During a visit to South Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa apologizes for forcing Korean women into sexual slavery during World War II.

The prime minister of Japan is the head of the executive branch of the government of Japan. The prime minister directs the National Cabinet and is the commander-in-chief of the Japan Self-Defense Forces; he is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the National Diet and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office. He is the head of the Cabinet and appoints and dismisses the other ministers of state. The literal translation of the Japanese name for the office is Minister for the Comprehensive Administration of the Cabinet.