1. The Government of the Republic of Korea deeply regrets that the education board of Ohtawara in Tochigi 
Prefecture, Japan, has officially adopted history textbooks published by Fusosha, which includes contents 
that glorify Japan's history of past aggression, for the first time as a basic municipal government on July 13, 
2005. 

2. The ROK government has been deeply concerned about the adoption of the distorted history textbooks as 
it could lead to a repetition of unfortunate history by raising false awareness in past history for the young 
generations of Japan, and also because it runs squarely counter to our government's efforts to build future-
oriented relations with Japan, based on an accurate understanding of history. 

3. Based on such a point of view, the ROK government can not help but be  very disappointed at the first 
adoption of the Fusosha textbooks, and, at the same time, highly appreciates the fact that many parents, 
intellectuals and civic groups of Japan are exerting constant efforts to declare the unreasonableness of the 
adoption of the textbooks and to keep a sense of conscience in Japan.  The ROK government expects that 
such healthy efforts by the civic society of Japan will prevent the adoption of the controversial textbooks in 
other areas and contribute to the establishment of an accurate awareness in history by Japan through 
exchanges and cooperation between the civic societies of the ROK and Japan.

                                                       Spokesperson of MOFAT 

* unofficial translation