Japan PM Takaichi shifts stance on Murayama Statement

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, while responding to questions

in Parliament, acknowledged the Murayama Statement concerning

World War II aggression history.

This is seen as a major shift in stance.

During a session at the House of Councillors Budget Committee on Friday,

Takaichi stated, regarding the issue of acknowledging history, that just

as the 70th anniversary statement issued by the Abe Cabinet,

the stance of successive cabinets will remain unchanged and

her cabinet will inherit this stance.

She further acknowledged the Murayama Statement,

which refers to then-Japanese

Prime Minister Tomiichi Muryama officially recognising and

apologising for the history of aggression in 1995.

When she first entered politics as a lawmaker, Takaichi questioned Murayama,

about why, without engaging a nationwide debate, he represented Japan

in acknowledging the war of aggression, calling the approach wrong.