Nichida of Japan Expresses Regret Instead of Apology, Saying "Sad Event Deeply Saddens Me" (Update)

Fukushima Contaminated Water: Dispatch of Korean Expert Inspection Team Confirmed

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 7th, "I am deeply saddened by the fact that many people who had to work under difficult circumstances at the time experienced painful and sorrowful experiences." This is the first time Prime Minister Kishida has personally expressed regret over the victims of forced labor in an official setting.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is speaking at the joint press conference between South Korea and Japan held at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on the 7th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

After concluding the Korea-Japan summit with President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, Prime Minister Kishida said at the joint press conference, "I was impressed that many people, while recalling painful memories of the past, opened their hearts for the future amid the efforts by the Korean government regarding the measures announced on March 6, which were decided by President Yoon's determination."

This is interpreted as referring to the compensation plan for forced labor victims through the "third-party payment" method announced earlier by the Korean government. However, Prime Minister Kishida did not directly use expressions such as "apology" or "sorry" himself.

Regarding a Korean reporter's question on whether the phrase "deeply saddened" was directed at the forced labor victims, he did not give a clear answer.

Prime Minister Kishida briefly replied, "This statement honestly reflects my own feelings toward those who had difficult experiences at that time." He added, "We want to inherit the efforts of our ancestors who overcame difficult times and, truly for the future, cooperate with President Yoon and the Korean side to build a cooperative relationship that benefits the people of both countries."

Prime Minister Kishida also said, "When President Yoon visited Japan last March, I clearly stated that I fully inherit the positions of past cabinets regarding historical awareness, including the Japan-Korea Joint Declaration announced in October 1998," and added, "This government stance will not waver going forward."

The Japan-Korea Joint Declaration announced in October 1998 refers to the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration, which expressed "deep remorse and sincere apology for colonial rule."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged the concerns within Korea regarding the Fukushima contaminated water and announced that he has decided to accept the dispatch of an inspection team.

Prime Minister Kishida said, "We have decided to accept the dispatch of a Korean expert inspection team to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant this month so that the Korean people can understand this matter," and promised, "As the Japanese Prime Minister, I will not allow any actions that negatively affect the health of our citizens and the Korean people or the marine environment."

He added, "I believe it is important for us to accept the dispatch of the inspection team," and said, "By communicating with the Korean side, we will be able to respond to the concerns and anxieties of many people in Korea. We will continue such efforts."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.