then they’ll want the new emperor to apologize and so on.

This is a resolved issue. Keeping it alive in this way serves no purpose , but to fan the flames of hostility. Instead, we should be trying to promote peace and goodwill between nations.

This is why I have ZERO respect for Koreans.... 

Let's be fair, I have zero respect for both Korean AND Japanese politicians and anyone else who are constantly thumbing their noses at the other.

I have a hell of a lot of respect for the rest of the Koreans and Japanese who are constantly visiting each others countries and have a great time! They ignore all the BS and get on with their lives!

THe problem will never be solved if people keep over generalizing

Yawn.....

The online version of South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo said that by hurting Japanese national sentiment, Moon's remarks are "expected to cause repercussions."

I sense objectivity here. Something utterly alien to Japanese press.

I think SK representatives should just meet up with all the remaining CM, and ask them what exactly do they want from Japan, and then make that an official request. That way, they can be sure if Japan complies, that would be the end of it. They should NOT be making any official requests before consulting the victims first.

If I ever thought that having the Emperor apologize that this would resolve the issue once and for all, I might be persuaded. But you just know that once he apologized, then he would have to go and meet the women and then it would be money and it would never end. And I can say that with some level of confidence because that is what Korea has already done every time Japan tries to make amends.

It seems that they would make more statues even if Emperor did it, because Korea easily breaks any promise, agreement.

Other countries in Asia have suffered under the Japanese during WWII and have forgiven or got over it. Why can't South Korea do the same?

 Why can't South Korea do the same?

They prefer miserable life in the past. But other victims move on for bright future.

Already done. Just as compensation was already paid.

I hate politicians like this.... well, to be honest, I detest most politicians!

The South Korean government it’s frankly getting to pushy in this matter,now ask the Emperor to apologize?

And what next? Do they want him to bow in front of the assembly?

South Koera obviously want to humiliate Japan and it’s people.

Japan should absolutely ignore these Koreans muppets.

The emperor is one of the nicest person and a man of peace which deserve respect.

"If a person like that holds the hands of the elderly and says he's really sorry, then that one word will resolve matters once and for all," he said when asked how South Korea and Japan can end their long-running rows over wartime history.

"It only takes one word from the prime minister, who represents Japan -- I wish the emperor would do it since he will step down soon," Moon was quoted as saying.

Yeah, and if anyone actually believes this nonsense, I have 20 acres of farmland on sale for 500 yen in Japan.

Even if by some incredibly long odds, the emperor does apologize specifically in regards to South Korea, it would make zero difference. Don't forget, the president of South Korea crowed that the comfort women issue was resolved when Japan and South Korea signed the landmark deal several years ago. And, just as I had predicted, slowly but surely the South Korean antagonists complained that it was invalid somehow, and that Japan needs to resolve the issue.

And there will always be something else to nitpick about. Oh, b-b-but, the emperor didn't get down on both knees and beg for forgiveness with tears in his eyes, so the apology was not valid. And so on and so forth. The sooner the world catches onto this scam, the better it will be for Japan. The South Korean government and many of its people base its existence and value on demonizing all things Japan, so we can't have anything that would actually lead to meaningful peace and relationships between the two now, can we?

Reparations were paid, the elected government chose to use them on infrastructure and graft. Apologies were made, they’ve been ignored. “Final agreements” were signed, then ripped up.

70 years after the War’s end, the Koreans are still moaning about it because of national ego and domestic politics.

Enough. Stuff it.

The Abe Cabinet will absolutely be ordering the present and future Emperor to NOT apologize again. The issue is finished, over. Moon just continues the anti-Japan propaganda to desperately grab some votes, knowing a coup is on the horizon.

WA4TKG summarized all of this most succinctly earlier today: "Yawn....."

with peace developing in the north a new enemy is needed.

Emperor Akihito was only a schoolboy during the War.

The son shouldn't need to apologise or atone for his father's involvements.

S. Korea keeps putting gas on the fire, keep thinking of ways to escalate the situation constantly!

Japan you have done too much for Korea already. It's an insult to other countries you've been more aggressive too and never received anything and they moved on! You treat S. Korea so special and they hate you the Most!

No doubt that Koreans would be quiet about this issue if Emperor apologized. There are other issues, they say again Emperor must apologize it every time. As a result they would always try to use Emperor's apology for any.

correction:

No doubt that Koreans would NOT be quiet about this issue if Emperor apologized. There are other issues, they say again Emperor must apologize it every time. As a result they would always try to use Emperor's apology for any.

