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Taiwan activists demand Japan apologize over sex slaves

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This is never going to end is it? China, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines...who is next?

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

And how many apologies do they really want? They want an apology from every new PM ascending in power, from each and every Japanese citizen all over the world, big lump sum for those shouting rape obaasan whom we don't know by now just maybe their grandchildren are here legally in japan enjoying life to the fullest while selling their own family registry to their compatriots who are Japanese descendants wannabes, and just maybe getting a chunk of Japan ! No end really. Just let go, I say.

-4 ( +12 / -16 )

Trinkets2- But Abe reversed the apology.

But in remarks in 2007 that triggered a region-wide uproar, Abe, who also served as prime minister then, said there was no evidence that Japan directly forced women to work as sex slaves.

People keep forgetting this fact and using only select information to say 'How many times must we apologize?'

I am pretty sure any person would not feel satisfied if wronged, accepted an apology, then have someone else say that that person never should have apologized. If a regular person, maybe forgivable, but this was the Prime Minister saying the apology was made for a crime he considers never happened. Completely negates all past apologies until Abe officially retracts that statement and says that Japan acknowledges its past and will teach its children how to face the past and use it as a model of things that should never be repeated. Pride born out of denial will not help the world become a more peaceful place.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

Is it really an issue ?

-10 ( +4 / -14 )

They should just record the apology and put it on the answering service at the Embassy...

Good day, you have reached the Embassy of Japan in <Taiwan/China/Korea/Phillipines>. Press 1 for Consular services, Press 2 for Visa information, Press 3 for an apology about Sex Slaves, Press 4 for .....

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Wouldn't it upset PRC if Japan offered a separate apology or separated PRC and Taiwan in this requested new apology??

-9 ( +7 / -16 )

So it's not only Korea and China who are making up stories about comfort women?

8 ( +16 / -8 )

This is what Japanese government has to say through its subsidiary AWF on official AWF page.

http://www.awf.or.jp/e3/taiwan-01.html

The Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation, which had opposed the Asian Women's Fund ever since its projects began, reacted by distributing approximately 500,000 Taiwan dollars (equivalent to about 2 million Japanese yen) to each victim who submitted a signed oath that she would refuse benefits from the Asian Women's Fund.

That was what happened in 1998. I am a little surprised that the same organization is still there. I think their interest is not in rescuing women but in prolonging hate.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Is it really an issue ?

It is an issue for the victims who are still alive, who feel that it is injustice to have a man who openly denied there was coercion in comfort women return to power as the prime minister of Japan.

If you were the victim I bet you'd feel it is an issue. Those lucky enough not to have been affected by crimes of war should listen to what the victims have to say.

7 ( +13 / -6 )

That was what happened in 1998. I am a little surprised that the same organization is still there. I think their interest is not in rescuing women but in prolonging hate.

I think the point here is also that many women accepted the apology and the fund when it was established. You really can't do anything about those few who are under the influence of such activist group. They have an ulterior motive which is to keep the donations coming by keeping the controversy alive. At least the this one in Taiwan is tame compared to the Korean Council.

-9 ( +7 / -16 )

You really can't do anything about those few who are under the influence of such activist group. They have an ulterior motive which is to keep the donations coming by keeping the controversy alive.

It's easy to come up with conspiracy theories.

I think their motive is to stop denialism of history in Japan, seeing as even the prime minister himself is in it. Where else in the world would someone who openly denies past historical atrocities get the top job?

1 ( +8 / -7 )

I think their motive is to stop denialism of history in Japan, seeing as even the prime minister himself is in it. Where else in the world would someone who openly denies past historical atrocities get the top job

You keep repeating this Mitch and it was corrected numerous times by others, already. To refresh, Abe does not deny the existence of comfort women nor the force recruitment which had occurred to some of these women.

What Abe stated specifically is that during which time Kono Statement was made, there was no documented evidence within the government archive that Japanese government forced women to work as comfort women.

http://www.shugiin.go.jp/itdb_shitsumon.nsf/html/shitsumon/b166110.htm

I think instead of milking the same repeated fallacies, we could possibly improve the level of the debate.

-9 ( +9 / -18 )

It's funny how Chinese, Koreans and Taiwanese are always moaning and demand apologies and compensation about what happened over 70 years ago, but Filipinos and Indonesians moved past it decades ago.

The problem is that Koreans and Chinese both have inherent cultural problems that will never be resolved. Nothing can be done until they advance a bit up the ladder.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

nigelboy: "I think instead of milking the same repeated fallacies, we could possibly improve the level of the debate."

It's not a debate when one side is completely in denial. You asked a week or more back that the mods stop allowing comments on the denial of sex slaves by some politicians, because you said it was not true. But when given proof you refused to admit you were wrong. Would you like more links? How about some links to where you and Ossan claim they were prostitutes?

And you guys wonder why there's protest.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

What Abe stated specifically is that during which time Kono Statement was made, there was no documented evidence within the government archive that Japanese government forced women to work as comfort women.

And how is that not an effort by Abe to deny the facts about comfort women?

