Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen Toshio Tamogami

Air force chief fired over essay denying Japan's aggression during World War II

Saturday 01st November, 06:50 AM JST

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koizumi at 12:12 AM JST - 2nd November

Yes, Rurika, it is so difficult for the Japanese school system to teach the truth of history to its charges ... just as it's impossible for them to get rid of the military-style school uniforms.

So many healthy changes will never happen here - least not in my lifetime. For goodness sakes, look at this story : we've got a guy born AFTER the war completely blind to its horrid, utterly debased history. He can't just keep his mouth shut - he's got to enthusiastically push, push his twisted version of historical events. Is there no hope for this country?

My kids, too, will never set foot in any elementary school in Japan. We will be outta here before they make six years.
Tukata at 01:39 AM JST - 2nd November

The fact is Japan with its ambition to conquer Asia invaded many Asian countries and millions of people including casualties got killed. Just wonder whether Japan has ever truly felt sorry about this ? I doubt.
imacat at 01:48 AM JST - 2nd November

‘‘The Japan that fought the Greater East Asia War is held in high esteem’’ in countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, he claimed.

Singapore: Is Japan held in high esteem by the relatives of the victims of the Sook Ching Massacre?

Indonesia: Is Japan held in high esteem by the relatives of the Indonesian "romusha" who died as slave laborers on the Thai-Burma raliway?

Thailand: Japan effectively invaded Thailand leading to widespread resentment which boiled over in incidents such as Ban Pong.

Every country has skeletons in the cupboard... is it only Japan which refuses to recognize them?
apecNetworks at 03:27 AM JST - 2nd November

The timing of Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen Toshio Tamogami's essay is striking me in an unusual way. I am in constant contact w/ US Agency personnel/censors, and there is major changes occurring due to the change of President, especially one of the opposite party. The censors are easing attacks and possibly personnel changes are coming before 1/20/09. It is w/ this HUGE change happening that Gen. Tamogami releases this essay, and predictably, fired. The Bush Administration has has almost 3 months to wrap things up, and many loose ends are still many in Japan - pressure increasing?

Tamogami also challenged the government’s current position on the activities of the SDF under the U.S.-drafted Constitution, hinting that Japan should be allowed to exercise the right to collective self-defense and possess ‘‘offensive weaponry.’’

Let me leave noooooo doubt that I am in constant contact w/ Agency personnel, and now have the experience to interpret some of their activities.
BlackFlag at 03:47 AM JST - 2nd November

some regular posters are conspicuously absent from this item, no defense this time?
GW at 10:39 AM JST - 2nd November

tamogami is a perfect example of why article 9 was put in place & why its still needed, Jpn is after all these decades no nearing to learning about its past, ot its own detriment I am afraid
Freakenese at 11:23 AM JST - 2nd November

I must apologize the Link I posted in my previous post was from a Rueters Article and incorrect. Here is the correct link to Ex-General Tamogami's Essay on the APA group's Website: http://www.apa.co.jp/book_report/index.html.

I would love to see a Reputable Historians detailed response to this essay.

As my Grandfather was a POW at Changi and my Mother's home town and her Uncle Killed during the bombing of Darwin Harbor, I find myself a little biased.
browny1 at 06:04 PM JST - 2nd November

Freak.... thanks for the link.

Historically his essay could be cut to pieces, mistake upon mistake, altho he obviously believes it with all his heart. His presentation of circumstances as fact according to him, are almost laughable at times.

THE COMINTERN did it - we wuzz tricked kind of argument would have to be the most lame I've ever heard.

Japan has too many people in prominent influential positions espousing such, and it is really dragging this country down. The LDP is a hive of such irrationality that defys known facts first hand.
TokyoVP at 09:10 PM JST - 2nd November

Note to Obama Administration:

Rethink "Alliance" with Japan
MASSWIPE at 10:34 PM JST - 2nd November

So much for the common stereotype that the Japanese are a focused, disciplined people as opposed to "lazy" Americans who speak, write, and do as they like without any respect for hierarchy. Or perhaps Mr. Tamogami foolishly thought that he could get away with writing such an essay now that the ultimate Mr. Foot-in-Mouth (Taro Aso) is Prime Minister of his beloved Japan.

Is it the lack of specialization in Japan (everybody is a jack of all trades in the office, it seems) that makes high-level people there believe they can write and speak with authority on any subject they like (think of Nariaki Nakayama, then Transport Minister, trashing the Japanese Teachers Union)?
GW at 12:00 PM JST - 3rd November

freakenese

thx for the link, everyone here shud give it a read, very interesting I wud say, the one thing you come away with is the impression that not a single person dies at the hands of the Japanese but a few might have fell down & skinned their knees & there were a few misdeeds. Boy oh boy tamogami you really know how to cherry pick, you shud be working in the orchards of Japan rather than attempting to re-write history.

again everyone here I urge you to read the link, its an interesting peak into the mind of one who is brainwashed
mareo2 at 12:44 PM JST - 3rd November

After reading the essay, I can say that these is a piece of revisionism that find support only in a minority of J. I cant remember a neutral source that can support these version of the history.
yosun at 02:05 PM JST - 3rd November

Probably 1830~1930 was China's weakest period during his long history, and Toshio Tamogami took use of any agreement any country signed with China during that time as base of his essay is just ridiculous. for your reference!
apecNetworks at 07:42 PM JST - 4th November

The belief is that if the Japanese army becomes stronger, it will certainly go on a rampage and invade other countries, so we need to make it as difficult as possible for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to act. The SDF cannot even defend its own territory, it cannot practice collective self-defense, there are many limitations on its use of weapons, and the possession of offensive weaponry is forbidden.

I do not know the specifics of what Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen Toshio Tamogami is referring to as far as deficient in the ability for Japan to protect itself. However, the constraints and deficiencies, which I believe do exist, can be developed over a course of years. I personally would refrain any deployment of primarily offensive systems unless a "clear and present danger" exists - an act of destruction. Nuclear capabilities should be researched and developed, but not deployed until the situation calls for it. I think at this stage in the situation, as long as US Bases are on Japanese soil, the SDF can best serve the country by growing stronger, faster, more innovative. I know this would be very controversial, but I would support a development strategy where it would be classified as under "research and development" that would give the SDF the latitude to create and use offensive weapons on a very limited basis - it can be incorporated into the forces, but only of limited use. Article 9 should be kept generally unchanged, and to keep the public informed of "real dangers".

Obviously, I do not have privy info on the security situation as of 2008, and my suggestions may be naive to the present situation, but it is the level of knowledge of the general public. Perhaps informing the public of the needs of the SDF is a good first step. I do believe that the SDF should eventually be able to defend the country, but the time is not now.
Nordon at 04:06 PM JST - 7th November

His firing is the correct action. Here's why.

The MILITARY, must NEVER-EVER, give their personal opinion on politics. EVER! It's the case in every country for a DAMN GOOD reason.

Letting military personel give their view on history that counters the government's take is pushing politics, and hinders the government's ability to successfully implement policy for the state. These views can be misinterpreted by other countries to rattle sabers and will then toughen diplomatic efforts.

It needlessly creates negative messages to countries the state is trying to improve relations with. Regardless with whatever opinion the people hold outside of the military, it is never ok to do so while in service. When you are finally discharged from your service is it alright, annoying, but alright to be a jerk on your own time.