Japan has apologized for the harsh mistreatment of Canadian prisoners of war after the disastrous Battle of Hong Kong in the Second World War.

Toshiyuki Kato, Japan's parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs, delivered the apology in Tokyo today -- the 70th anniversary of Japan's invasion of Hong Kong in 1941.

Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney led a delegation of Canadian veterans to Japan for the apology and a commemorative ceremony.

"This important gesture is a crucial step in ongoing reconciliation and a significant milestone in the lives of all prisoners of war," Blaney said in a statement. "It acknowledges their suffering while honouring their sacrifices and courage."

"Today's apology will help in healing as our two great countries move forward," Blaney said.

Some 1,975 Canadian troops were hastily sent to reinforce Allied troops defending Hong Kong, a British colony on China's southern coast, as Japanese forces massed near the border in 1941. The Canadians were from the Royal Rifles of Canada and the Winnipeg Grenadiers, and within weeks of their arrival they became the first Canadian military contingent to fight in the Second World War.

The Battle of Hong Kong began Dec. 8, 1941, and lasted until Christmas Day. The Allies surrendered after almost 18 days of brutal fighting in which 290 Canadians were killed and 493 wounded.

Those who survived were held prisoner in Hong Kong and Japan until Japan's surrender on Aug. 15, 1945. Aside from the battle casualties, another 267 captured men died in prison camps where they were subjected to what Canada calls "deliberate and systematic mistreatment at the hands of their captors."

According to the news release from Veteran Affairs Canada, the Canadian prisoners of war were "forced into backbreaking labour in construction sites, mines, shipyards and foundries, and were frequently beaten and starved."

Many of the PoWs who survived and returned to Canada suffered serious disabilities as a result of their experiences in Hong Kong, and many died prematurely, it said.

Seventy years after the outbreak of hostilities, Blaney led the delegation of Canadian Veterans of the Battle of Hong Kong to Japan for the apology and the commemorative ceremony, and visited the graves of Canadian soldiers at the British Commonwealth Cemetery in Yokohama.