The new Emperor, once elevated to the Throne, may well feel disposed to offering an apology. Though it's doubtful that it would be the end of the matter. Yet more demands for compensation/restitution are sure to follow.

These endless rows over wartime history need the attention of a dedicated non political organisation charged with a remit to develop a more pragmatic approach through a joint understanding, that only a dignified exchange of views can a process be found for genuine reconciliation to begin.

To demand the humiliation of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito, is typical of the present South Korean Government that justifies wheeling out frail pensioners to provoke, inflame, and political poison future generations whether of Korean or Japanese descent.

Regardless of the realities, the Korean government / politicians will always use anything related to Japan and the war / occupation / annexation to maintain public support. And any Korean politician that turned around and said that Japan has already provided compensation and the Emperor has apologized, etc. etc. would be dead politically in Korea. That's just the domestic politics of it.

Politicians align with the conservatives / nationalists in their own countries and while sometimes it may be because they genuinely believe in the issue at hand, it is also for political reasons.

As for the demonstrations by the right wingers / ultra nationalists in Japan being free speech, yes, absolutely. However, equally, the argument that has been made in Korea is that a comfort woman statue in front of the Japanese Embassy in Korea, while provocative, is also a form of free speech by Korea citizens. And it is not funded by the Korean government.

The problem is that when it comes to these statues, the Japanese government tries to argue that it is a violation of agreements and even of international protocols involving diplomats. And, yet, all of them are not government funded, so if the government were to force their removal, they would be stifling free speech / expression by private citizens / groups.

To make matters worse, the Japanese government has vigorously protested similar statues / plaques in places like New Jersey or California that are not in proximity to any Embassy or Consulate. Which makes it clear that the Japanese government does not respect free speech when it is in the form of a statue, even when it is clearly outside the scope of government-to-government agreements.

Look, I am no fan of how the Korean government is behaving, I am just trying to highlight some relevant issues.

Japan's biggest problem is this: it has not, once and for all, told Korea to F off, to draw a line in the sand. They are far too diplomatic and have been far too accommodating over the years, which has basically fed the perpetual anti-Japan machine in Korea.

What they should do is this:

-- Tell Korea that there will be no more apologies.

-- Tell Korea that there will be no more payments in relation to anything related to the war.

-- Tell Korea that they can put up whatever darn statues they want, but they won't get any more monies / apologies from Japan

-- Tell Korea that should Korea try to extract money from Japan / Japanese companies through their court systems, that there will be immediate and punitive action by Japan in response, to include seizing Korean assets in Japan.

Seriously, stop pussyfooting around on this issue and just draw a line in the sand. In the long run, it will be better.

"If a person like that [the Emperor] holds the hands of the elderly and says he's really sorry, then that one word will resolve matters once and for all," 

Really? One word from one person is going to stop all this crap from South Korea? I’ll believe that when I see it.

Why don't they get Nakasone to apologise. He's the one who started it:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/01/national/media-national/uncomfortable-truth-comfort-women/#.XF-OxC2B3UI

I am really tired of all this from South Korea. I think most of you are too, good comments, for the most part. Enough South Korea. You're really beginning to hurt yourselves.

70 years after World War 2...and the Koreans are still moaning. Move on!!!

Japan's biggest problem is this: it has not, once and for all, told Korea to F off, to draw a line in the sand. They are far too diplomatic and have been far too accommodating over the years, which has basically fed the perpetual anti-Japan machine in Korea.

What they should do is this:

-- Tell Korea that there will be no more apologies.

-- Tell Korea that there will be no more payments in relation to anything related to the war.

-- Tell Korea that they can put up whatever darn statues they want, but they won't get any more monies / apologies from Japan

-- Tell Korea that should Korea try to extract money from Japan / Japanese companies through their court systems, that there will be immediate and punitive action by Japan in response, to include seizing Korean assets in Japan.

I totally agree with you. I don't know why Japan has not done these. Maybe it is a little coward. It seems to me that prime minister Abe and his government probably decided to tell or show strong actions to S Korea clearly after the seizing assets occurred in S Korea and fire targeting radar incidents.

Telling someone to F off is a very difficult thing to do between nations. Especially nations that have strong economic ties as well as mutual allies with aligning interests. Things like that may force allies to have to choose sides.

