Yohei Kono, architect of 'comfort women' apology, dies at 89

Yohei Kono, a distinguished figure in Japanese politics and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, passed away on June 10 at the age of 89. Kono was a key political leader who served as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and held significant ministerial posts throughout his career.

Kono entered politics in 1967, succeeding his father, Ichiro Kono, a former cabinet minister, in the Kanagawa constituency. He was elected to the House of Representatives 14 times, becoming a central figure in Japanese political circles. Known for his criticism of the LDP's factionalism and corruption, Kono briefly left the party. During his tenure as Chief Cabinet Secretary in 1993, he issued the "Kono Statement."

The "Kono Statement" acknowledged the Japanese military's direct or indirect involvement in the establishment and management of "comfort stations" and the transportation of "comfort women" during Japan's wartime period. This statement paved the way for subsequent Japanese government actions, including the establishment of the Asian Women's Fund in 1995.

Kono also maintained a cautious stance on revising Article 9 of Japan's peace constitution, which renounces war. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy with neighboring countries, particularly China and South Korea. He served as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the three-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1994. Later, he was reappointed Foreign Minister in 1999 and elected Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2003.

Kono hailed from a prominent political family; his eldest son, Taro Kono, has also served as Foreign Minister. Yohei Kono's political legacy includes his role in addressing historical wartime issues and his contributions to Japan's foreign policy.

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The comfort stations were established at the request of the military authorities, and the former Japanese military was directly or indirectly involved in their establishment, management, and the transportation of comfort women.