Abe calls for `restoration of Japan`s honor and trust`

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed Thursday that Japan should "restore its honor and trust" in the international community through the "right perception" of history regarding the World War II sex slavery issue.

In an interview with Japanese daily Sankei Shimbun, Abe claimed that an unfounded testimony by Seiji Yoshida was propagated widely overseas, hurting Japan`s honor. Yoshida said he had taken part in abducting hundreds of women on Korea`s Jeju Island during the war, and the women had been forced into sex slavery for the Imperial Japanese military.

Abe noted that Yoshida`s testimony was "wrong" and should be "corrected," adding he wanted to further strengthen his strategic diplomatic remarks. He did not mention Japan`s restoration of the victims` honor, apologies and compensations.

However, the Historical Science Society of Japan, a leading academic history research organization, said in a statement last month that regardless of whether Yoshida`s testimony was right or wrong, it is a hard fact that the Japanese military was deeply involved in forceful mobilization of the "comfort women."

Pointing out that Abe was emphasizing "objective facts" and "correct perception of history" regarding the sex slavery issue, the academic society said, "Perceiving history as the way Abe does would publicize the Japanese government`s "irresponsible attitude" to the whole world.

Separately, Abe also expressed his intention to seek to revise his country`s constitution if he stays in power after the parliamentary elections to be held in next month.