Protesters demanded an apology for something that happened during World War II.

NBC Bay Area reports.

Japan Prime Minister Gives Speech at Stanford Amid Protests Over Country’s Use of “Comfort Women” During WWII

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a speech at Stanford University Thursday amid demands by Korean-Americans and others that he apologize for the use of sex slaves by Japan’s military during World War II.

Abe’s speech focused on innovation and partnerships between his country and Silicon Valley, which was followed by answering submitted questions, according to Stanford spokesman Brad Hayward.

“I want the best, brightest Japanese talent with superb technology and high motivation to dive themselves into Silicon Valley,” Abe said. “I also want Japan’s middle-size companies to sail into the rough waves in the Silicon Valley.”

The prime minister, who served in the post from 2006 to 2007 and then returned to it in 2012, gave the speech in Japanese with a simultaneous translation into English through headsets provided to the audience, university officials said.