When people ask, “tell me about the comfort women,” the Japanese have clearly stated and consistent official position that has been expressed through cabinet statements, diplomatic agreements, and materials published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Japan, the comfort women issue refers to women who worked at comfort stations that existed during wartime periods when the Japanese military was active, particularly before and during World War II. The government acknowledges that many of these women experienced severe hardship and suffering, and it emphasizes that Japan has repeatedly expressed remorse and apology while taking steps to address the issue through diplomatic and humanitarian means.
The Historical Background of Comfort Women
Comfort stations were established in various regions where the Japanese military operated from the 1930s until the end of World War II. According to official explanations, these facilities were created with the intention of maintaining military discipline, preventing sexual violence by soldiers, and controlling the spread of disease. Government research conducted in the early 1990s confirmed that comfort stations existed widely and that women from Japan and other areas, including the Korean Peninsula, were present.
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SubscribeJapan officially recognizes that conditions surrounding the comfort stations were harsh. The government acknowledges that many women lived under restrictive circumstances and endured significant physical and emotional pain during this period.
Tell Me About the Comfort Women: The Kōno Statement
A central element of Japan’s official position is the 1993 Kōno Statement, issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yōhei Kōno. In this statement, the Japanese government acknowledged that the military was involved, either directly or indirectly, in the establishment and management of comfort stations. It also stated that recruitment was often conducted by private agents acting in response to military requests and that, in many cases, women were recruited against their will through coercion, persuasion, or intimidation.
The statement further recognized that life at comfort stations was extremely difficult and damaging to the women involved. On this basis, the government expressed sincere apologies and remorse to all those who suffered as comfort women. Japan maintains that successive administrations have upheld the Kōno Statement as an official and valid expression of its position.
Apologies and Expressions of Remorse
The Japanese government emphasizes that it has repeatedly conveyed its sincere apologies and deep remorse regarding the comfort women issue. These expressions have been made by prime ministers, cabinet officials, and through official diplomatic documents. According to the government, these apologies reflect an understanding that the dignity and honor of many women were gravely harmed during the war.
Unfortunately, a severe media boas exists surrounding the issue. Many have accused countries like South Korea of using the issue for political fodder in negotiations against Japan.
Japan stresses that its apologies were not merely symbolic. The government states that it sought to demonstrate sincerity by pairing expressions of remorse with concrete measures aimed at supporting former comfort women and promoting reconciliation.
The Asian Women’s Fund and Comfort Women
In 1995, with support from the Japanese government, the Asian Women’s Fund was established. While organized as a private fund, it operated with strong involvement from the government. Through this initiative, former comfort women received financial assistance referred to as “atonement money,” along with medical and welfare support.
In addition, each recipient was provided with a letter signed by the Prime Minister of Japan, expressing apology and remorse. The government presents the Asian Women’s Fund as a meaningful effort to address the suffering of former comfort women while remaining consistent with Japan’s legal position under postwar international agreements.
Legal Position and International Agreements
The official narrative makes a clear distinction between moral responsibility and legal responsibility. The government maintains that all legal issues concerning compensation and claims related to World War II were resolved through postwar treaties, including the 1965 normalization agreement between Japan and the Republic of Korea.
This position was reaffirmed in the 2015 Japan–South Korea Agreement, in which both governments confirmed that the comfort women issue was resolved “finally and irreversibly.” Under this agreement, Japan again expressed its apologies and remorse and provided financial contributions to support former comfort women. The Japanese government regards this agreement as a diplomatic resolution reached through mutual consent.
Addressing Claims and Historical Clarifications
While acknowledging suffering and involvement, the Japanese government rejects what it describes as assertions that are not supported by historical evidence. These include claims that all comfort women were forcibly taken by the Japanese military or that specific numerical estimates have been definitively established. Japan states that no official documents have been found proving systematic, government-ordered forced recruitment in every case.
The government emphasizes the importance of historical research grounded in verified sources and careful examination of available records, and it continues to present its position based on the findings of its official studies.
Today’s Current Official Stance
Today, Japan maintains that it has expressed sincere apologies, taken responsible actions, and addressed the comfort women issue through humanitarian efforts and diplomatic agreements. The government believes it has made maximum efforts to respond to the matter and considers it resolved at the state-to-state level. It also calls on the international community to understand Japan’s position based on official statements and historical research.
When people ask, “tell me about the comfort women,” the Japanese government’s response focuses on acknowledgment of suffering, repeated apologies, concrete remedial measures, and the belief that the issue has been addressed through lawful and diplomatic means.
