Japan voiced irritation on Tuesday over comments by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who called on Tokyo to face up to the past and improve ties with its neighbours.
Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshihide Suga,said he doubted whether Ban was fully aware of the efforts Japan was making towards dialogue with China and South Korea, amid disputes over territory and historical differences.
Suga added that Tokyo would ask Ban, a former South Korean Foreign Minister, to explain what he meant when he urged Japanese leaders to conduct "very deep introspection".
"Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) has called for dialogue with South Korea and China despite issues of concern," Suga told a regular press briefing.
"I feel a strong sense of doubt as to whether the remark was made with full understanding of our country's position."
Source: NewsOnJapan
