Hashimoto says he lacked sensitivity to U.S. perception of prostitution

but said he may have lacked “international sensitivity.”

International sensitivity? What about being sensitive to your own?

lacked “international sensitivity.”

Really? How about you offended ever single person in Japan. You make it out like the country agrees 100% with you, which they don't. These types of politicians aren't welcomed in today's society and should be weeded out for their draconian views of how things work.

"he said his remarks might have seemed inappropriate to people outside Japan with different values"

Or to Japanese people in Japan, I guess he missed all the criticism of his remarks by politicians of the other parties.

"he had no intention of retracting any of his earlier comments"

Oh well.

First of all, this isn't a prostitution issue. It's a sex slave issue. Second, you can't flip it around, and blame the foreigners for having the wrong "perception."

This guy is a clueless, slimy moron. To the extent that people follow this guy, Japan has got some serious problems.

He has all the signs of a grown up kindergartner who stomps his feet and blames the world when people don't see things "his way."

If he doesn't go down in flames after this, that's a sad, sad measure of the Japanese population.

These types of politicians aren't welcomed in today's society and should be weeded out for their draconian views of how things work.

Really? I disagree, these politicians are on the stage because it's the society and people that voted him and others like him (Ishihara Shintaro and the Ishin no kai) into office.

Their policies and talking points about pride and nationalism strike a tone with the conservatives in Japan.

You reap what you sow!

They would prefer he keep his mouth shut, even though people may agree with what he said, he shouldn't be embarrassing everyone by saying it outloud.

now imagine if it were Japanese women who were forced to be comfort women to Korean/Chinese soldiers, do you think the Japanese would just forgive and forget!?

He keeps making it worse, not better.

If there is one big mistake I made, that might have been my lack of understanding of culture behind the U.S. sex industry - if you mention adult entertainment in the U.S., everyone thinks of prostitution,

Which goes to show that he still does not really understand the heart of the matter at all. The issue is that he shows a complete lack of empathy to women and the victims of Japanese war atrocities, to the point where he extols the virtues of their mistreatment and use are mere sexual outlets in war time. This is his big mistake, not his arbitrary understanding of US sex industry. No amount of back peddling can hide that right now.

But he said his remarks might have seemed inappropriate to people outside Japan with different values.

What!? Imbecile!

In just about any other country he would be stood down.

What he lacks is a brain.

What a sad relection on Japan that this little man can still deny Japanese war atrocities and not only escape judgement by fellow Japanese, but probably enjoy even greater popularity within the country.

Maybe even sadder still is the collective shrug of the shoulders by the international community which goes to show just how far Japan has fallen off the radar.

I love hashimoto headlines. better than talking about AKB48

This guy speaks before switching on the brain in advance and then - as a good Japanese - just apologies, because if you apologies afterwards you are allowed to say and do whatever you want in Japan. It is a free for all ticket.

And he is seeking deeper, and deeper, and deeper...!

But he said his remarks might have seemed inappropriate to people outside Japan with different values.

Just what are Japan's values, Mr Hashimoto? Human rights don't seem to be part of them, from the way you talk.

I think he was trying to say fuzoku, which includes a lot more than prostitution, but translates in the dictionary to "sex industry".

Not content with one foot, now Hashimoto inserts the OTHER foot in his mouth. An unbelievable moron.

He is a complete moron once again for trying to blame the Japanese public for his opinions and then comparing prostitution to sex slavery - one is a sanctioned industry, the other is a crime against humanity.

Here's the thing. If the guy thinks this is a non-issue, then why is he raising it on his own?

Why raise this topic if he feels its much to do about nothing?

He talked about it because he knew he can garner "interest" out of it and seek out supports that shared his point of view.

Since he's won the votes to be elected as Mayor of Osaka, he knows who his supporters are including who's the donors.

So the whole point is to solidify the supports from voters who most certainly shared his views and try to gain as much votes and contributions out of this.

Like so many of his sympathizer on this board had said, its long gone history. So why is raising up the muck at this point in time?

