Two former Japanese political leaders, who have made landmark apologies over Japan's Second World War aggression, have criticized Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's denial of the country's history.
They said Abe should not dilute their words and the current government's attempt to change the interpretation of the constitution is unacceptable.
"We must not move backwards from statements that were passed down from the previous administrations. We must not move backwards. Shinzo Abe must not issue a statement which everyone thinks is a step back," said former Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono.
"They're totally denying the principle of constitutionalism. It's not acceptable that the cabinet unilaterally changes the interpretation of the constitution. It's a serious problem," said former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.
Kono, who as chief cabinet secretary issued a landmark 1993 apology over the issue of women being forced to work in wartime military brothels, said that the current government is ignoring the truth. He added that the denial of wartime sex slavery disgraces the honor of the Japanese people.
And Murayama said he hoped Abe could inherit the country's past reflection and apology on the aggression history, and eliminate international concerns.
The two former political leaders made the remarks in a news conference Tuesday. It was the first time in the last 10 years that the two spoke to the media together.