His intent is clear, and that is to downplay or deny the claims about Japanese atrocities.

What about Kawamura, the mayor of Nagoya denying the Nanjing massacre, as recently as in April this year, and Ishihara agreeing with him?

There is something systematically wrong when these denialists of history keep getting voted into power.

4 ( +11 / -7 )

tokyo_eiyuuAUG. 15, 2013 - 07:33AM JST This is never going to end is it? China, Taiwan, Korea, Philippines...who is next?

US.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

His intent is clear, and that is to downplay or deny the claims about Japanese atrocities.

Or perhaps maybe to tone down the overplay of "more than 200,000 women and girls were abducted by the armed forces of the government of imperial Japan" which seem to be the view among Korean population and her government.

-7 ( +10 / -17 )

hikkifan17: "It happened, they said sorry somewhere in history and now they want it again? Korea complaining, china complaining and now taiwan? Ugh...."

I KNOW! Imagine people being accountable for what happened, right?? I mean GEEZ already... how many nations have to blast Japan for its past instead of just shutting up for a bit of cash they got way back while Japan honors the people who caused them suffering at Yasukuni!?

I think a lot of the politicians forget a key point when asking people to forget the past while they go to honor it -- this is the anniversary of when Japan SURRENDERED, ie. had to admit they had their butts handed to them for the crimes they committed. The Imperial soldiers still alive today have admitted to the past in many cases and apologized, even going to Nanjing to apologize personally, and yet the politicians of today in many cases say that certain things never happened, or were not that bad, despite them never having been there or even alive at the time. I mean, just look at some of the posts on here; claims the women were prostitutes (if they admit it happened at all), that it's all China and Korea's fault (doh! Now the Philippines and Taiwan!), etc. The denial of the truth is still astounding.

3 ( +13 / -10 )

Or perhaps maybe to tone down the overplay of "more than 200,000 women and girls were abducted by the armed forces of the government of imperial Japan" which seem to be the view among Korean population and her government.

Maybe that is an over-estimate. Nobody went around with a clicker and counted them all individually.

Maybe it's 100,000 or far less. But to argue the estimates numbers defeats the point of discussion about the historical event. It's nothing but a distraction. For example it doesn't matter if 70,000 or 40,000 died in the A-bombing. It happened.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

dcog: "It's funny how Chinese, Koreans and Taiwanese are always moaning and demand apologies and compensation about what happened over 70 years ago, but Filipinos and Indonesians moved past it decades ago."

What's 'funny' is that a week ago you would not have included 'Taiwanese' in your comment, and that if the Filipinos or Indonesia didn't need a stronger military presence they would be there pointing out history as well. But hey, where are they on the ladder you speak of?

marcelito: "Well, how incredibly convenient that the J-govt archives contain no documented evidence re. forced comfort women. That surely proves it did not happen and settles it, doesn`t it nigelboy..."

Exactly.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Smithy

If go back in time about 20~30 years ago there are NO one that was complaining about this issue, NO ONE . Funny how time in some places are reverting instead of going forwards.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

Maybe that is an over-estimate. Nobody went around with a clicker and counted them all individually. Maybe it's 100,000 or far less. But to argue the estimates numbers defeats the point of discussion about the historical event. It's nothing but a distraction. For example it doesn't matter if 70,000 or 40,000 died in the A-bombing. It happened.

No Mitch. This isn't about counting. This is using a highest estimate of one historian and claiming that all of them were abducted by IJA. This surely matters to those who are keeping this issue alive.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

It's funny how Chinese, Koreans and Taiwanese are always moaning and demand apologies and compensation about what happened over 70 years ago, but Filipinos and Indonesians moved past it decades ago.

The problem is that Koreans and Chinese both have inherent cultural problems that will never be resolved. Nothing can be done until they advance a bit up the ladder.

Filipinos and Indonesians have also complained, I can assure you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tUweioow6Q http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx4vRRH7rhc

Korea and China are much closer to Japan so there are more diplomatic issues which make headlines.

Some kind of inherent cultural problem with Korea and China? What kind of inherent cultural problems in Japan result in people still denying their past atrocities, including prominent politicians?

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Mitch Cohen

Maybe it's 100,000 or far less. But to argue the estimates numbers defeats the point of discussion about the historical event. It's nothing but a distraction. For example it doesn't matter if 70,000 or 40,000 died in the A-bombing. It happened.

Why you are so apathetic? If there were 100,000 women, each of the 100,000 should be found out and redressed. If there 40,000 women, each of the 40,000 should be found out and redressed. There is a big difference in the project, if the number differs. Or is it just a "historical event"?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

nigelboy: "This is using a highest estimate of one historian and claiming that all of them were abducted by IJA."

So you're saying numbers are the problem, and not the problem itself. They say a certain number of Japanese women are groped every day on trains, so they have made separate cars. Yet fortunately, while the number of complaints actually lodged and documented are on the rise, many are NOT lodged -- maybe they were all prostitutes! And hey, while we're at it, maybe the people that groped them and have admitted it have foggy memories.