He's not a gov't official. He's an opportunistic politician just like most in Japan. The difference is he has no moral turpitude and would jeopardize Japan's national and security interest in order for his personal gains.

All you people here argue whether its "PC" or "truth during that period" or "what others had also done" bears no meaning to this. The point is, whatever he said will most certainly HARM Japan's image and national interest and anger neighbors as well as Japan's allies. As Mayor of Osaka and a nationally recognized and important politician, there is ZERO chance that he wouldn't have known.

He's a selfish politician who put himself over national interest and security. He embarrassed his nation and his people.

That alone should warrant his resignation.

No, this is the Japan, WE Gave Back to you... The Japan, My forefathers Fought and Died to STOP YOUR War Machine, only to Build YOU up, give you a Constitution, Freedom, Democracy, Women's Right, and Prosperity... And the Japan, I and My Fellow American's Helped Protect, and Maintain YOUR Security and Freedom to bite the Hand that Fed you... You're Welcome!

You know, with comments like this it's relatively easy to view you as an American version of Hashimoto. Maybe it's time to get with the program, it's 2013 and not 1945."

This is to inform you that your message on JapanToday.com has been removed for the following reason: Impolite to other user

So referring to a user here as being the same as Hashimoto is "impolite"? What does that say about the article and the person in general then?

Moderator: It says more about you.

raise your hand, if you despise, Japanese political intransigence and expediency.. for, that is not only a Japanese characteristic, .. it is all too human. 　

.. except in Japan, most Japanese just say, しかたがない..

and do nothing.

He is a first class moron who hates Japan. If he liked Japan, he would not say things that hurt it....

Seems like he's succeeded in offended almost everyone and lacks any judgment (or good advise) about how to get out of this situation.

Most lawyers create problems where none exist. He is one of them.

No, this is the Japan, WE Gave Back to you... The Japan, My forefathers Fought and Died to STOP YOUR War Machine, only to Build YOU up, give you a Constitution, Freedom, Democracy, Women's Right, and Prosperity... And the Japan, I and My Fellow American's Helped Protect, and Maintain YOUR Security and Freedom to bite the Hand that Fed you... You're Welcome!

You know, with comments like this it's relatively easy to view you as an American version of Hashimoto. Maybe it's time to get with the program, it's 2013 and not 1945.

The stupidity of Hashimoto's pathetic comment about sex slaves is one thing but what I find amusing is the US reaction to his remark about US Forces in Okinawa patroizing the local "sex services" more. The US Forces already partake of both the legal and, heaven forbid, the illegal "services" on a regular basis already! For a US congressman to express "outrage" at the suggestion of US military in Okinawa patronizing prostitutes is crazy! At the beginning of the occupation they even set up brothels in Yokohama for the occupation forces! Big difference between that and forced sex slavery and Hasimoto was even more stupid for putting the two together in almost the same breath. If he hadn't mentioned the sex slavery at all I'm pretty sure the same congressman would have been outraged at tge suggestion the the US military even consider "paying" for sex, the legal Japanese kind or the illegal "go all the way" variety!

International sensitivity

I'm not sure who he thinks he is but seems he has the wrong idea about himself. He's the Mayor of Osaka, he doesn't need it. No-one outside of Osaka needs to know who he is. 99% of the people in the world couldn't find Osaka on a map.

Give me a break and stop whining around about somebody's remarks. Free speech anyone?

This is JT, free speech doesnt count!

sensitivity or stupidity?

he should just stay in focus on Osaka´s own city problems.

He is saying the same thing with a new phrasing only: "It was only regular professional prostitution, and the rest of the world doesn't understand that regular professional prostitution is 'normal'". He is evading the issue of what is nowadays called sex trafficking, i.e., not professional prostitution but coerced prostitution. (http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/march_2011/human_sex_trafficking). Hashimoto, forget about everything else except sex trafficking, it is the only issue to be concerned about. There is documentation about Dutch women being subject to sex trafficking directly by Japanese military = (http://www.awf.or.jp/e1/netherlands.html). They are a relatively small number, but it proves that it occurred.

