The government has said that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stands by statements by past administrations apologizing for Japan's aggression in World War II and admitting the military had a role in coercing "comfort women" to work in brothels.
Comfort women is a euphemism for women who suffered under Japan’s military brothel system before and during World War II.
The confirmation Friday that Japan's stance remains unchanged under Suga, who took office last September, comes amid lingering tensions with neighboring countries including South Korea and China over wartime history.