On August 14th, World “Comfort Women” Memorial Day is observed.
In recent years, the Japanese government has taken a backward step in its understanding of historical issues such as “Comfort Women,” refusing to compensate victims and removing relevant content from history textbooks. Scholars in Japan have expressed that the Japanese government should face up to its aggression and properly resolve historical issues such as “Comfort Women.”
To date, the Japanese government has not adequately addressed the issue of “Comfort Women,” nor has it made full and sincere compensation and apologies to the victims. The Japanese government should take facts as its basis and assume its historical and moral responsibilities.
Hiroshi Maeda, Honorary Professor at Tokyo Gakugei University:
Not only the Japanese government and right-wing elements within Japan, but also the entire society generally believes that this matter is already past and over, or that multiple apologies have been made; more extreme views include the idea that “South Korea or North Korea continues to make endless complaints,” which is gradually spreading. However, despite various apologies in the past, there is a clear lack of genuine reflection, which is evident. In practice, there has been no real assistance or compensation for the victims, which is the reality.
In recent years, Japan has continuously deleted content related to “Comfort Women” from history textbooks. Scholars in Japan have pointed out that this practice not only distorts historical facts but also leads young people to have an incorrect understanding of history. They call on all sectors of society to work together to prevent history from being tampered with and to continue the education of true history.
Hiroshi Maeda, Honorary Professor at Tokyo Gakugei University:
The policy by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology includes, during textbook review processes, the repeated deletion of “Comfort Women” content, resulting in serious impacts. The overall societal perception of history is severely distorted.
Kazue Ishida, Representative of the Japanese “Comfort Women” Issues Citizen Group:
This approach denies our “right to memory.” As a Japanese citizen, I feel deeply regretful. We will continue to monitor various developments, including the latest judgments by the United Nations and South Korea, and will continue our efforts.