Plans to erect a statue in Auckland symbolising the so-called comfort women, who were forced into sexual slavery by Japan during World War Two, have been rejected.The bronze statue, depicting a girl seated next to an empty chair, was donated by the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance, a non-governmental group advocating against military sexual slavery.The Japanese embassy warned that installing the statue in a public garden could significantly impact diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Japan.The proposal was ultimately voted down by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board following public consultation that showed a lack of community support.More than 200,000 women... [Continue Reading]