Yohei Kono, apologized to victims of Japan's wartime sexual abuses, dies
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Yohei Kono, a prominent Japanese politician known for his 1993 apology addressing wartime sexual abuses by Japan’s military, has died at age 89.
- As chief Cabinet secretary, Kono issued a historic statement acknowledging the forced involvement of “comfort women” in military brothels, which paved the way for Japan’s broader 1995 wartime apology.
- His apologies were significant in improving Japan’s relations with China, South Korea, and other Asian countries affected by Japan’s wartime actions, though they faced criticism from Japanese conservatives.
- Kono cautioned against attempts to revise or deny historical facts, emphasizing that such actions damage Japan’s reputation.
- Throughout his career, Kono held key political roles, including speaker of the lower house and LDP president, and remained active in fostering diplomatic ties with Asian neighbors until his retirement in 2009.