OSAKA — The passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of a nonbinding resolution calling on Japan to apologize for forcing thousands of young women into sexual slavery during the war will further inflame Japan's rightwing politicians and media, according to experts on Japan's relations with the U.S.
But most agree it is unlikely to have a long-term effect on the broader bilateral ties.
The resolution, sponsored by California Rep. Mike Honda, has been the center of controversy since February when it was introduced. Although Japan admitted in 1993 that the government was involved in recruiting the women, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe caused a stir when he claimed earlier this year there was no proof the government coerced the women into the brothels.