Something even more interesting to me is that aside from the radar issue, I can’t find mention of these things in Korean news agencies in English or in Korean. I’ve checked Koreatimes, Yonhap, and Naver so far.

I totally agree with you. I don't know why Japan has not done these. Maybe it is a little coward. It seems to me that prime minister Abe and his government probably decided to tell or show strong actions to S Korea clearly after the seizing assets occurred in S Korea and fire targeting radar incidents.

I think the Gaimusho is populated by a bunch of diplomatic pussies!

Japan needs to forget the niceties and just be assertive. Particularly when its neighbors are more than willing to do so!!

The problem is that when it comes to these statues, the Japanese government tries to argue that it is a violation of agreements and even of international protocols involving diplomats. And, yet, all of them are not government funded, so if the government were to force their removal, they would be stifling free speech / expression by private citizens / groups.

Compensations and apologies have done by Japan under the understood agreement of both government and government, so the statue should be removed right after Japan did it, though free speech/expression is understandable. The problem seems only between S Korean government and its people. Not Japan any more.

Let the poor guy retire without involving in any of these politics. Because that's what the whole thing, just politics... and hate. Also, get over it already.

Sigh.... This should be interesting

Emperor Akihito was only a schoolboy during the War.

The son shouldn't need to apologise or atone for his father's involvements.

And yet he already has apologised, directly to the South Korean people. I suspect another apology would be quickly forgotten. Ah well.

"the son of the main culprit of war crimes," 

“If a person like that holds the hands of the elderly and says he's really sorry, then that one word will resolve matters once and for all," 

Unfortunately you just spoilt the chance of it ever happening by demanding it. Fail. Either incredibly stupid or deliberately stoking the flames of hatred. Bit of both most likely. Playing the endless victim and deliberately sabotaging all chances of moving forward. Top work Korea.

To me, it has now gotten to a point where that statue only represents a nagging Korean, rather than a "comfort woman". Enough already!

We already paid billions, what more do you want, us to start break dancing??

"There was a period when our nation brought to bear great sufferings upon the people of the Korean Peninsula. The deep sorrow that I feel over this will never be forgotten"

Add just one simple sentence at the end: We are truly sorry as a nation.

The call is very make sense! It is late to apology for what Japan done since Meiji until 1945! The present emperor owrs apologies to every neighbour countries!

This matter has be en settled over and over. Payments made many times over the years. No, Emperor should not apologize.

The Japanese head of state, who can officially represent the state called Japan, has never apologized to Koreans regarding various atrocities committed during the WWII, not to mention the comfort women issue. I know nobody teaches it in Japanese schools.

His latest statement regarding the atrocities during the WWII was "痛惜の念" in 1990, which sounded to Koreans as derision rather than apology. Why is it so difficult for him to apologize straightforwardly?

Just one sentence of sincere apology from the Japanese head of state will solve those problems that persisted more than 70 years between the two countries all at once. It does not require even 1 yen. Why is it so difficult in Japan?

To say anything meaningful, one must read the following document:

"Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea" signed on June 22, 1965 (https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%20583/volume-583-I-8471-English.pdf)

Also, (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_Basic_Relations_between_Japan_and_the_Republic_of_Korea)

"Statement by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the war's end"

(https://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/press/pm/murayama/state9408.html)

3." Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on the result of the study on the issue of "comfort women"

August 4, 1993

(https://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/women/fund/state9308.html)

No statement by the emperor.

He could admit his father was a war criminal.

As in China, in Korea there are nationalist patriotic groups who depend on historical friction with Japan to ensure voluntary donations to their groups, and some of that money goes to their politicians and bureaucrats. It is a win/win scheme. (I'm not saying that we don't have this in Japan too.)

Let me get this straight, the emperor was a pawn so has no responsibility despite having the command headquarters at the palace and magically having the power to stop the war, correct?

Very few people who were alive during the time of the Japanese Empire are alive today, within or outside of Japan. Most likely, today's Japanese are very different from the people of eighty years ago. Most people, under the wrong circumstances, are capable of horrible deeds, whether Japanese or any other nationality.

To demand the humiliation of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito,....

Why would an apology be a humiliation?

I feel pity to the Korean government. this kind of attitude is really disgusting..

Moon called Emperor Akihito "the son of the main culprit of war crimes,"

"If a person like that holds the hands of the elderly and says he's really sorry, then that one word will resolve matters once and for all," …....

