Koizumi Sticks to Textbook Decision

Japan will not reverse its approval for a controversial history textbook although criticisms across Asia that it whitewashes Tokyo's wartime atrocities will be seriously considered, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said on Friday.

China, South and North Korea have strongly protested the text, arguing it glosses over Japan's wartime aggression. Seoul said this week it would postpone joint military exercises with Tokyo in protest.

"Turning over the decision to approve the textbook is unthinkable," Koizumi told parliament.

On Thursday, four South Korean lawmakers turned up the heat, applying for a court injunction to halt the sale of the textbook, due for circulation next year.

Japan's Education Ministry insisted on revisions before approving the text, but Seoul on Tuesday cited another 25 passages which it said were clearly inaccurate, as well as 10 sections in seven other textbooks.

Koizumi added that Tokyo must "take seriously" Seoul's concerns, saying the Education Ministry will look into the issue.

"We must think of a way to solve the issue in a smooth way as not to damage the friendly ties with South Korea," Koizumi said.

Japanese Education Minister Atsuko Toyama suggested on Tuesday that Tokyo could make further revisions.

But she added she would listen to opinions from experts before making any formal decision.

Seoul says the junior high textbook justifies Japan's invasion of much of Asia in the early 20th century and fails to explain the plight of over 100,000 "comfort women", most from the Korean peninsula, forced to provide sex to Japanese troops during World War Two.

Japan has said the textbook does not represent Tokyo's official view of history.

Japan colonized Korea in 1910, forcing Koreans to use the Japanese language and to pledge loyalty to its emperor until the occupation was ended by Japan's defeat in World War II.

The feud is a blow to ties that had steadily been improving in the organization of the World Cup soccer finals in 2002, which Japan and Korea will co-host.






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