A pro-unification South Korean group called the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation (KCRC) announced on Thursday that it will send a delegation to North Korea on July 16 to work on recovering the remains of Koreans forced to work for Imperial Japan as slaves during the World War II era. “There are many remains of forced workers which have not been returned to us from Japan. That is what the South and the North are trying to do,” said KCRC president Kim Hong-gul, the son of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, as quoted by Yonhap News.Kim said the North Korean government has tentatively agreed to work on a joint project to recover the remains, while the South Korean government has not yet given its official approval. The goal of the project is to identify as many remains as possible and return them to their families, with the rest buried together in a location easily accessible by both North and South Koreans, probably somewhere along the Demilitarized … [Read more...] about North and South Korea to Cooperate on Recovering World War II Remains from Japan
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Japan Denounces ‘Deplorable’ Crisis in Venezuela
The government of Japan denounced the “deplorable” crisis taking place in Venezuela on Friday following the legal removal of dictator Nicolás Maduro from power. In a statement, Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Takeshi Osuga pledged to work alongside the neighboring countries of Venezuela, all of whom have emphasized their commitment to removing Maduro from power.“In Venezuela, the deterioration of the economic and social situation has seriously affected its people’s lives and there are many Venezuelan people who are forced to depart the country. Such a situation is deplorable,” the statement reads. “Japan considers that responsible measures should be swiftly taken to improve such situation. In addition, Japan will continue to provide necessary support in cooperation with neighboring countries of Venezuela.” Osuga also emphasized the importance of seeking the “recovery of democracy” in the South American … [Read more...] about Japan Denounces ‘Deplorable’ Crisis in Venezuela
Japan’s new Emperor vows to stay close to people in first speech
News / World by Press Association 01/05/2019, 5:17 am Updated: 01/05/2019, 9:35 am Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Japan’s new Emperor Naruhito has pledged in his first public address after ascending the throne to follow his father’s example in devoting himself to peace and staying close to the people. Naruhito succeeded to the Chrysanthemum Throne at midnight after Akihito abdicated. In his address to the people, Naruhito formally announced his succession and pledged to continue learning. “When I think about the important responsibility I have assumed, I am filled with a sense of solemnity,” he said. Naruhito noted that his father was devoted to praying for peace and sharing joys and sorrows of the people while showing compassion. He said he will “reflect deeply” on the path trodden by Akihito and past emperors, and promised to abide by the Constitution to fulfil his responsibility as a national symbol while … [Read more...] about Japan’s new Emperor vows to stay close to people in first speech
Vietnam wants Japan’s support in overcoming war consequences
Dioxin-contaminated area in Bien Hoa airport He made the proposal during a working session with a delegation from Japan’s Foreign Ministry led by Yukiko Okano from the International Cooperation Bureau in Hanoi on April 3. Sen. Lieut. Gen. Vinh, who is head of the standing agency of the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences (Committee 701), said that Vietnam hopes for having support from the international community, including Japan in dioxin remediation projects. He held that the Japanese delegation’s visit will lead to new cooperation activities between Vietnam and Japan in dealing with war aftermaths in general and dioxin consequences in Vietnam in particular, contributing to enhancing the partnership between the two countries. For her part, Yukiko Okano said that basing on information gathered during the visit, the delegation will discuss with experts and relevant agencies of Japan on the … [Read more...] about Vietnam wants Japan’s support in overcoming war consequences
With China Threat Growing, Japan Launches Marine Unit for the First Time Since World War II
World Japan Shinzo Abe World War II For the first time since World War II, Japan has activated a Marine unit, a force that could one day protect the country from a possible threat from China. On Saturday, around 1,500 members of the newly formed Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade took part in a ceremony on the Japanese island of Kyushu, Reuters reported. In the exercise, the members pretended to recapture an island from invaders. After World War II, the Japanese constitution declared that the country would not have the right to wage war. But Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sought to increase the country’s military presence, and the new marine brigade is part of a growing force that could one day face off with China, whose military capabilities are also said to be increasing. The Japanese unit includes helicopter carriers and other ships, and assault vehicles, according to Reuters. Members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment … [Read more...] about With China Threat Growing, Japan Launches Marine Unit for the First Time Since World War II