Kishida's 'Expression of Regret' Sparks Backlash from Japanese Media: "Incorrect Statement"

Japanese Prime Minister Expresses Regret Over Forced Labor Issue
Sankei: "Labor Mobilization Common in Many Countries"

Japan's far-right Sankei Shimbun published an editorial on the 8th regarding Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's personal remark after the Korea-Japan summit, in which he said, "I am deeply saddened by the fact that many people who worked under harsh conditions at that time had difficult and painful experiences," interpreting it as implying "Japan is the victim."

The outlet pointed out that forced labor was "merely labor mobilization implemented by many countries during World War II, and wages were also paid," adding, "Japan itself has been falsely accused contrary to historical facts, but Prime Minister Kishida's remarks give the impression that (Japan) is the perpetrator."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who visited Korea for a 2-day, 1-night schedule, shake hands after a joint press conference held on the 7th at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

It further emphasized, "There is no compensation that Japan should pay to Korea in the first place," and expressed "deep regret over the mistaken statement that reverses the subject and object."

Regarding Kishida's announcement that he would inherit the historical awareness of past cabinets, the media questioned, "It is doubtful that Japan repeats apologies at every summit," and said, "President Yoon showed an attitude prioritizing security issues over history, but it was not accompanied by sufficient substance."

The outlet continued, "It once again revealed how deep the rift between Korea and Japan is," and stated, "No concrete solution was presented regarding the issue of the South Korean naval vessel's investigation of the Self-Defense Forces aircraft radar."

Finally, it conveyed, "While it is desirable to build a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship, it is clear that a difficult path remains."

Meanwhile, after concluding the summit at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul on the 7th, Prime Minister Kishida said at a joint press conference, "We will comprehensively inherit the stance on historical awareness of past cabinets, including the Korea-Japan Joint Declaration announced in October 1998," and added, "The Japanese government's position will remain unwavering going forward."

Kishida also stated, "I am deeply saddened by the fact that many people had very difficult and painful experiences under harsh conditions at that time." When asked by a Korean reporter whether "those under harsh conditions" referred to forced labor victims, he did not give a definitive answer, saying, "I expressed my personal thoughts about those who had a very hard time at that time," conveying it as a personal stance.