Disputes in Japan over the Japanese Military “Comfort Women” System and Its Perception in History

Abstract

In 2007, then-Japanese Prime Minister Abe stirred up controversy by denying that “comfort women” were coerced by the Japanese military. He was supported by more than a few politicians, and his opinion may be viewed as a reflection of the nationalistic atmosphere of Japanese society. Since the early 1990s, research has been establishing proof that the Japanese government and military were fully and systematically involved in the comfort women system and that the system violated numerous international and domestic laws. Ultrarightist groups have been trying to erase the fruits of such research. The U.S. House of Representatives' resolution in July 2007 (H. Res. 121) and Abe's sudden resignation seem to mean that the ultrarightist movement toward historical revision has come to a deadlock. The comfort women issue and other questions about Japan's war responsibilities may have an important impact on Japan's future.