Japan says sorry for Darwin bombing

Japan's government has used a gathering in Darwin to apologise for the country's bombing of the city during World War II. Japan's Senior Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Tadahiro Matsushita, told a signing ceremony for the $US34 billion Ichthys gas project that he was sorry for his country's actions. "I am aware that this year is the 70th anniversary of Darwin's bombing and during a certain period in the not-too-distant past, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries," Mr Matsushita said. Japanese officials have in the past apologised for the country's actions in World War II, but Mr Matsushita is believed to be the most senior politician to apologise on Northern Territory soil for the bombing of Darwin. (Sydney Morning Herald)