[Photo] Japan refuses grant to Aichi Triennale organizers

The Japanese government has decided not to provide a grant for an art exhibition displaying a “girl of peace” statue that symbolizes comfort women. Japan attempted to justify the decision by saying the event organizers “failed to provide enough information” in their application. Critics, however, are labeling the decision another instance of censorship on historical issues. On Sept. 26, Kyodo News reported that the Agency for Cultural Affairs “will not pay a 78 million yen [US$724,000] grant for the Aichi Triennale 2019. The exhibit "After 'Freedom of Expression?'" was closed three days after its opening on Aug. 1. (Hankyoreh archives)