In a statement aimed at South Korea, Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologized Tuesday for Japan's past colonial rule of Korea. The statement, endorsed by the Cabinet, is a positive step in Japan's efforts to build a solid relationship with South Korea.

Mr. Kan said, "For the tremendous damage and sufferings that this colonial rule caused, I express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and my heartfelt apology."

The 100th anniversary of Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty's promulgation will come Aug. 29. In trying to build a future-oriented relationship with South Korea, Japan must squarely look at this segment of its modern history, which greatly affected the Korean people.