Regarding the Dec. 10 article, "Taiwan president Ma urges Japan to apologize for using sex slaves during WWII": Like many Japanese politicians with a remarkable education, Liberal Democratic Party leader Shinzo Abe appears to be a gentleman. But his remarks are often unexpectedly shocking, especially one about the "comfort women," whose lives were barbarically traumatized.

Shouldn't a worthy gentleman be thoughtful, responsible and valiant? Look at how admirably sincere the post-World War II German governments have been in their efforts to assuage the suffering of millions of victims of the Nazi-launched war in Europe.

peter chao
taipei

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.