A prevalent mindset existed, and is deeply rooted, among both the Japanese and American military that women were expected to provide sexual services to their soldiers.
China’s goals in jumping on the official comfort women bandwagon are arguably strategic, helping support the growing divide between Japan and Korea.
Koreans have drawn parallels between the treatment of the comfort women and the Holocaust, leading Koreans to seek recognition of guilt and accountability from Japan.
Unlike Korea, Taiwan has built monuments to pay homage to Japan, honoring the contribution that Japan made to Taiwan during the colonial period, including comfort women.
Many suggest that Japanese crimes pale in comparison to Western imperialism which was not characterized by the progress and prosperity that Japanese colonialism produced.
If the Koreas gain greater harmony they may focus more overtly on Japan’s past deeds and its present ambitions, directly impacting upon Japan’s ‘middle power‘ status.
Virginie Grzelczyk discusses North Korea’s status as a nuclear power, the ways in which they are
“mainstreaming”, and their relationship with South Korea and the US.
The prospect of political change in the North coincides with the potential for religious change in the South, producing a complex and fascinating set of scenarios.
With potential talks of a peace treaty going on among the US, South Korea, North Korea and China, the future of the US–Japan, US–ROK alliance seems to be at stake.
Japan is taking preemptive actions to normalize relations with North Korea in light of the upcoming summit talks between Kim and Trump, and negotiations with South Korea.
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