Really horrible things occur in war. Different countries commit different kinds of atrocities. I'm American. I think America is great country. But America undeniably committed an atrocity poisoning Vietnam with Agent Orange; even now children are being born with birth defects because of Agent Orange. I would like to see America face up to its mistake, make a full apology with no expiration date, and do more to solve the problems Vietnam inherited from the war. It's just what I expect from a grown up country like the US.

I also think Japan is a great country. The people are hard working real people. Of course they are proud of their country. They are always thinking about self improvement, and this is why Hashimoto is popular, because he is not stuck in a rut and is willing to say things others won't say because they are worried about disturbing the status quo. He is willing to shake things up.

Example: When Hashimoto was governor of Osaka, he suggested moving some US Air Force from Okinawa to a money losing bubble era airport in Osaka. An obviously good idea when you consider that the Okinawan's are factually correct in saying that they are disproportionately burdened with hosting US troops.

Now I wish Hashimoto would just grow a little more. Bad stuff happened. One can debate forever about how much happened but it is all mizu-kake-ron (debate without end) at this point. Japan already issued an apology over this issue so just stick to it and don't try to attach "ifs" and "buts" to water it down.

History is filled with atrocities. Only the best countries can look back at what they did, reflect, apologize, and move forward. Ganbare Nippon.

If Hashimoto says he lacked common sense.

We would all aggree.

"Japan’s far-right politicians have lost their minds,” South Korea’s JoongAng Daily...now I can say I finally disagree with some of the sentiments coming from Korea regarding Japanese politics: I don't think they have ever had a sound mind in the first place. Hashimoto teaming up with Ishihara, what did you expect?

@mikku510....Read the post I was replying to.

Hashimoto says he lacked sensitivity

and commonsense

he said his remarks might have seemed inappropriate to people outside Japan with different values.

So in other words, what he said reflects Japanese values and is therefore appropriate in Japan? Hmmm. This joker just seems to dig himself deeper with every word.

“I admit that my international sensitivity was quite poor when I had to operate beyond national borders.”

This quote should read, "My intelligence is quite poor when I have to operate beyond my twisted little mind!" Furthermore, his statement about 'the US perception of prostitution' is even more foot-in-mouth' nonsense. It is only he and a few of his cronies that share the perception. Please, get rid of this fool!

The problem for people defending Mr Hashimot on the basis of what he said in his recent interviews is that these are things he has been forced into saying as a result of massive adverse reaction to his earlier comments.

It was not so long ago, that Mr Hashimoto was claiming that there was no proof that these atrocities ever occurred. Then he said that they were the necessities of war. Now he is saying that they were indeed atrocities and offering to host comfort women to apologise personally. That is a big turnaround that he would not have made, he hadn't been obliged to by public opinion. Those women simply won't come to see him without statements like that being made. Hashimoto is simply paying a political price now to try and avoid a greater one later at the ballot box.

The same goes for his remarks about America. Do you think politicians like to admit they made a mistake? No. He's doing that because he has been told to by people who will make trouble for him if he doesn't.

Patric Spohn, yeah, but prostitution is illegal in Japan, and has been since 1958. Hashimoto knows this, so I wonder what (on earth) he really meant. by "legal sex industry". He could claim he really meant that US soldiers should stay at home with a sensored AV and a box of Kleenex, but he can't encourage people towards prostitution in a country where this is illegal.

Hashimoto and Ishihara really are two cheeks of the same dirty backside. If the good people of Osaka don't like what he says, vote him out, and replace him with a moderate. That will give the rest of the world a better impression of modern Japan, including China and South Korea.

this clown needs to go!

“His comment has violated women and our human rights, and tarnished Japan’s image and national interest,”

Everyone knows about Japan's sex industry. It's one of Japan's "dirty little secrets" that isn't so "secret" anymore, if it ever was.

