Kan Will Hand Over Korean Artifacts in Apology for Japan's Colonial Rule
Naoto Kan, Japan's prime minister
Koichi Kamoshida/Pool via Bloomberg
Naoto Kan, Japan's prime minister, attends a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo.
Naoto Kan, Japan's prime minister, attends a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo. Photographer: Koichi Kamoshida/Pool via Bloomberg
Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan promised to return Korean historical artifacts seized during colonial rule between 1910 and 1945, while reiterating his country’s “deep remorse” for the occupation.
The items pertain to Korea’s royal heritage, Kan’s office said in a statement today. He gave a "heartfelt apology" ahead of the 100th anniversary of Japan’s annexation of the Korean Peninsula on Aug. 29, mirroring remarks made by former leaders Tomiichi Murayama and Junichiro Koizumi in 1995 and 2001.
Murayama, who gave his apology to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the end of World War II, also expressed “feelings of deep remorse” and gave a “heartfelt apology.” Koichiro Gemba, a member of Kan’s Cabinet, told reporters Aug. 6 that any anniversary statement on Japan’s occupation of Korea shouldn’t open up a fresh debate on financial compensation.
South Korea’s foreign ministry said today in a statement it welcomed Kan’s statement and was committed to further developing relations with Japan. Koizumi said during a visit to South Korea that he had “heartfelt remorse” over the damage cause by colonial rule.
Japan’s Imperial Army forced women across occupied Asian countries to act as sex slaves in the 1930s and 1940s for its soldiers. In Japan, they were known as "comfort women."
To contact the reporters on this story: Sachiko Sakamaki in Tokyo at Ssakamaki1@bloomberg.net
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