In any case it still cracks me up people are asking we forget about the past while honoring the past at Obon. Go eat your Ohagi and forget already!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If you care for the number, read this.http://www.awf.or.jp/e1/facts-07.html

3,000,000 soldiers x 1 comfort women for every 30 soldiers x multiplier 2 = 200,000

There is no rationale for the ratio of 1:30 or the multiplier. I do think further study is needed here.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Taiwan Chinese KMT party men (Chinese immigrants escaped Communist Chinese massacre, now ruler of Taiwan and buddy of China) recruited thousands of sex slaves and set up "Military Paradise" (literally) everywhere around the island for its soldiers who came to Taiwan with Chiang Hai-shiek but without families.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

This will eventually die out as the comfort women do.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

So you're saying numbers are the problem, and not the problem itself. They say a certain number of Japanese women are groped every day on trains, so they have made separate cars. Yet fortunately, while the number of complaints actually lodged and documented are on the rise, many are NOT lodged -- maybe they were all prostitutes! And hey, while we're at it, maybe the people that groped them and have admitted it have foggy memories.

No smith. It's simple. If a print media made a statement like,

"There were estimated as high as 200,000 women served in brothels for Japanese soldiers in from 1937 to 1945. There are claims among surviving women that they were forced to become sex slaves"

I'm afraid it won't be news material very long. However, take something from Activists claim of "more than 200,000 women and girls were abducted by the armed forces of the government of imperial Japan"

Then you get something like,

"Historians say up to 200,000 Asian women, mostly from Korea but also from China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan, were forced to serve as sex slaves in Japanese army brothels during the war."

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

This will eventually die out as the comfort women do.

And many of them will die knowing that sections of the Japanese government still deny the crimes committed on them.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

What's 'funny' is that a week ago you would not have included 'Taiwanese' in your comment, and that if the Filipinos or Indonesia didn't need a stronger military presence they would be there pointing out history as well.

@smithinjapan : True, I wouldn't have included Taiwan in a comment like that. Sorry, what do you mean about the military presence for the Philippines and Indonesia?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

True, I wouldn't have included Taiwan in a comment like that. Sorry, what do you mean about the military presence for the Philippines and Indonesia?

Philippines and Indonesia are turning to closer ties with Japan as a way to hedge against what is perceived to be Chinese aggression.

Filipinos and Indonesians have also called for Japan to acknowledge their history. They are not immediate neighbours of Japan so have less diplomatic issues and therefore don't make headlines as often.

You can include every country whose women were victims of comfort women in your comment if you want, including one of your own, Australian Jan Ruff O'Hearne

Here she is, featured in ABC's "Australian Story" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mard9WrYn2I

0 ( +5 / -5 )

it's so sad and really disappointing japan is ignoring this issue SAD JAPAN REAL SAD

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

finally! It seemed that Taiwanese had forgotten the horrors imposed upon them by the Japanese. They were surprisingly pro-Japanese before. Hopefully, this trend continues, so Japan can finally open its eyes when it has no allies

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Things like this make me curious about one thing... do the majority even care whether or not Japan apologizes? Or is it just the handful of the population that just likes to stir things up make things bigger than they are? There are like a zillion bigger things to worry about in this world. Worrying about getting Japan to apologize seems just kind of petty in comparison regardless of who is right, wrong, or whatever. Just sharing my thoughts and opinions with everyone here and to see if anyone thinks the same also.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

There are like a zillion bigger things to worry about in this world. Worrying about getting Japan to apologize seems just kind of petty in comparison regardless of who is right, wrong, or whatever.

Campaigning for ageing victims to get recognition rather than accusation from the Japanese government is a worthwhile cause for many people.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Just say "Gommenasai". not that hard surely.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hopefully, this trend continues, so Japan can finally open its eyes when it has no allies

Criticism from Asian neighbours has rarely moved Japan.

They are sensitive to criticism from the western world, and only that will spur them into action.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Mitch CohenAug. 15, 2013 - 02:20PM JST

Campaigning for ageing victims to get recognition rather than accusation from the Japanese government is a worthwhile cause for many people.

The very activist organization which is "campaigning for aging victims to get recognition from the Japanese government" dissuaded the former comfort women to accept that recognition and compensation through AWF.

http://www.awf.or.jp/e3/taiwan-01.html

They sued Japanese government in Tokyo and then in the US. Both courts turned down the law suits, leaving the former comfort women ineligible to compensation. Sad story but true.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The very activist organization which is "campaigning for aging victims to get recognition from the Japanese government" dissuaded the former comfort women to accept that recognition and compensation through AWF.

That tells me the victims were not merely after donations by a non-government body, but wanted compensation and acknowledgement by the Japanese government.

What's your take on that?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

@CH3CHO

Thank you for your data. http://www.awf.or.jp/e1/facts-07.html

This report explains the fact very fairly. And the whole report what was delivered to the ex-comfort women in Asia

The following two sections especially notable, I think.