I fail to see how this is a "lack of sensitivity to U.S. perception of prostitution." Do these kinds of "apologies" really work in this country? I guess so if all you have to do is go before a horde of cameras and video cameras and kowtow before the public saying sorry like we so often see. But his comments have nothing to do with Japan's forced prostitution of some 200,000 women who were brutally raped throughout their service to the Empire of Japan. Hashimoto just proves again what an ignorant fool he is, and shows his (obvious) lack of understanding of Japanese history.

By the way, doesn't this go against Article 99 of the Japanese constitution???

This is Japan not AMERICA. who cares what Americans think about prostitution.

BECAUSE if you haven't been following along (obviously) he wondered aloud why the AMERICAN's dont use hookers!

"Lacked sensitivity" .... do you think?

By the way, doesn't this go against Article 99 of the Japanese constitution???

How so?

now imagine if it were Japanese women who were forced to be comfort women to Korean/Chinese soldiers, do you think the Japanese would just forgive and forget!?

But there were Japanese comfort women and there were also hundreds of thousands of Koreans and Chinese who served in the Japanese army...

Say it with a vote at the next election!

I doubt he offended "every single person in Japan". Uyoku Dantai probabaly thought he was pretty spot on. Bet the gaisensha will be going on about this over the coming weekend.

He proved how little he knows about the world

Hashimoto does know that prostitution has been illegal in Japan since 1958 but that is only about one type of sex. But the law doesn't seem any defined penalties. They also get around the law by not calling it what it is but things like enjo kosai. But for a Japanese politician to suggest breaking Japanese law is interesting. Maybe he doesn't know it's illegal.

Foot in the mouth syndrome!! In his case it has been stuck there for quite a while and I do not think it has come out!

Everytime a gaffe like this comes out of a Japanese politcian's mouth, it resets the clock 70 years backwards with its neighbours... Move forward, Japan....not backwards !!!

nigelboy:

This P.C. stuff is getting a wee bit ridiculous.

How about if people were to say nasty things about the atomic bombs and that they were just a figment of the Japanese imagination? Can we also joke about it? It's funny how you're always here to defend any disgusting behaviour by Japanese politicians.

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who outraged many with remarks about Japan’s wartime and modern sexual services, stood by his comments Thursday,

This is the problem. Every time there's a half-baked apology (although I don't think it's even an apology as such, just regret at 'insensitivity'), there's always a 'but'. The grovelling he's doing now makes no difference, because he meant what he said, and he's just admitted as such. He is a horrible low life.

Hashimoto refused to step down as mayor. He said that is up to voters.

And these ugly politicians being voted in time and time again is a reflection of the Japanese, even those who couldn't be bothered to vote.

This is one big gift to anyone who is anti-Japan.

The author of this article "inadvertently" leaves out the following statement by Jen Psaki:

"Mayor Hashimoto's comments were outrageous and offensive," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

And why shouldn't they use hookers? There is nothing morally wrong. Japanese males use them every day . Right, there's nothing morally wrong with prostitution. Except, you know, for the fact that Japan is a major destination for victims of human trafficking.

Open your eyes, sexual slavery is alive and well in Japan. If you really think there's "nothing wrong" with it, then you need to do some serious research.

Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who outraged many with remarks about Japan’s wartime and modern sexual services, stood by his comments 。。

oh p1ss 0ff...

yeah i agree not outraged at all

Just give the guy a microphone and let him keep talking. Eventually he'll sink his own political future as people see just how unfit this guy is for public office in a democratic society.

Perhaps he might like go a step further and agree that the Japanese Imperial Army's

"international sensitivity was quite poor when" they "had to operate beyond national borders” too.

Maybe he (and others) will start to realise that what other cultures see as "sordid" Japanese values have no place on the international stage. Then perhaps he will realise that nothing short of a full retraction and apology for his comments is in any way acceptable.

In most civilised democracies his resignation would also be a minimum expectation, that is how to apologise with dignity. However, we all know that cultural sensitivity has never been one of Japan's strong points and that partial retractions and apologies are merely a tool to protect the proverbial political skin. I wish the people here would wake up and hold their elected officials to slightly higher standards.

Patric Spohn, hope you get your throat slit

craig, great post mate.

