(Thumbnail Image: Yonhap News/Korea Herald)

A half-century after Japan ended its 35-year occupation of Korea, the country has apologized. Prime Minister Naoto Kan says Japan’s colonial rule damaged Korea’s ethnic pride, and robbed Koreans of a nation and a culture.

China’s CNTV says South Korea has accepted the apology.

CNTV: “During the news conference in Tokyo, Naoto Kan apologized and emphasized a more future-oriented relationship with its country’s neighbor, South Korea.”

NAOTO KAN: “We need to apologize for our conduct during the last 100 years and move forward in cooperation with South Korea into the next 100 years.”

But The LA Times suggests the apology might not be enough, quoting a Korean office worker.

“Many older Koreans still remember… being forced to change their names to Japanese, fight as soldiers and even work as prostitutes for the military — young girls who became known as comfort women. … if they are truly sorry, they should make compensations for all the victims during the colonization including comfort women." 

But CNN quotes Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, who says he understands the feelings of resentment are still strong.

“‘I can fully understand the feelings of (Koreans) who were deprived of their identity and nation. I believe we must never forget the victims.’”

And NHK News, suggests the exact timing of the apology was no coincidence.

“The occasion marked the 100th anniversary of Japan’s annexation of the Korean peninsula. In a statement approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, Prime Minister Naoto Kan says he hopes to face history and reflect on Japan’s past mistakes.”

And this isn’t the first apology from Japan. In 2009, the country apologized for the treatment of POW’s throughout Asia.

“We extend a heartfelt apology from our country, having caused tremendous damage and suffering to many people including prisoners of wars, those who have undergone tragic experiences…”

So what do you think? Is this a sincere, heartfelt apology, or does Japan just apologize when it’s convenient?

Get more multi-source news analysis from Newsy.com.

WRITER: Christine Slusser

PRODUCER: Newsy Staff