"However, no statistics exist to back up any of these estimates. A careful reading of all available documents shows that many of the women were indeed from Korea, but probably not the overwhelming majority. After all, many of the women were Japanese."

"During the Korea-Japan Treaty negotiations (up to 1965), representatives of the Republic of Korea stated that 1,032,684 Koreans had been recruited to serve as laborers, soldiers, and personnel attached to the Japanese military, and that 102,603 of these had been injured or had died. At the time, no mention was made of comfort women.

None of Arafune figures have any basis whatsoever. It is most unfortunate that Special Rapporteur McDougal, who held a responsible position working for a United Nations organization, relied on such an untrustworthy source.

Professor Su Jiliang learned of Arafune's speech from the paper written by Kim Il Myon, accepted it, and used the figure of 142,000 Korean comfort women to estimate that there were 200,000 Chinese comfort women, out of the 360,000 to 410,000 he estimated to have existed in total. Regrettably this mistaken conjecture, too, is simply based on Arafune's inflammatory remarks."

Taiwan lady, ex-comfort women testified that she was kidnapped and broght to a Japanese military base in India. India!! I haven't studied that Japan advanced to India in my history classes. Am I misinformed?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

@megosaa... it won't be enough for them. They want every man, woman and child to bow down and apologise... even then I doubt they'd be satisfied. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted Japan wiped off the map.

This will never end - even if Japan pays for the erection of a mile high statue to the comfort women in the middle of Tokyo, illuminated with lights every evening and with flowers delivered to it every day. Nothing the Japanese say or do will EVER be enough for these countries/groups...

I feel sorry for the old women, but this has to end now. The compensation was paid, the apologies given...

1 ( +6 / -5 )

An aplogy does not make right, a wrong. Government needs to changes its stance on re-militarisation and its continuous aggression towards our neighbours and actually engage in meaningful discussion to resolve disputes and create closer working relationships. As Genki Sudo says "We are all one". China, South Korea and Russia are all human beings, jsut like us. Our system of government are no more superior than theirs, don't buy into the American regime of seperatism and violence.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Mitch CohenAug. 15, 2013 - 03:36PM JST

That tells me the victims were not merely after donations by a non-government body, but wanted compensation and acknowledgement by the Japanese government.

What's your take on that?

AWF was established because Japanese government official knew that the claims for compensation by the former comfort women were barred by the peace treaties. As expected, courts in Japan and in the US turned down the law suits by former comfort women.

If they had come forward to AWF, they would have received the personalized appology letter from the Prime Minister of Japan. http://www.awf.or.jp/e6/statement-12.html The letter says,

As Prime Minister of Japan, I thus extend anew my most sincere apologies and remorse to all the women who underwent immeasurable and painful experiences and suffered incurable physical and psychological wounds as comfort women.

Is it not enough as an acknowledgement by the Japanese government?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Taiwan KMT needs to help China attack Japan, by all means.

@Bob Sneider: "finally! It seemed that Taiwanese had forgotten the horrors imposed upon them by the Japanese. They were surprisingly pro-Japanese before. Hopefully, this trend continues, so Japan can finally open its eyes when it has no allies"

There was no "horrors" imposed upon Taiwanese by Japanese. A couple of instances for comparison. The so called fellow countrymen from China inflicts physical punishment to and takes up lunch money from a Taiwanese kid and hang one plate on his chest reading "I will never speak Taiwanese again" whenever he is heard to speak even one single Taiwanese language (abolished after one Taiwanese became president), while Japanese encouraged Taiwanese to speak Japanese there were no such penalties. While Japanese encouraged Taiwanese to discard their Chinese name and adapt Japanese names so that eventually the two races would be assimilated and be treated equally, Chinese in Taiwan imposed on people personal identification cards manifestly noted that you are born in Taiwan or have come from China (abolished by another Taiwanese President). For discrimination purposes? That's everybody's guess.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Is it not enough as an acknowledgement by the Japanese government?

For some, yes. For others, no.

I wouldn't know, I am not the victim.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Government needs to changes its stance on re-militarisation and its continuous aggression towards our neighbours and actually engage in meaningful discussion to resolve disputes and create closer working relationships.

Tiger... what aggression are you on about? Please explain where Japan is being aggressive towards its neighbours? Or is this about those bloody islands again? Talk about a broken record...

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Tiger... what aggression are you on about? Please explain where Japan is being aggressive towards its neighbours? Or is this about those bloody islands again? Talk about a broken record...

When Japanese aggression is pointed out, that one doesn't count?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Apologies made by people who didn't do anything wrong made to people that are not even alive anymore in most cases. Does not make any sense to me. Those who forget their past are doomed to repeat it it is said but those that live in the past can not see the present or the future.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Apologies made by people who didn't do anything wrong made to people that are not even alive anymore in most cases.

Why do they still demand apologies? It's because Japanese denials of atrocities, as evidenced by politicians who deny atrocities continuing to get voted into power.

In Germany you got to jail for denying war atrocities. In Japan it wins you an election.

