The following is a chronology of key comments made by Japanese leaders on the country's war responsibility.

Sept. 6, 1984 — Emperor Hirohito (Showa), at a banquet for visiting South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan, says, "It is indeed regrettable that there was an unfortunate past between us for a period in this century and I believe that it should not be repeated again."

May 24, 1990 — Emperor Akihito, at a banquet for visiting South Korean President Roh Tae-woo, says, "I think of the sufferings your people underwent during this unfortunate period, which were caused by my country, and cannot but feel the deepest regret."