politics

Japan says it will honor apologies for World War II atrocities

136 Comments
By ELAINE KURTENBACH

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

136 Comments
Login to comment

Good, glad to hear some common sense is still left in the elected government. Let's see how long it lasts though.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

It is interesting that people are keen to know the apology status of someone who wasn't even born during WWII. Moreover, absurd that Abe thinks he knows how to revise it. The time for apology passed when the perpetrators were executed. The nation can carry the shame, but ultimately everyone has to move and ensure the same never happens again. History is definitely for historians, politicians are mainly comedians.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

That won't change a single thing...

Park criticized yesterday Abe's cabinet, the US will say that's Japan's internal prblem and they're free to deal with that whatever way they want and Chinese will play the role of good uncle to Okinawans (lol!).

Until Japan will shrink to the Tokyo's neighbourhood or retto will sink I doubt if anything will be settled. Unfortunately, all there will be left in EA will be China...

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

I left Japan many years ago but I remember "Suminasen". "Gomennasai" was customs of Japan. In this case, Sumimasen-deshita:" for Japan's past sin. Nothing wrong to apologize past sin, I think.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Ancient history? Don't think so. There are neighbours of mine in Papua New Guinea still waiting for their pay for years of forced labour for the Japanese military. And for payment for all the food that was stolen. With compound interest it might pay for some of the medical bills of these old men and women.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

An important, sensitive and responsible statement. Abe should leave his personal reservations about the content of any Japanese apology to the confines of his own bedroom.

But jeez I get sick of hearing Korean and Chinese complaints about the quality of Japanese apologies. Just let it go, people. Get on with existing harmoniously together. Leave the past in the past if you really want a better future.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

Should we smell something fishy? Why sudden change? Or, the truth has surfaced. Do you believe the story about the missing documents on “comfort women”? Very big of Japan to admit it though. Now say it in one voice preferably by the big guy Abe himself and no retraction later. Next thing is to admit that the islands belong to China and Japan will return them. The whole world including China will applaud Japan and see to that Japanese economy will be in full swing ahead.

-12 ( +5 / -17 )

It seems the losers of the wars have to repeat apologies forever.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

The Germans don't even speak of WWII, and you don't hear French or Polish people crying like little babies.

8 ( +18 / -9 )

@SChopenhauer Yeah, they do when their government's officials keep backtracking and revising apologies. Also when their government chooses to whitewash what happened (or flat out lie) in the text books that they use to teach their children. Germany made it illegal to deny the holocaust. In Japan today, you still have hordes of people saying that the Rape of Nanjing wasn't as bad as widely accepted and that all the comfort women volunteered. Until the national attitude is that of remorse for what happened then and not trying to weasel out of responsibility for their actions, then everyone can "move on".

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

The Germans don't even speak of WWII, and you don't hear French or Polish people crying like little babies.

For what it matters I agree, however I fear that you comment here, as well as mine, will soon find there ways into the deleted sections of this forum, seeing as how they are "off- topic" to the right (Chinese/Japanese nationalist) leaning moderator!

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Great. There's not going to revise their past fake apologies for new fake apologies. Whatever. The war ended sixty years ago. Sixty years from now Japan will be lucky to still be around. The flash in the pan is quickly fading.

-15 ( +2 / -16 )

I believe it is time to move on. There has been I atrocities in every War, Even today in all parts of the World atrocities are being committed. Why is the Japanese continuously get chastised. They have apologized for the last 75 years. Lets move on.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

This is the right move. Don't be alarmed if some Chinese and Koreans bring it up again, but keeping the apology will show the moderates in those countries Japan's good intentions. You can't ruin the world with doing good is what I'm saying.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

... sincere condolences to ALL victims of the war, in and out of the country

In other words, we Japanese suffered as a result of the war, and you did too. You weren't the only ones.

Not much of an "apology" to Korea and the others, is it.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

The problem is not Japan honoring previous WWII apologies. The problem is China and South Korea refusing to accept them in the first place.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

The issue is that would such notions of apology ever occur internally or are they all merely reactions to others? There is always good reason to repeat an apology so that it is never a consideration again. By saying you're done it leaves a half hearted impression even if sincere. What's the problem in making it a teaching moment to repeat the apology? That way no one can make anything of it and then you really can move onwards

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Thank you Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida for issuing these level-headed and empathetic statements on the part of the Japanese government and people of Japan.

