In a statement aimed at South Korea, Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologized Tuesday for Japan's past colonial rule of Korea. The statement, endorsed by the Cabinet, is a positive step in Japan's efforts to build a solid relationship with South Korea.
Mr. Kan said, "For the tremendous damage and sufferings that this colonial rule caused, I express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and my heartfelt apology."
The 100th anniversary of Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty's promulgation will come Aug. 29. In trying to build a future-oriented relationship with South Korea, Japan must squarely look at this segment of its modern history, which greatly affected the Korean people.
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