Japan is a global power with a rich culture and tradition that upholds universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law. Japan, as a maritime state, can onl

The second sentence I agree with, but "tradition that upholds universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law" made me laugh.

His speechwriter must have learnt a few tricks from George Orwell's 1984.

oxymoronic logic...Orwellian double-squeak...and ethnocentric double standards...

Abe could say 2 = 2 and posters here would call it Orwellian double speak and condemn him as the second coming of Hitler for such rhetoric.

He lost me at "tradition that upholds universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law." Oh.

From the surrounding context, I wonder if he meant to say "Compared to China,..."?

Japan is a global power with a rich culture and tradition that upholds universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law.

Apparently that "rich culture and tradition" took a holiday for the first few decades of the 20th century, huh? But, Japan's neighbors, as well as the rest of Asia, and the world actually, is supposed to believe Japan know has reclaimed it. I'll wait and see what he says in August on the 75th anniversary to see if he really understands what "respect for fundamental human rights and the rule of law" even means.

Japan is a global power with a rich culture and tradition that upholds universal values as freedom, democracy, respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law

Boy oh boy that's a sick joke!! Japan prior to LOSING WWII had none of the following: freedom, democracy(still doesn't!), respect for human rights! Or rule of law! Japan had tyranny, the kempetai, the Emperor, no freedoms, but hey they were allowed to where traditional clothes if they wanted!

Japan received ALL the things abe blurted out AFTER Japan LOST WWII & the Yanks & Allies FORCED the lovely constitution that has made Japan prosper more than at any time in its history

Everyone's so busy making fun of the first part they're forgetting to have a closer look at this part:

Japan, as a maritime state, can only ensure its own peace and security by actively engaging in efforts to make the entire world a more peaceful and secure place.

Japan, as a maritime state, can only ensure its own peace and security by actively engaging in efforts to make the entire world a more peaceful and secure place.

Commodore,

I read it, but what is Japan doing or DONE to achieve that? I will say one thing Japan did after WWII was ACCEPT the constitution etc & didn't do anything with its military since, but that's easily accomplished by sitting on ones keyster. Japan under the US umbrella has allowed it easily remain peaceful by default, again Japan can take some credit in this regard having done nothing to really provoke

One can easily ague that abe has been pretty bad wrt to Japans immediate neighbours of late however when comes to the 70th anniversary of WWII, seems Japan perhaps cant leave well enough alone.......time will tell

"Respect for HUMAN rights"????? I say, "shut up, why are you laughing?"

To those who negged me where am I wrong?