The South Korean Government is not politically perusing reconciliation.

The tone implies ignominy, abasement. The request is a mockery of atonement. Filled with a spiteful loathing, vengeful retribution.

I believe our emperor just might do it. He’s a man of peace. The LDP may want and try to stop him but this may be his departing gift to world peace. Heart above politicians.

Deep sorrow ≠ I’m sorry.

The Abe Cabinet will absolutely be ordering the present and future Emperor to NOT apologize again.

Sinse when does a Cabinet order the Head of State.

Ex_ResFeb. 10  06:59 pm JST

To demand the humiliation of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito,....

Why would an apology be a humiliation?

Probably that is why the Japanese heads of state tenaciously have refused to apologize to Koreans regarding the WWII atrocities during the past 70 years. Any apology is a humiliation to Samurai? I am curious.

@SpeedToday

Here's a tip for you S. Korea. Go dig up Emperor Hirohito and beg him to apologize. HE was there. Not Akihito or Naruhito.

I know it is a joke, but even Hirohito would not be eligible to represent Japan now, if he is still alive. In relationships between nationals, who can officially represent a nation does matter. In the case of Japan, prime ministers can not represent Japan as a nation. Only the current head of state,  Akihito, can represent Japan. I see a lot of problems in Japanese education and schools.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_heads_of_state_and_government

Only the current head of state, Akihito, can represent Japan. I see a lot of problems in Japanese education and schools.

Again talking nonsense I see.

The Emperor is not Head of States, he is the symbol of Japan.

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%B1%A1%E5%BE%B4%E5%A4%A9%E7%9A%87%E5%88%B6

The head of states in Japan is the Prime Minister.

Reconciliation will never be achievde by demanding politically motivated vengeful retribution.

Any political will is conspicuously absent.

Over 82% of population of modern day Japan were never present and the remainder barely infants and children. To demand in the 21st century, the Government and people of Japan be held legally accountable is totally without justification.

Malice, resentment, and the overwhelming desire to punish will never bring about reconciliation.

Only through a dignified exchange, education and understanding will achieve results..

Allied POW memorial unveiled in western Japan.....British Embassy Minister attends unveiling ceremony at reconciliation event in Nagasaki.........

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/allied-pow-memorial-unveiled-in-western-japan

Julia Longbottom, Minister at the British Embassy.......

“Today’s ceremony is a moment to remember the fortitude and endurance of the Nagasaki Prisoners of War; as well as to celebrate the generosity of spirit that has made today’s act of reconciliation so moving and meaningful”

“It’s a fantastic example of the impact that Japanese volunteers and civil society can have. All those who visited were deeply touched by the humanity and the warmth of their Japanese hosts. One visitor told me that coming to Japan for this event had ‘changed everything’. I found it an important reminder of the power of sharing information, and forging human relationships to achieve reconciliation”

It's the Abe government that is responsible for straining the Japan-Republic of Korea relations as we see today. Abe himself stopped short of saying there were no such facts as comfort women (and forced labor) because no document had been found that showed them.  But document could have been destroyed to efface the untoward evidence.

It's the Abe government that is responsible for straining the Japan-Republic of Korea relations as we see today. Abe himself stopped short of saying there were no such facts as marching people for comfort women and forced labor because no document had been found that showed these facts. But document could have been destroyed to efface the untoward evidence.

Why would an apology be a humiliation?

An apology demanded in public by a hostile politician is indeed a humiliation. If they really wanted an apology, they would have asked quietly. If they really wanted an apology, they would have accepted the dozens of previous apologies that Korean propagandists pretend don't exist.

Why not publicly demand that he stand on his head and sing the latest K-pop hit? It's all games for the K-politicians anyway.

@Triring

The head of states in Japan is the Prime Minister.

Your Japanese guys never disappoints me. Japan has a marvelous education system.

The Emperor of Japan is the head of the Imperial Family and the head of state of Japan. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_of_Japan

There is actually enough debate over that Head of State issue for a whole Wikipedia article:

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AE%E5%85%83%E9%A6%96

Most of Indonesian, Filipino, Malaysian, Taiwanese etc., that suffered during the Japanese Occupation has moved on, but South Korean (& obviously Chinese) couldn't. Ego much?

