Regarding the Aug. 23 front-page article "No evidence sex slaves were taken by military: Hashimoto": Although there is overwhelming evidence that Japan forcibly used "comfort women" during its brutal occupation of Korea, Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto has revealed his abhorrent character by suggesting that no such evidence exists.

If Hashimoto truly believes his erroneous statement, I challenge him to provide a public space at City Hall for historians and victims to publicly present the historical evidence that does indeed exist.

Since Hashimoto seems firm in his belief, it will be to his benefit that as many citizens as possible have the opportunity to view the evidence. Therefore, he should pay for promoting the event via the media to further prove his point to as many citizens as possible.

Furthermore, he must ensure that the evidence, presenters and viewers are protected from the violent, rightwing deniers that tend to show up to suppress the truth and express the misplaced Japanese nationalism that Hashimoto espouses.

mb_

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.

harmel guram