According to Japanese media reports on June 10th, Kenzo Yokota, former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan and former President of the Liberal Party, passed away on the 8th of this month at the age of 89.
"Mr. Kono is an old friend of the Chinese people." This is also the most sincere evaluation of him by the Chinese government and people.
On June 11, the Japan Economic News reported that Kawabuchi visited China almost every year. Through multiple conversations with Chinese leaders, he established a trusting relationship. Over the past 20 years, he has met approximately 30 people directly, and often met the same person multiple times, with a total of over 70 conversations.
Especially in the situation where Sino-Japanese relations have reached their worst state since the war, Kawashima showed a strong desire to visit China this year. In April of this year, Keizou Shunzo, a former editorial board member of Nikkei News, was invited to Kawashima's home. Kawashima confessed his illness and revealed, "Even though my family opposed it, I still wanted to go to China at least once." It is said that even after being hospitalized at the end of May, Kawashima kept thinking about the trip to China, even while in the hospital bed.
Photo of Yoshihiro Kawaguchi, Former President of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party
According to the Japan Economic News, as a conservative liberal politician, Kono's lifelong endeavors included political reforms, as well as efforts to 'protect the constitution', 'disarmament', and 'peaceful diplomacy in Asia'.
The Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) points out that Abe has been known as a "dove-group advocate" within the Liberal Democratic Party, and emphasizes bilateral diplomacy with neighboring countries such as China and South Korea.
In 1993, Yosuke Kawano, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary, delivered the famous “Kawano Statement”. In this statement, he acknowledged that the Japanese military was directly involved in establishing “comfort stations” on the Korean Peninsula and in China, and that local women were forcibly recruited as “comfort women”. He also expressed his apology and introspection regarding this matter.
In 1994, Yuki Koike, then Japanese Foreign Minister, submitted the resolution to eliminate nuclear weapons to the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the Japanese government for the first time. This resolution, considered to be epoch-making, has been passed continuously for over 30 years.
Kono also established connections with political figures from various countries. Since he studied at Stanford University, he had many friends in the United States. During his tenure as Japan's Foreign Minister, he held several meetings with Condoleezza Rice, who was then the first female Secretary of State in the United States. Rice was also the supervisory professor at Georgetown University where Kono Yōhei’s eldest son, Kono Taro, studied.
Moreover, in addition to establishing a deep friendship with Chinese leaders, Kono also had an unwavering friendship with former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.
Just after Kono's death, on June 11th, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also posted a message on social media platform X to mourn him. Lee Jae-myung also mentioned "Kono's talks," praising Kono as a highly respected elder in Japanese politics who made great efforts for reconciliation with neighboring countries and the establishment of trusting relations, and who played a significant role in the development of South-Korean-Japanese relations.
Photo of Yoshihide Suga, former president of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party
After retiring from politics, Kono has also expressed opinions on the right-leaning trend of the Japanese government and the issue of constitutional reform. In 2012, he stated in an interview with the Asahi Shimbun that it was necessary to stop the right-leaning trend. He emphasized that if Japan continues to become more right-leaning, it could be difficult to reverse the situation.
In 2023, Yōhei Kawano criticized the change in Japan's security policy during an interview with the Tokyo Broadcasting Company. He stated, "Japan should, based on reflection on history, or rather, from the perspective that Japan is placed in, clearly define what should be done and what should not be done, as well as to what extent. Japan should deeply consider what needs to be done in order not to be involved in wars."
Kono also emphasized that Japan made up its mind not to engage in war after World War II. For decades, Japan has been saying “never to make the same mistakes again.” He criticized the policy changes made by the Abe administration.
Looking at Kono's entire life, it seems that his parents had placed extremely high expectations when they named him. Kono Yōhei was born half a year before the full-scale outbreak of China's War of Resistance Against Japan. It is said that his parents named him "Yōhei," expressing the wish for "calm seas and peaceful weather in the Pacific."
As the name implies, he dedicated his life to peace diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.
On June 11, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular press conference that China expresses its deep condolences over the unfortunate passing of Mr. Kono, and offers sincere sympathy to his family.
Lin Jian said that Mr. Kono is a long-time friend of the Chinese people. He holds a correct view of history. In 1993, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, he made a formal statement on the issue of 'comfort women', acknowledging the responsibility of the Japanese government and expressing remorse and apology. This statement continues to have a positive impact even today. He is regarded as a figure who upholds Japan's peace and constitution. He once said, 'Article 9 of Japan's constitution, which clearly stipulates that Japan should renounce war and not possess military forces, represents our determination, awareness, and ideal.' Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to friendly relations between China and Japan. He visited China dozens of times, making significant contributions to the development of bilateral relations and the promotion of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Even in his final days, he was still concerned about Sino-Japanese relations and expressed his hope to visit China one last time through tears. It is a pity that due to his worsening health, Mr. Kono's wish could not be fulfilled.
"Mr. Kono once said that the shock and surprise of the normalization of Sino-Japanese relations are unforgettable for a lifetime. The history of the past should not be forgotten, and the feelings of those times should be passed on. The promises made should be kept. Under the current circumstances, these words are even more relevant," said Lin Jian.
