Tokyo governor's gaffe rouses anger

Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro's statement that Japan's colonization of Korea in the prewar days was the Korean people's choice has infuriated many Japanese people as well as people in neighboring countries, particularly in South and North Korea.

Speaking at a public assembly held on October 28 in Tokyo to help the movement to save Japanese citizens who have been abducted by North Korea , Ishihara stated, "It (Japan's annexation of Korea) was
their (Koreans') choice. It is the responsibility of their ancestors."

He also said, "We did not invade using military force. At a time when the Korean Peninsula was divided and facing a choice between Russia and China, they sought help from the Japanese, who were modernized and shared similar racial traits. For this reason, the annexation was approved by the world."

Ishihara went on to say, "I don't mean to completely justify the annexation, but it is actually the responsibility of their (Koreans') ancestors. It was a most advanced and humane colonialism." (end)