Elderly Japanese man begs for forgiveness from sex slave victims

A Japanese professor kneeling in front of sex slave victims, also known as comfort women, and asking forgiveness is moving the hearts of many. 

During a demonstration that took place on October 19, in front of the old Japanese embassy site in Seoul, a sight of an elderly man kneeling in front of the victims caught the attention of people. 

In the photos are former sex slave victims, Kim Bok Dong, age 90, and Gil Won Oak, age 80, and in front of them, with his head down and face solemn, is a 78-year-old Japanese philosophy professor, Endo Doru. 

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Professor Endo stated that he came to Korea to give words of apology on behalf of his country, Japan. He started, "I am Japanese...I am sorry that Japan did countless wrongdoings in the past. I have come to apologize as a Japanese person." 

He continued, "I apologize to the victims of sex slavery," then bowed his head to each of the victims attending the protest. 

It is reported that earlier that day, he visited the 'The Statue of Peace' to lift up a prayer of apology. He plans to also visit other sites of Japanese crimes and Korean independence movement, including Jeam-Ri church, Tapgol Park, and Seodaemun Prison before returning to Japan.