Publisher Offers to Revise History Text

The publisher of a controversial history textbook that many Asians say whitewashes Japan's wartime atrocities offered to revise several passages, including some parts that South Korea wants expunged.

The Education Ministry approved the middle school text in April. It was written by nationalist scholars who deny Japan committed historically documented atrocities during World War II and who say teaching youngsters about Japan's war crimes is "masochistic."

South Korea and China have issued formal protests over the book.

The publisher, Fusosha, submitted the revisions Monday to the ministry. Five of the nine passages that were changed touch on Seoul's demands, a Fusosha spokesman said.