Prominent Japanese Politician Yohei Kono Dies at 89
Yohei Kono, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and a significant figure in Japanese politics, has passed away at the age of 89. Kono was widely recognized for his role in issuing an apology regarding the issue of “comfort women” during the Japanese occupation period.
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1937, Kono hailed from a distinguished political family. His father, Ichiro Kono, served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, while his uncle, Kenzo Kono, was also a Speaker of the House. His son, Taro Kono, is a current member of the Diet, having previously served as Minister of Digital Transformation.
A Long and Influential Political Career
Yohei Kono entered politics in 1967, succeeding his father in the Lower House as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was elected to the Diet 14 consecutive times. His political career culminated in his appointment as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2003, a position he held for five and a half years. He retired from politics after the 2009 general election.
The “Kono Statement” on Comfort Women
One of Kono’s most notable contributions was the “Kono Statement” issued on August 4, 1993. This statement expressed the Japanese government’s apology and remorse concerning the issue of “comfort women,” women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during wartime.
In 2020, Kono attended a symposium organized by the Korean Studies Institute at Waseda University in Tokyo, where he delivered congratulatory remarks.