And victims are still alive, like that Indonesian lady who was on the news a few days ago, and the 6 Taiwanese women mentioned in this article. Time is running out and at this rate they won't ever see justice. They will die while being accused of greedy prostitutes making up stories for more money.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Taiwan lady, ex-comfort women testified that she was kidnapped and broght to a Japanese military base in India. India!! I haven't studied that Japan advanced to India in my history classes. Am I misinformed?

Not quite. She stated that the Japanese police abducted her on a "Jeep" and was brought to a Military base in "India" in "1939".

http://japan.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/201307070001.aspx

I'm sure they are cases where military/police/private individuals that did some awful stuff to get these women to work in these brothels but why is that the women who go around on these public speaking tours have the least credible testimonies??

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Mitch,

Do you believe that the comfort women issue is a war atrocity? Not now, but during WWII. Irrespective of current legal status and moral feelings of the world as of now, the IMTFE did not find any war criminals associated with comfort women. Why do you think this is? Surely if this was a war crime then someone would have been punished during the IMTFE, no? Remember, the IMTFE was very much based on victor's justice and criminals could be convicted of war crimes even based on hearsay and not hard evidence as in a modern fair court of law.

This is what I find difficult to understand. Regardless of the actual number of women who were involved, (and the Allies had ample time to formulate their prosecution details) none of these women or those who witnessed their abductions (like their parents or friends or anyone who could have reported them missing after the war ) made any demands for the inhuman treatment to members of the Allies, who I am sure wanted to persecute the Japanese for the variety of war crimes it had committed during WWII.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I am a Taiwanese girl. I like Japan quite a lot . But this is the first time i think you are really disgusting.

You are not a country that conquered by other country, so you will never ever understand the pain of who you love ( your grand grand mother) were forced to be sex slaves during WW2.

We just need a formal apology.

Can you imagine that these young girls were forced to open their legs to served the Japanese army ? Can you imagine that these girls they even lost the ability to have baby ? Can you imagine that these girls fortunately escaped from the murder by Japanese solider and went back to Taiwan, they were treated like they were a slut by their neighbor and family ?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If someone is right, he or she must stand out and be strong no matter what others criticize. Japanese are good, while what you must learn is facing the truth and the failure you made, and solve it. Those who shout out on this board were chicken and didn't have courage to try working on this issue.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"The problem is that the Japanese have inherent cultural problem that prevents them from squarely facing up to their past evil. Nothing can be done until the Japanese advance a bit up the ladder (and become civilized and moral like the Germans, who even today still engage in soul-searching about their Nazi past)".

There, I fixed it for you.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Actually many people, me as well, in Taiwan already forgive Japanese for crimes their farthers committed during WWII and occupation time, however, some Japan right wingers don't want to forgive/release themselves by recognizing those bads. Hope God rescue these pitiful souls and I wish you understand what I mean~

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"@megosaa... it won't be enough for them. They want every man, woman and child to bow down and apologise... even then I doubt they'd be satisfied. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted Japan wiped off the map. This will never end - even if Japan pays for the erection of a mile high statue to the comfort women in the middle of Tokyo, illuminated with lights every evening and with flowers delivered to it every day. Nothing the Japanese say or do will EVER be enough for these countries/groups..."

Yet another false straw-man argument from the Japan-apologists. If the Jews are satisfied with Germany's erection of the Holocaust monument in a huge public space in Berlin, and a 'Stumbling Block' plaque in front of every building where a Jew used to live before being shipped off to the extermination camps -- yes, I think Japan's Asian victims would be satisfied with a permanent, prominent and very public monument in Tokyo proclaiming Japan's guilt, responsibility and sorrow over Japan's war crimes. Are there any such monuments in the works, by any chance?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Just try to think if that woman are your family,your girlfriend,your daughter or somebody is important to you. It's enough,just think about that ok,guys? They just demand an apology.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

at least the Germans not only apologized for their sins and massacres, but also created museums out of every concentration camps and even incinerators, they even built a Jewish museum in the center of Berlin, telling the story of the Jewish victim and survivors,with Anne Frank's diary sold in it. how about you Japanese think about what you've done?

no apology for the massacre in Nanging(300000~400000 civilian killed, countless woman raped and killed), swindle innocent young girls to cook and house-clean in the barrack but turned out to be sex slave, have you ever heard of this? have you ever see it as a sin, or are you all like Tōru Hashimoto? "Comfort woman is necessary for military use." but Japanese women can't suffer this, so we scam girls from Taiwan, China, Philipine and Korea, that should do!!!

or, are you like Takeo Hiranuma, "Comfort women didn't exist! they weren't real!" maybe next time, you can discuss about which lie is more beneficial and spread it for your own cause? seriously, give me one official apology on "the massacre of Nanging" or " civilian compel to be comfort women as sex slaves, raped and killed" , can you give me any proof that Japanese government had , or will have, the spine to make this statement?

or are you too coward to make this statement, fearing that your little children will find the ugly truth that their grandfather raped many foreign women then killed them, but that's alright, our government doesn't admit their existence! so they actually do not exist!!! | those who can't face their history, has no courage to face the future, this is not only your past that you want to cover, it's also the bloody history of China, Korea, Phillipine and Taiwan, your lies printed in black ink will never cover the truth written in blood.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

by the way, your minister "Tomiichi_Murayama" tried to pay some money to comfort woman just to shut them up in Jul, 1995, the terms stipulated that "if accepted, the women can never ask for any apology or file a lawsuit against the Japanese government."

