This essay examines how a fabricated media narrative was inflated into a global political campaign, questioning why Japan accepted baseless accusations that degrade its historical dignity.

February 16, 2016

The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Yet the Abe administration made no move whatsoever to begin hearings.

Instead, toward the end of the year, Foreign Minister Kishida went to Seoul and stated, regarding the comfort women issue fabricated by the Asahi Shimbun, that “under the involvement of the military, the honor and dignity of many women were damaged,” that “Prime Minister Abe has also expressed an apology,” and that “money will be provided.”
In plain terms, Japan said, “Yes, that is exactly so,” to the lie concocted by the Asahi Shimbun using Seiji Yoshida.

After all, was it not South Korea that rode on Asahi’s falsehood, inflated that lie into the claim of “200,000 sex slaves,” and went on to erect bizarre statues all over the world?

The malice lies on their side.

Many Japanese even feel that if association only leads to discomfort, then diplomatic relations are unnecessary.

Why, then, should Japan offer an apology without any factual basis to such a country?

That this was a mistake is evident from the fact that Yohei Kono praised it as “a good choice.”

There may be vulgar considerations, such as the military threat from China or the protection of South Korean multinational corporations.

However, no matter what, slander that degrades the dignity of the Japanese people—especially the soldiers who fought in the last war—must never be accepted.

Long ago, what astonished Luís Fróis?

He observed that this people were kind to children, courteous, and unconcerned with poverty, yet once their honor was slighted, they would fight to the death.

He concluded that conquering this country was impossible.

The Japanese do not abandon honor out of fear of death.

What should be abandoned is the Japan–South Korea comfort women agreement.

This essay continues.