Former Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono, who issued 1993 comfort-women apology, dies at 89

Yohei Kono, a longtime member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, died on Monday at the age of 89, his family said. As chief cabinet secretary in 1993, Kono delivered a formal apology to Asian women forced to serve in military brothels during World War II, acknowledging the Japanese army’s role after a government investigation. The statement was followed by a broader apology from Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995, which was viewed internationally as a step toward reconciling Japan’s wartime legacy and improving ties with China, South Korea and other affected nations.

Kono, who later served as speaker of the lower house and as LDP president before retiring in 2009, continued to promote diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries, making annual visits to China with political and business delegations. He warned that attempts to revise or deny historical facts would damage Japan’s reputation.

"Any attempt to whitewash historical facts hurts the Japanese people’s reputation," Kono said.

His apology has faced criticism from nationalist politicians who argue that Japan should focus less on its past. Despite such opposition, Kono remained active in politics until recent years, working to stabilize sensitive regional relationships.