I wonder if someone's mother is raped 10~20 times a day for 3 years, would settle for little repayment and ignore the fact that they were swindled, forced to be sex slaves, THEY ARE NOT YOUR AV ACTRESSES! the comfort women rejected this offer, and should, cause no money can buy back their youth and their painful memories,

NO MONEY CAN SHUT THEM UP, COVER HISTORY AND DENY THEM AN APOLOGY.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm with the Taiwanese on this one.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I get the feeling that taiwan, korean, china etc are going to be b****ing and moaning about this for the next 200 years? hate just creates more hate, it's an endless cycle but, prolonging hate is a good way to keep control of things just look at al sharpton and jesse jackson in the states ^^;;

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I get the feeling that taiwan, korean, china etc are going to be b****ing and moaning about this for the next 200 years?

Japan is not making it easy, by high profile politicians continuing to deny past atrocities.

prolonging hate is a good way to keep control of things

You accuse these countries to manufacturing hate.. but why are you so generous on Japan's continued denials?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"Historians say up to 200,000 Asian women, mostly from Korea but also from China, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan, were forced to serve as sex slaves in Japanese army brothels during the war."

The number is actually unknown. Estimates range from 20,000 to 400,000. That's an order of magnitude. Which is really a lot.

Bottom line: we don't know because Imperial Japan torched nearly all the documents. Complicating matters is the line between sex slavery, prostitution and simply sleeping with the enemy is not so clear for many (nationalist) scholars.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I feel it's important to point out that most Taiwanese citizens feel no animosity towards Japan & would rather have a powerful Japan vs a powerful China. Japan should not feel discouraged by the vocal minority.

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I feel it's important to point out that most Taiwanese citizens feel no animosity towards Japan & would rather have a powerful Japan vs a powerful China. Japan should not feel discouraged by the vocal minority.

It's easy to blame China and Korea, but is the thought of a 3rd Asian country joining the chorus rather uncomfortable?

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Taiwan Chinese KMT party men (Chinese immigrants, now ruler of Taiwan and buddy of China) forced thousands of native Taiwanese women to work as sex slaves to sexually serve some 6 hundred thousands Chinese soldiers on the tiny island, for decades, in the so called "Military Paradise" (literal translation) everywhere around the island.

So why then nobody attacked Taiwan China KMT, as Taiwan China KMT never apologized nor paid compensation to these women? Is it because Taiwan is protected by China but Japan is China's target? So when you have a political agenda and you think you are balanced, you could spend a little time review yourself a bit.

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So why then nobody attacked Taiwan China KMT, as Taiwan China KMT never apologized nor paid compensation to these women? Is it because Taiwan is protected by China but Japan is China's target? So when you have a political agenda and you think you are balanced, you could spend a little time review yourself a bit.

Taiwan protected by China....? Whaa...?? Do you not know China has 1,000's of missiles pointed at Taiwan and Taiwan only? The KMT issue is a domestic issue, which Taiwan is still trying to resolve as we speak. Yes...perhaps if the international community put more pressure on the KMT they might be eager to make more concessions. However, the sad truth is that Taiwan is hardly on anyone's radar due to China & the cross straight issue.

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Is it because Taiwan is protected by China but Japan is China's target? So when you have a political agenda and you think you are balanced, you could spend a little time review yourself a bit.

Taiwan has own defence force and they will fight if China use the force for unification. I do no think it was a proxy of China. It is wrong for assuming that comfort women issue is political agenda. I was born and raised in Myanmar. During my childhood, I noticed that many elderly Myanmar or Burmese have resentment about Japan too.

Economically, Myanmar is totally dependent on Japanese loans, investment and technology. As a government, they have to shut up for not embrassing of Japanse government . However not all citizens will follow the money hungry spineless government wahy. History can not be washed like clothes. Japanese imperial army really committed unspeakable crimes. It should be open, straith forward and honest.

The problem of Japan is denial. The more deny about the past, the more anger from victims and it will not promote the fruitful relation with the neighbors. Japan has to follow the Germany about admitting their past sins.

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Economically, Myanmar is totally dependent on Japanese loans, investment and technology. As a government, they have to shut up for not embrassing of Japanse government . However not all citizens will follow the money hungry spineless government wahy. History can not be washed like clothes. Japanese imperial army really committed unspeakable crimes. It should be open, straith forward and honest.

Good point. People calling for Korea and China to learn from how most of SE Asia is not complaining are naive.

The problem of Japan is denial. The more deny about the past, the more anger from victims and it will not promote the fruitful relation with the neighbors. Japan has to follow the Germany about admitting their past sins.

