Japan Press Weekly

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2015 February 25 - March 3 [POLITICS]

Abe’s ‘remorse’ for past war of aggression only empty words

Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has launched an expert panel to draw up a statement to be issued in August marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. He is evidently reluctant to endorse the core of the 1995 Murayama Statement which expresses remorse and apology for Japan’s war of aggression.

At the first meeting of the expert panel held on February 25, Abe raised five subjects to be discussed: what lessons should be learned from the experiences of Japan and the world in the 20th century; how to evaluate post-war Japan’s pacifism, economic achievements, and international contributions; how Japan rebuilt relations with the U.S., Australia, European countries, and Asian countries, namely China and Korea; what is the prospect of Asia and the world for the 21st century; and what specific policies are required of Japan.

Abe omitted to include discussion of issues regarding remorse for Japan’s colonial rules and aggression, the most important point made in the Murayama Statement. In the first place, there is total lack of discussion regarding Japan’s past war.

At the meeting, Abe said that the future of Japan will evolve based on remorse over the past war and 70 years’ experiences as a pacifist country. However, his “remorse” will be empty of meaning if it is not accompanied with precise wording that leaves no doubt of sincerity.

In a TV interview aired on January 25 on NHK, asked if the planned statement will include the Murayama Statement’s phrases such as “colonial rule and aggression” and “deep remorse and heartfelt apology”, the prime minister avoided giving a concrete response.

If Abe issues a statement that fails to reflect on Japan’s aggressive war, it will meet criticism from people both at home and abroad for posing a threat to the postwar international order based on preventing future wars of aggression.