Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan is reportedly planning to include an apology for Tokyo's colonial rule in a statement he will issue ahead of August 29th, which is the 100th anniversary of Japan’s colonization of Korea.

The Asahi Shimbun daily says Kan has decided to issue a statement related to Japan's self-reflection of its past colonial rule in order to establish more future-oriented ties with South Korea.

The daily said the statement is expected to come before August 15th, which is Independence Day in Korea.

The Sankei Shimbun carried a similar report, adding that the content of the statement will be on par with the 1995 declaration made by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

In a House of Councilors committee meeting Tuesday, Kan said that South Korea is a very important neighbor and that he will review his planned statement with sincerity.