Former Japanese Minister Yohei Kono, Apologizer for ‘Comfort Women’ Abuse, Dies at 89

Yohei Kono, a former Japanese cabinet minister, passed away at the age of 89. Kono is remembered for publicly apologizing for Japan’s wartime sexual slavery system. He used the term “comfort women” to describe the victims of the abuse. His apology was a rare admission of responsibility by a senior official. Kono’s death marks the loss of a figure linked to Japan’s reconciliation efforts. The announcement was reported by Chron, noting his political career. His legacy includes ongoing debates over historical memory in East Asia. Observers will reflect on his role in diplomatic discussions about the issue.