Former prisoner of war Raymond Heimbuch told members of the Democratic Party of Japan at a hearing Wednesday that he wants an official apology from the Japanese government extended to him and to other POWs.

Heimbuch was one of the many United States soldiers and civilians who were captured by Japanese forces during World War II. Many were forced to work virtually around the clock for Japanese companies under abusive conditions.

Stressing that he felt no animosity toward the Japanese people, Heimbuch said time was of the essence, considering the age of many of the remaining POWs, including himself. Heimbuch is 89.