Japan's cultural authorities have decided not to subsidize an art festival because it chose to display a sculpture representing thousands of Korean women taken as sex slaves by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.<br />The move prompted nearly 90-thousand people to sign a petition in protest.<br />The agency claims it had not been informed of plans to display the statue at the festival, and said it would have prevented the event running smoothly.<br />The sculpture was removed weeks ago, apparently on orders from the Japanese government.<br />The petition argues there should be proof of illegality to cancel a subsidy.<br />