Japan is doing this to themselves. Forever trying to glorify their military past. Learn from the Germans.

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I am a Taiwanese girl. I like Japan quite a lot . But this is the first time i think you are really disgusting.

Excellent. Brand an entire country "disgusting" because of the vents of seventy year old war.

You are not a country that conquered by other country,

False. Japan was famously "conquered" when America dropped two nuclear bombs.

so you will never ever understand the pain of who you love ( your grand grand mother) were forced to be sex slaves during WW2.

You think no Japanese got raped during WW2. Think again.

We just need a formal apology.

You've had ten already.

Can you imagine that these young girls were forced to open their legs to served the Japanese army ? Can you imagine that these girls they even lost the ability to have baby ?

Yes we can imagine it. Its terrible. Apologies can never fix the lives of those women.

Can you imagine that these girls fortunately escaped from the murder by Japanese solider and went back to Taiwan, they were treated like they were a slut by their neighbor and family ?

That has nothing to do with Japan. If the families of these victims called them "sluts" that is a problem with the humanity of their family members.

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Hidingout, while you're addressing people's posts point-by-point, how about address the widespread denial of war atrocities in Japan?

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Hidingout, while you're addressing people's posts point-by-point.

Is there something wrong with addressing the points Mitch?

how about address the widespread denial of war atrocities in Japan?

There is no "widespread denial of war atrocities" in the same way that there is no boogeyman and no tooth fairy. I have lived and/or worked in Japan for going on thirty years. In all that time I have never met a single Japanese person who denied war atrocities. Rather, it has been my experience that the average person is extremely regretful and ashamed of Japan's conduct during (and immediately preceding) the war. They would like to leave it in the past.

What you call "widespread denial of war atrocities" is actually a handful of politicians who have made statements questioning the scope of the war atrocities, or quibbling over shades of grey. In other words, they are tired of PRC and ROK making up figures and exaggerating events and beating the drum of their victimization year after year. Of course the j-pols are stupid to rise up and take the bait. Any comments any j-pol makes concerning any event related to the war will certainly be twisted and parsed .... and then taken as further "denial of war atrocities" by people who can think of nothing else besides their victim status.

In all I've maybe seen two or three cases of actual "denial" in all the time I've been here. That's hardly "widespread". You do your self and your cause a disservice when you exaggerate in this way.

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FreshieAug. 16, 2013 - Taiwanese would rather have a powerful Japan vs a powerful China. Japan should not feel discouraged by the vocal minority.

R u serious? I'm taiwanese but I never heard about it! It's only true part of taiwanese'd rather rely on powerful US to balance china commie force. Also, even taiwanese like most of japanese but we still support these sufferring sisters to protest against JP extremists who we're definitely tired of.

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<>

Wake up. KMT (Chinese reside in Taiwan) doesn't want native Taiwanese to rule the country by themselves, has run to China for protection. Now Taiwan and China are one.

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I have lived and/or worked in Japan for going on thirty years.

I seem to recall you saying you were working in a tech start-up in California in the 1990s? But anyway..

In all that time I have never met a single Japanese person who denied war atrocities.

There's no shortage of them posting here on JT.. everything from comfort women to Nanjing massacre was denied vehemently in the past 48 hours alone.

Rather, it has been my experience that the average person is extremely regretful and ashamed of Japan's conduct during (and immediately preceding) the war. They would like to leave it in the past.

And yet, the average person continues to vote the likes of Abe, Ishihara, Kawamura, and Hashimoto into power?

In all I've maybe seen two or three cases of actual "denial" in all the time I've been here.

Maybe I do get a misrepresentation of the numbers who outright deny war atrocities, being on an internet site and all..

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There's no shortage of them posting here on JT.. everything from comfort women to Nanjing massacre was denied vehemently in the past 48 hours alone.

No shortage? I see maybe three or four posters who might qualify as being "deniers". And at least they argue their points politely. Are you against people having the freedom to express unpopular or incorrect opinions in a civilized manner Mitch? Still .. you say the Nanking massacre was denied within the last 48 hours .... I doubt it. You do know that "denying" that event would require someone to post "the Nanking massacre never happened", right? I've never seen such a post here at JT. Its not "denying" to argue that the communists are exaggerating the scope or the details of the event - much like the Koreans are exaggerating the comfort women issue.

And yet, the average person continues to vote the likes of Abe, Ishihara, Kawamura, and Hashimoto into power?

This after giving the idiot Hatoyama a chance to run the show and watching him fall flat on his face. Besides, the only name there that even comes close to being a "denier" is Kawamura. And he's what? Mayor of a second rate city. Try again Mitch. A real denier looks like Tamogami - who was dismissed from his position as a result of his comments.

So to summarize ..... no widespread denial of war atrocities in Japan.

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Readers, no more bickering, please.

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So to summarize ..... no widespread denial of war atrocities in Japan.

You're entitle to your opinion and I respect that.

My view is that there is a general undertone of downplaying past atrocities and questioning the 'scope' of historical events whenever the opportunity arises.

