Osaka mayor’s awkward apology

A Japanese politician again denied history and then vaguely wrapped up what he said due to the mounting criticism, which is a typical pattern in Japanese politics.

Toru Hashimoto, Osaka mayor and a joint representative of the Japanese Restoration Association, who was at the center of controversy after he justified comfort women and prostitution, said admittedly on Thursday, “I have something regretful.” He did not give up his claim, however, saying, “I don’t repeal what I said.”

The Osaka mayor apologized in a private television network on the day, saying, “I didn’t have much understanding about the U.S. prostitute culture and values. I should’ve thought about the difference between Japan and the U.S. more carefully. I lacked a global view.” He said earlier Monday, “I proposed the U.S. commander in chief based in Okinawa to make use of prostitutes (to address U.S. soldiers’ sexual desire).”

“I should’ve said it as one of many options. As I took the example of prostitution, I caused a significant misunderstanding,” he said Thursday, adding, “But I don’t repeal the intention of what I said.” He contained his mistake to the lack of understanding of the other party’s culture.

“We need comfort women if we want to help soldiers rest somewhere after fighting against torrents of bullets with their life at stake.” Regarding what he said on comfort women Monday, the mayor did not comment on this when apologizing Thursday.

Mayor Hashimoto took a step back, albeit vague, because he was strongly criticized at home and abroad. Even Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, also an extreme rightist, drew the line on Wednesday, saying, “(Hashimoto’s argument) is completely different from the Liberal Democratic Party and me.” Japanese minor Your Party floor leader Yoshimi Watanabe said on the same day, “We’ll reconsider cooperation in election with the Japanese Restoration Association." A spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Defense said, "Mr. Hashimoto`s comments do not align with the values we seek to instill in our personnel, and run counter to defense department policies and our laws.” Hashimoto who plans to visit the U.S. had to calm the situation down.

Despite his ambiguous regrets, criticism continued on Thursday. Eleven female opposition party lawmakers from the Democratic Party, People’s Life Party, Social Democratic Party, and Green Wind said at a joint press conference at the parliament, “Hashimoto insulted women’s characters and human rights. We’re very concerned over whether about Japan’s image and national interests have been tarnished.”