Yohei Kono: The man who apologized for Japans use of sex salves

criticizes Abe for questioning war apology

Yohei Kono who was Chief Cabinet Secretary in the early 1990's is the one issued the statement in the belief it could allow Japan to establish better relations with its Asian neighbors.

Mr. Kono has become alarmed over statements mad by the current Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

   If the apologies are changed, “Japan will be isolated from the international community. That much is clear,” the 76-year-old Kono said. “I’m afraid he (Abe) is underestimating a possible impact of his comments” on Japan’s diplomacy.

“You say it’s hard to get along with them, or there is complicated history. Even so, we must overcome the difficulty and be friends. It’s crucial to keep that in mind and make efforts, and prioritize that before anything,” said Kono, who retired four years ago after 42 years at the top of Japan’s political world.


The statements made by Abe that have caused concern:

Abe has questioned parts of the apology that says many of the women were coerced into providing sex for Japanese soldiers, saying there is no official record to prove that. He has suggested that he would like it revised, but after recent criticism now says he accepts it.

He has said his Cabinet does not necessarily support all of the 1995 apology by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, Japan’s main expression of remorse for its wartime and colonial past and pledge to peace and elimination of “self-righteous nationalism.”

Abe has also upset China and South Korea by repeatedly saying that there is no clear definition of “aggression.” He has campaigned for a “departure from post-war regime,” which virtually means a revision of the education and social values introduced by the 1945-1952 U.S. occupation era.

The Liberal Democratic Party and its members have always held these beliefs.  Hoping to revise history through the introduction of  history books for Japanese students which have a severe right-wing historical revisionist bent.   To wanting to change Japan's pacifist constitution so that Japan can a real armed force rather than a "self defense" force.   

Beliefs are one thing but being hell bent on dragging country back to the past will only lead to further isolation.