Yohei Kono, who apologized for Japan’s wartime sexual abuses of ‘comfort women,’ dies at 89
His Kono Statement in 1993 acknowledged wartime sexual slavery and drew lasting criticism from conservatives in Japan and South Korea.
- Yohei Kono, a veteran Japanese politician who served as Liberal Democratic Party president and Lower House speaker, died on Monday at age 89, officials said.
- As chief Cabinet secretary in 1993, Kono issued the landmark 'Kono Statement' acknowledging Japanese Imperial Army involvement in forcing women into wartime brothels, building diplomatic trust with Asian neighbors.
- Kono served as deputy prime minister and foreign minister in the 1990s and early 2000s; his son, former Foreign Minister Taro Kono, confirmed the death.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences Wednesday, writing that Kono "endeavoured to build a relationship of trust with neighbouring countries," though conservatives criticize his historical legacy.
- Kono warned that attempts to "whitewash" historical facts hurt Japan's reputation, maintaining a dovish LDP stance while helping stabilize sensitive ties with Beijing until recent years.
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The Japanese imperial army forced thousands of women to have sex with their soldiers. The man whose name stood for Japan's official apology died.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
The Straits TimesYohei Kono, Japanese lawmaker who issued landmark apology over wartime brothels, dies at 89
TOKYO (Reuters) — Yohei Kono, who as Japan’s chief cabinet secretary issued a landmark 1993 apology over women forced to work in wartime military brothels, has died. He was 89. The post Yohei Kono, Japanese lawmaker who issued landmark apology over wartime brothels, dies at 89 appeared first on Hawaii Tribune-Herald.
PM offers condolences over death of ex-Japanese politician Kono
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok offered his condolences Thursday over the recent death of veteran Japanese politician Yohei Kono, who was best known for his apology to Korean and other Asian women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II. Kono, who served in key positions such as chief cabinet secretary and speaker of the House of Representatives, died Monday at the age of 89, according to reports quoting the office of his …
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