U.S. Congressmen Call for Japanese Apology and Compensation for Comfort Women

A total of 14 U.S. Representatives, including Lane Evans, D-Illinois, are preparing a draft resolution urging the Japanese government apologize and compensate women who were exploited as sex slaves by Japan during World War II.

In a press conference at Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on Thursday, Evans explained the intention of the resolution, saying, "Although Japan has established itself as a nation capable of contributing to world peace and stability, it has not taken responsibility for its past history," adding, “Germany and Austria completed their reparations in 1999. An official apology and compensation is required from Japan, too.”

Several victims of Japanese sexual enslavement, including Ms. Kang Il-chul, victim, former Comfort Woman, attended to the conference.

There had been an attempt for a similar resolution in the House’s 2003-2004 session, but it was discarded because the session ended before the resolution came up for adoption.

Seung-Ryun Kim srkim@donga.com