Key Facts
On May 9, 2025, Shoji Nishida, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and House of Councillors, issued a public apology during a press conference at the National Diet. The apology addressed his controversial remarks regarding the exhibits at the “Himeyuri no To” (Himeyuri Monument) in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. Nishida admitted that mentioning the monument without providing adequate explanation was “highly inappropriate” and extended his apologies to the people of Okinawa and those associated with the Himeyuri Monument. He also announced that his statements would be retracted and deleted.
The controversy stemmed from Nishida’s comments during a symposium in Naha City on May 3, held in observance of Constitution Memorial Day. Reflecting on his visit to the Himeyuri Monument before becoming a legislator, Nishida criticized the historical narrative presented at the site. He claimed that the exhibits suggested the Japanese military’s actions led to the deaths of the Himeyuri student nurses, while the arrival of American forces was portrayed as liberating Okinawa. Nishida argued that such interpretations amounted to historical revisionism.
Following his remarks, Nishida faced widespread criticism. The LDP’s coalition partner, Komeito, demanded a retraction and apology, while opposition parties and Okinawan residents also voiced strong objections. Initially, Nishida defended his comments, stating on May 7 that they were factual and not intended to harm Okinawans. However, he refused to retract them at that time.
During the May 9 press conference, Nishida acknowledged his failure to consider the emotional impact of his statements, particularly the trauma they might evoke for Okinawans. He pledged to better empathize with the sentiments of Okinawan residents and to support policies benefiting the region. Despite his apology, Nishida maintained that his comments about the monument’s historical narrative were based on facts. He also stood by his earlier assertion that Japan’s education system, particularly regarding the Battle of Okinawa, required significant reform to foster a more independent national identity.
For further details, visit the Mainichi Shimbun article.
On May 9, 2025, Shoji Nishida, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the House of Councillors, held a press conference at the National Diet to address his controversial remarks about the Himeyuri Monument in Okinawa. Nishida apologized for referencing the monument without sufficient explanation, calling it “highly inappropriate.” He extended his apologies to Okinawan residents and those connected to the monument, announcing that his statements would be retracted and deleted.
The controversy arose from Nishida’s comments during a May 3 symposium in Naha City, where he criticized the historical narrative presented at the Himeyuri Monument. He claimed the exhibits implied that the Japanese military caused the deaths of Himeyuri student nurses, while portraying the arrival of American forces as liberating Okinawa. Nishida described this interpretation as historical revisionism.
Following widespread criticism from Komeito, opposition parties, and Okinawan residents, Nishida initially defended his remarks on May 7, asserting they were factual and not intended to harm. However, during the May 9 press conference, he acknowledged failing to consider the emotional impact of his statements and pledged to better empathize with Okinawan sentiments. Despite his apology, Nishida maintained that his comments were fact-based and reiterated the need for educational reform regarding the Battle of Okinawa.
For more details, visit the Mainichi Shimbun article.
