THE federal and NSW governments have been asked to consider a proposal for a statue in Strathfield honouring the women and girls forced into sexual servitude by the Japanese during WWII, as tensions rise over the plans.

The Japanese government has spoken out against the idea, put forward by Sydney's Korean and Chinese communities and reported by Fairfax Media earlier this week.

Controversial statements: Shinzo Abe.

On Wednesday night, up to 150 people attended a Strathfield Council meeting, which normally attracts fewer than 20 people, to argue either for or against the proposal.

"There was obviously strong representation from the Japanese community and the Korean community," a council spokeswoman said. "We received a large number of requests to speak."