Hashimoto, 43, is co-head of the newly formed Japan Restoration Party with former Tokyo Gov Shintaro Ishihara, who is a strident nationalist.

Guys like him and Ishihara are funny. Just like some in the US politics are "Chicken Hawks" when it comes to nationalist agendas. I am for Japan having more of a respect in their own well being and not relying on the US to defend them. If that is their wish to do so then do it. What gets me is guys like Hashimoto and others speak loud, but really have no skin in the game. Has Hashimoto ever served in the SDF? From what I understand, belonging to the SDF or working in the Defense ministry is not really seen as a "grerat job" and it is somewhat branded as second best. Yet guys like Hashimoto want a strong military for Japan (which I don't mind) yet have not served and if they had kids old enough to serve would not send them. They just want to start off at the top.

Hmm, translation is never an easy thing. Literal translations can be miscontrued especially when there are cultural and philosophical differences, which is unfortunately inevitable between differing nations. It is also so easy for a political bias to be woven into a "translation", which a reader cannot detect. If the readers read the Japanese original full version coupled with an understanding of Japanese culture and sense of values, then the reactions to these comments may perhaps have been a little different.

Anyway, just for your information, according to Yomiuri Online Hashimoto twittered the following. (My translation btw. I am a compound bilingual)

"America and the rest of the world should face their own past with regards to how women were used in sex alongside the battlefield."

"During the occupation of Japan, didn't the Americans use Japanese women? It is a double standard when America ignores what they did themselves and aim their criticism just towards Japan."

Lack of sensitivity? OR reality?

I think Hashimoto Knew "EXACTLY" what he wanted to say and do. He used this opportunity to put a spotlight on Prostitution and the US Military. He knew it was wrong and insensitive yet also knew it was an attention getter. His true stand on prostitution is that he is 100% against it. He is also against the use of prostitution during the war. He spoke in such a fashion that he played everyone to get the true message out. I believe he is a lot smarter than people give him credit for. Stir the hornets nest and get everyone riled up to say "Hey! I'm sorry, I was wrong." No lets move on to talk about this sensitive subject in all sincerity. He knew that prostitution was also against the law. He planned on his visit with the general to use the propaganda as a spring board to his true attention.

Wow... this guy is REALLY digging his own grave. No apology, just some odd statement about 'not understanding American perceptions of prostitution'. He isn't taking back his statement that sexual slavery in Korea is the same as what Americans engage in Okinawa (insulting not only Japan's Asian neighbours, but Americans and the Japanese themselves), but insinuating that the US is in the wrong for their way of thinking (which he is also very wrong about).

And of course, he doesn't speak of a lack of sensitivity in his thinking or words, and especially not to his Asian neighbours.

twinans: "His true stand on prostitution is that he is 100% against it."

The only problem with that is that he said "Americans think of all elements of the sex industry as prostitution" (paraphrasing), which would indicate that 'the Japanese' think certain elements of the sex industry are NOT prostitution and are therefore okay.

How come japanese electors allow such bozo still occupy office?

Funny the guy who was busted for having an affair with a hostess would have such a comparatively laissez faire view on prostitution.

US Perception of prostitution....... USA people know what prostitution is. More than he understand. They also know pimps, human trafficking, too.

It seems that he is trying ti be a headliner in USA media. N. Korea's Mr. Kim was a headliner in USA until Boston terror story replaced him. Then Ohio kidnapping story. His stiries will never be in headlines. There are 50 states in USA. He is just an Osaka mayor. Even Tokyo's Inose did not make into headline, although Inose showed his ignorance to NY Times. What will be his next plan?

Hashimoto is trying to act like the mizu-shobai doesn't involve actual prostitution.

I guess he thinks that hostess he was paying was sleeping with him because of his sterling personality and not his yen.

You can tell by this comment that Hashimoto was not trying to talk about prostitution, but rather Japanese sex industry or "fuzoku", which is quite different from the American definition of sex industry. This was the misunderstanding that he was apologizing for.

