Yohei Kono dies at 89, known for Japan’s 1993 comfort women apology

Yohei Kono, the veteran Japanese politician linked to a key wartime apology, has died at 89, officials said. Kono was known for seeking better ties with China, South Korea and other Asian neighbours. Kono died of old age on Monday, according to the office of Kono’s son, former Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

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In 1993, as chief Cabinet secretary, Kono issued an apology to tens of thousands of so-called comfort women. The statement followed a government investigation. It acknowledged Japanese military involvement in forcing women to work in frontline brothels during World War II.

Yohei Kono apology shaped Japan wartime statements

Kono’s 1993 statement influenced Japan’s wider stance on past abuses. It was followed by a 1995 statement by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. That later message offered a broader apology for Japan’s wartime atrocities, and it drew international attention to Japan’s approach to its history.

Internationally, the 1993 and 1995 statements were seen as proof of reflection. They also helped improve relations with Asian countries affected by Japanese actions. Over time, Japanese conservatives criticised these apologies. They argued Japan should stop stressing negative history. They said national pride needed rebuilding.

Yohei Kono apology drew criticism from conservatives

Kono later faced stronger pushback and efforts to undo the 1993 apology. The pressure increased during nationalist former Prime Minister Shinzo Abes leadership. Kono warned that any attempt to whitewash historical facts hurts the Japanese peoples reputation.

Born in January 1937, Kono entered politics in 1967 after Ichiro Kono died. Ichiro Kono was a senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker. Yohei Kono later held major roles, including speaker of the lower house. Kono also served as LDP president, and retired in 2009.

Yohei Kono apology linked to China outreach

Even after retirement, Kono stayed active in political work and outreach. Kono visited China almost every year with political and business delegations. The visits aimed to steady sensitive ties between the two countries. Earlier this year, Kono was still weighing another China trip.

Kono’s planned travel came as Tokyo’s ties with Beijing worsened. Relations fell to their lowest in years after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke in November. Sanae Takaichi said a hypothetical Chinese military action against Taiwan would justify Japanese troop engagement. Kono’s death closes a long career shaped by history and regional diplomacy.

With inputs from PTI