Yes. Japanese are wonderful people who can make diplomatic relationships with other countries even without knowing who is their head of state. As long as it is a domestic issue, it does not matter so much who is the head of state. But as a matter of international affairs, S. Koreans consider it exactly the same as the English Wikipedia describes. If your guys have better try to persuade the English Wiki instead of me. Again, what a wonderful country and people!

Whether Akihito is the Japanese head of state or not, as Japanese people like to argue here, does not matter here. The point is that just one sentence of sincere apology from him (or his son later) will solve those problems that persisted for more than 70 years between the two countries all at once.

A stupid comment from a South Korean politician. The Emperor has already apologized even though he is only a symbol and not head of State. The PM who is the head of State has already apologized, the last one being part of the 2015 Agreement which South Korea has unilaterally broken. Every single person living in Japan could apologize and that will not be enough because South Korean demands for apology are not meant to settle or resolve an issue, only to keep the hate and blame going in perpetuity.

Reconciliation will never be achievde by demanding politically motivated vengeful retribution.

Any political will is conspicuously absent.

Over 82% of population of modern day Japan were never present and the remainder barely infants and children. To demand in the 21st century, the Government and people of Japan be held legally accountable is totally without justification.

Malice, resentment, and the overwhelming desire to punish will never bring about reconciliation.

Only through a dignified exchange, education and understanding will achieve results..

Allied POW memorial unveiled in western Japan.....British Embassy Minister attends unveiling ceremony at reconciliation event in Nagasaki.........

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/allied-pow-memorial-unveiled-in-western-japan

Julia Longbottom, Minister at the British Embassy.......

“Today’s ceremony is a moment to remember the fortitude and endurance of the Nagasaki Prisoners of War; as well as to celebrate the generosity of spirit that has made today’s act of reconciliation so moving and meaningful”

“It’s a fantastic example of the impact that Japanese volunteers and civil society can have. All those who visited were deeply touched by the humanity and the warmth of their Japanese hosts. One visitor told me that coming to Japan for this event had ‘changed everything’. I found it an important reminder of the power of sharing information, and forging human relationships to achieve reconciliation”

Yes, nice to see reconciliation, but maybe the arrival below should be investigated from a book by Dr.Felton.

In August 1945, 387 British PoWs being used as slave-labourers were at work in the mines of Japan’s Sado Island when their guards quietly withdrew after the surrender. A series of explosions entombed them behind thousands of tons of rock and rubble.

Dr Felton says: “The prisoners’ bodies remain inside the mine, forgotten victims of the Kempeitai.”

Hi, Ex_Res,

There is no escape, hiding place or denial from the horrors and acts of extreme brutality inflicted by the Empire and Imperial Japanese Forces. That can be said for any country.

Prisoners of War of the Japanese 1939-1945

https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/prisoners-of-war-of-the-japanese-1939-1945

Above all there has to be process of reconciliation,.

Also, an understanding and recognition that modern day Japan, the people, the constitution, the renouncement of war is paramount to society, cherished, nurtured and prised above all things, certainly above the right wing politicians that dominate media attention. Unjustifiably

Learning early as a financial and economic research assistant for a number of UK politicians, supplementing my student loan, politics has little on no distinguishing ethics. It is a law unto itself when defining motives and agendas.

Why would the present relationship, diplomatic and political, between the Governments of japan and South Korean ameliorate to a more justificatory conclusion, from an arbitrary additional apology from Emperor Akihito?

That is both diplomatically and politically ludicrous, absurd

The present Japanese and South Korean governments could not be more diverse. One conservative, the other a left wing liberal progressive. Politicly the volatility associated with oxygen-oil.

Whether Akihito is the Japanese head of state or not, as Japanese people like to argue here, does not matter here. The point is that just one sentence of sincere apology from him (or his son later) will solve those problems that persisted for more than 70 years between the two countries all at once.

The historical record of Koreans simply do not support that assertion. Be it a treaty, another international agreement, or apologies, Koreans are developing a track record of not honoring them.

Even the West is (finally) wising up to this unfortunate fact. I'm not sure if you were here a few years back (say, before 2015), but it used to be very difficult to say anything less than supportive about comfort women here. There is a clear change in the latitude after the world saw in real time what Korea did to the 2015 agreement. There are still Korean apologists, of course, but the balance has clearly turned.

Difficult to read about this subject once again. How many apologies are necessary? Next time I will pass on reading anything about this subject.