No, this is not a misunderstanding. When Hashimoto is talking about fuzoku or mizu-shobai, he is absolutely talking about prostitution. Soaplands, delivery health, all elements of mizu-shobai have workers offering sex for money. And Hashimoto himself knows this, because he was paying a hostess for sex.

What you're talking about is a legal loophole—"it's not prostitution because if sex occurs, it's a private arrangement." That is absolute NONSENSE. Sex for money absolutely occurs in the mizu-shobai. It's an expectation. There's a reason Japan is a major destination for victims of human trafficking.

At　First　I　support Hashimoto becuse he tried to defend USMC's camp in okinawa from minority Anti-america leftist's brame.

But now I really regret that I defend him at initial stage---This stupid Guy is spoiling US-Japan alliance now! Its really awful

I hate Commy but I hate Facists too!

Yaburu,

And why shouldn't they use hookers? There is nothing morally wrong. Japanese males use them every day .

Also chill out little man, no need to get heated.

yes and womens rights involve being able to be a mother and a homemaker, hashimoto needs to balance his opinion about sex, and women. so yubaru, china and america can think they did it all for japan, but in fact japan digs its own hole. but women used for slavery now, today, right now, is what we should be discussing, and japan is the least of the culprits where this concerned.

In Germany it's 100% legal

exactly where rights for women as mothers and homemakers are the worst. its called monoism actually, but at least japan is not 100 percent

Hashimoto said Monday that on a recent visit to Okinawa he suggested to the U.S. commander there that the troops make use of the legal sex industry.

Riiiight. With the large majority of the water trade establishments utilizing a "no gaijin" policy. That's a laugh.

I think he says what many people believe in Japan. I stayed in Japan for few years and was surprised almost half the Japanese believe Japan did nothing wrong in WW2 and all comfort women were prostitutes anyways. He is just saying what his constituency believe in anyways?

define civilised democracy-you make no sense .higher standards indeed. how i read your definition of democracy, is not what it is. hashimoto is being democratic. in a democratic society you can say what you think, you are saying the opposite

Hashimoto is just a product of his environment and the so called Japanese education system.

"During the occupation of Japan, didn't the Americans use Japanese women? It is a double standard when America ignores what they did themselves and aim their criticism just towards Japan."

Did he say this? Obviously it's Korea that brings up the issue. Americans don't care about history unless it affects them directly.

How come japanese electors allow such bozo still occupy office?

Because everyone running are bozos. Sadly he is the best of the bunch.

More than 2.5 million people live in Osaka. Is Mr. Hashimoto really the best they can do?

And I wish more Japanese politicians would just come out and say what they really believe!

It's a politicians job to lie. No one wants politicians to tell the truth, it defeats the purpose of keeping everyone in the dark about the realities of the world. Believe me when I say the Japanese are much happier it seems living in the dark.

Hashimoto does know that prostitution has been illegal in Japan since 1958 but that is only about one type of sex. But the law doesn't seem any defined penalties. They also get around the law by not calling it what it is but things like enjo kosai. But for a Japanese politician to suggest breaking Japanese law is interesting. Maybe he doesn't know it's illegal.

It's shocking how many people here can't or refuse to read.

"f there is one big mistake I made, that might have been my lack of understanding of culture behind the U.S. sex industry - if you mention adult entertainment in the U.S., everyone thinks of prostitution"

You can tell by this comment that Hashimoto was not trying to talk about prostitution, but rather Japanese sex industry or "fuzoku", which is quite different from the American definition of sex industry. This was the misunderstanding that he was apologizing for.

The more negativity surrounding this guy, the more I support him. I'm tired of the PC brigade.

Saburo Ienaga is turning in his grave right now.

Some people wrote about Fuzolu and Mizushobai. Fuzoku is 'manners and customs'. Mizu shobai is business that offer watery drinks such as Sake and other alcoholic drinks. These words are not used for prostitution business that are done in Yukaku, Often, prostitutes were called Shobai-Onna., Baishun-fu.

This P.C. stuff is getting a wee bit ridiculous. How many have actually been court marshalled (SIC) for the violation of Executive Order 13387?