Victims will overestimate rather than underestimate their suffering. But to quibble over the 'scope' of damage is a form of denial in my view and shows lack of sincerity in my view.

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tmtmsnbAug. 16, 2013 - Wake up. KMT (Chinese reside in Taiwan) doesn't want native Taiwanese to rule the country by themselves, has run to China for protection. Now Taiwan and China are one.

Taiwan is small and welcome different opinions, but anyone try to Separate taiwanese is not true taiwanese friend! Taiwanese regard japanese as friend, however those extremism japanese wants taiwanses to regard them as master are not real friends! Pls release souls of yourselves from those criminals of WWII! I understand you might be not happy to hear what I say, but good words is always bitter though.

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"Taiwan is small and welcome different opinions, but anyone try to Separate taiwanese is not true taiwanese friend!

Something more important than friend or no friend: ---to understand China KMT (ruler) and China is one, instead of Taiwan and China are different entities, is vital important to Japan. Which prevent misunderstanding, thus prevent accidents from happening.

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@tmtmsnb: Taiwan is democratic and any party get more than 50% people's support will be a legal ruling party, it doesn't matter it's KMT or DPP.... and no matter anyone or any country like it or not. Although we cherish friendship with JP but we don't like some JP selfish politician trying to " teach" us what we should, we definitely hate anyone trying to take use of taiwan to play some chess game ! It's very simple that good is good and bad is bad, anyone did bad should apologize to suffering ones. Just say SORRY and these pitiful ladies as well as yourselves will feel free and everything'll be settled.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@tmtmsnb: Taiwan is democratic and any party get more than 50% people's support will be a legal ruling party, it doesn't matter it's KMT or DPP.... and no matter anyone or any country like it or not. Although we cherish friendship with JP but we don't like some JP selfish politician trying to " teach" us what we should, we definitely hate anyone trying to take use of taiwan to play some chess game ! It's very simple that good is good and bad is bad, anyone did bad should apologize to suffering ones. Just say SORRY and these pitiful ladies as well as yourselves will feel free and everything'll be settled.

No, what he says is true. KMT has long dominated Taiwanese politics, even after 1996 when Taiwan became a democracy. It is an unfair that the KMT are so much wealthier than other political parties in Taiwan, and they are the party that are dictating the cross strait relations, not anyone else. Do you honestly feel that the KMT majority is the voice of the Taiwanese people?? Think about it, in the past 64 years, KMT has been ruling over Taiwan for 58 years...and DPP only 8 years, why are the Taiwanese still voting in KMT? Taiwan needs to overthrow the KMT thugs before they can become a true democracy.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@Freshie: Don't try to mix everything when Japan extremists don't want to apologize for crimes their fathers did toward these pitiful ladies. It's so strange that most Japanese are so nice but some ugly politician are so bad and trying to brainwatch their people. Everyone with IQ higher than 50 could see JP right wingers politician are trying to drag the US and China to fight each other so JP could possibily get rid of military control of the US. However all your neighbors like Taiwan or Korea or even China... etc. don't want to get unwillingly involved to this kind of chaos....

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@Freshie: Don't try to mix everything when Japan extremists don't want to apologize for crimes their fathers did toward these pitiful ladies. It's so strange that most Japanese are so nice but some ugly politician are so bad and trying to brainwatch their people. Everyone with IQ higher than 50 could see JP right wingers politician are trying to drag the US and China to fight each other so JP could possibily get rid of military control of the US. However all your neighbors like Taiwan or Korea or even China... etc. don't want to get unwillingly involved to this kind of chaos....

Then what do you think of people that view Taiwan as the "troublemakers?" There are many in the US that view Taiwan as the nuisance that is preventing a US-China partnership to grow. News flash, support for Taiwan is waning, and a strong Japan is only a good thing for Taiwan. Without Japan, I have no doubt in my mind that the US would not mind having Taiwan fall under China's control.

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Japan has nothing to apologize about. Sex slavery is in every industrialized country. Every body wants attention... and support for Taiwan is waning. After all, the native Taiwanese were massacred by the Chinese who had "ran" from the mainland. Where is the apology to the dead Taiwanese natives? Good guys and bad guys... until secrets are made public. Then we are all just bad guys for allowing such things to continuously happen!

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Japan has nothing to apologize about. Sex slavery is in every industrialized country. Every body wants attention... and support for Taiwan is waning. After all, the native Taiwanese were massacred by the Chinese who had "ran" from the mainland. Where is the apology to the dead Taiwanese natives? Good guys and bad guys... until secrets are made public. Then we are all just bad guys for allowing such things to continuously happen!

KMT has apologized for the events, but it's still not enough. They need to dismantle as a party, because they are still infringing on Taiwanese democracy and freedom. However, I think it's safe to say that the Taiwanese are waking up and finally doing something about it. Just a few weeks back, a non-political organization attracted more than 250,000 people to protest in front of the Presidential Palace. This is only the beginning.

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The Taiwanese have a right to complain and demonstrate-ignore that right and society (everywhere) descends into chaos.

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