By Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies, Temple University Japan

“Global understanding does not come cheaply. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government has budgeted ¥70 billion — yes, that’s more than $500 million — to help get the word out about Japan and ensure that China and South Korea aren’t the only ones controlling the narrative…

…Japan is easy to promote, so rather than creating sinecures, why not rely on and expand existing networks…

…My preference would be to use the Japan House money to establish a museum for trafficked women in Asia, which would help restore the nation’s dignity and convince the world that Japan is not in denial about the comfort women.”