Not everyone who violates orders, is court marshaled. Some receive an Article 15 or Capt Mast as punishment or even a letter of reprimand.

The US has a skewed perception about the prostitution industry .

Yes, absolutely... I completely agree!

Give me a break and stop whining around about somebody's remarks. Free speech anyone? Or are you so bored with your life that one need to assess everything anyone says? Everyone with common sense knows that any army on this planet works smoother if guys are sexually balanced out. Much better than finding yourself harassing other ladies on the streets, no? What's wrong with prostitution btw? One cannot stop the world's oldest business, dig this. In Germany it's 100% legal. In Japan too, if you advertise it correctly and take the law into consideration. Btw, someone early mentioned that Okinawans are easy to be pursued into one-night-stands. I don't think so. Not every soldier is appealing to the ladies, no? So why don't offer these individuals a paid service? Get them off the streets wandering horny at night ;)

Best He can do is to keep his mouth shut. He has been spitting things he does not know by offending more. This is the end of Ishin-no-kai?

Hashimoto says he lacked sensitivity to U.S. perception of prostitution

You've got to admire the guy though... He says what he's really thinking...

And I wish more Japanese politicians would just come out and say what they really believe!

Obviously this guy didn't just fall off the turnip truck, he has a large constituency that thinks, and believes the same way Hashimoto does... I wish more of Japan's Ultra-Nationalist would just come right out and speak their minds, so the rest of the world would actually know what 50 or 75 Percent of the Japanese population believe.

Right now, 99 percent of Americans (and probably Europeans) have no idea the way Japan truly feels about itself, and it's perceived, "Aggrieved Righteousness." Boy, would they be in for a shock if they knew half of the things Japan said about them behind their backs...

How about if people were to say nasty things about the atomic bombs and that they were just a figment of the Japanese imagination? Can we also joke about it? It's funny how you're always here to defend any disgusting behaviour by Japanese politicians.

Where did that come from? I think you need to distinguish between PC and absurdity.

I don't think he is at all embarrassing. Hashimoto seemed to speak with candor, and kindness. It is a shame that he appears to be back tracking.

There are however lots of things he can apologize for 1) There are many documented instances of rape and coercion such as that of the Dutch women in Indonesia. 2) The comfort woman system appears to have been imho a system designed to be indentured labor (receiving an upfront payment for a promise to work). Indentured labor is considered to be slavery today. Once one signs up, one is bound to work for a certain period, which can be extended. Sadly indentured labor without recourse to filing for bankruptcy is common, especially in the sex industry today (so it is a good thing to apologize for, with a view to improving the future). 3) There were instances where those other than the employee signed on behalf of the worker possibly deceiving that worker as to the content of the work. This is resulted in straight out sex-slavery. 4) Even worse, as the Japanese government noted and warned against at the time, there were instances where the recruiters were straight out deceptive. Once again this was sex slavery pure and horrible. 5) With the worsening war situation for Japan, resulted in death, and at best delayed return for vast numbers of comfort women. 6) Prostitution (in the form of money for coitus) is something that the Japanese Government now considers to be sufficiently heinous on many levels as to be illegal and uncountenanceable within its borders.

And lots more tragedy.

But I fear that unless he asserts that the Japanese army rounded up 200,000 women at gunpoint put them in trucks and raped them and then apologizes for this, many spectators are not going to be satisfied with his apology.

I don't see what the big deal is. What Hashimoto said makes perfect sense.

The US has a skewed perception about the prostitution industry .

This is Japan not AMERICA. who cares what Americans think about prostitution.

This P.C. stuff is getting a wee bit ridiculous. How many have actually been court marshalled for the violation of Executive Order 13387?

U.S. officials rejected his proposal. “That goes without saying,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Tuesday in Washington.

Wow! What a hypocrite! U.S army do things much more terrible and never redeem himself before his mistake.

“We hope that Japan will continue to work with its neighbors to address this and other issues arising from the past and cultivate relationships that allow them to move forward,” Psaki told reporters Thursday.

Japan has apologized enough $$$.