I see this as a much-needed very constructive move toward more positive relations with Japan's neighbors, one that is also good for Japan's business community and Japan residents like me with a vested interest in this country's economic health. Also, I am sure that Japan's movers and shakers in the Keidanren (the Japan Business Federation) applaud this move. I hope that politicians here now continue to show maturity and work for constructive ties going forward.

Abe has said he prefers to leave historical issues up to historians and avoid comment.

That said, the goodwill created by Suga and Kishida will easily be undone if Abe or other government representatives once again resort to unproductive remarks like questioning "the meaning of the word 'aggression'" or otherwise suggest that the Cabinet "does not necessarily support" all of the 1995 apology. Also, let's hope that no other politicians decide to follow the Ishihara playbook in purposely stirring tensions in the region.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

apeabe is the grandson of that warmonger kishi .. whos gonna trust what he says?

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

OssanAmericaMay. 09, 2013 - 09:05AM JST The problem is not Japan honoring previous WWII apologies. The problem is China and South Korea refusing to accept them in the first place.

... but the irony is that the apologies are formally accepted every single time. Then 1 year, or 1 month, or 1 minute later when the Korea or China want more aid, or a trade concession, or something they start grumbling about the phrasing of the apology, or often just pretend the apology never happened and demand a new one.

The motives are so transparent that I'm unsurprised that Japan has got sick of being hen-pecked over this issue. Ironically enough Korea and China pursued this issue so repeatedly and irrationally that the Japanese public are sick of it, and are quite willing to contemplate giving Korea and China another smack upside the head just to shut them up, since no amount of bribes, being nice or apologies seems to satisfy them, so if they're going to be called war criminals they might as well have the satisfaction of the benefits of being one.

What I don't think that Korea and China understand is that right now the entire issue of "sovereignty" is a bit less stable than it was post-WW2. China has repeatedly annexed large pieces of territory (mostly unpopulated islands), and the U.S. had invaded and installed puppet governments in several countries. If Japan leveraged China's provocation correctly they could easily use the opportunity to deal some faily major damage to Chinese and Korean interests, and the international community would just shrug and say, "Well, China and Korea had it coming.".

7 ( +10 / -3 )

There is always good reason to repeat an apology so that it is never a consideration again.

But after seemingly a few hundred times at least the meaning gets lost.

What's the problem in making it a teaching moment to repeat the apology?

How many more times is necessary? What's the point of signing peace treaties if the apologies are not accepted?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Abe-"yes, Mr. Fizzbit from JT. Do you have a question" Mr. Fizzbit-"yes. Mr. Abe, what about the history books?

Abe-"ummm...well...I did not write that. Next question"

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Get over it, if you haven't noticed its 2013 !

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Frungy, good comment. I agree.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This was on he TV this morning with SK's Park talking about past misdeeds in her speech in the US. Japanese girlfriend was quite animated about the whole thing in a way that brought home to me the depth of feeling and lack of real knowledge on the topic that is still real even in relatively young and enlightened Japanese circles.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

It doesn't matter. Whatever we do or we don't do, Koreans will always find things to complain about forever.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

“The Abe government has expressed sincere condolences to all victims of the war, in and out of the country, and there is no change in that,” Suga told reporters. “We have repeatedly said we have no intention of making this a diplomatic and political issue, but I’m afraid this may not be fully understood.”

"...deep remorse and our heartfelt apology ... TO WHO?, to a Mr Nobody?"

INSINCERE apology! For the apology to be sincere it must come out FROM ABE'S MOUTH AND NAME THE COUNTRIES CLEARLY. He is the Prime Minister of Japan, why he haven't say so yet? Why hide behind his foreign minister remarks?

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

@SensatoMay. 09, 2013 - 09:18AM JST

Thank you Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida for issuing these level-headed and empathetic statements on the part of the Japanese government and people of Japan.

I see this as a much-needed very constructive move toward more positive relations with Japan's neighbor

Do you think there is REAL apology being made? Also it is coincidental with Korean Park visiting Washington DC, perhaps POTUS Obama force Abe to 'get a life' and 'apologize' and learn to be a team player with Korea to contain China?

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

tony eww, I guess you missed the "foreign" minister part.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

For the apology to be sincere it must come out FROM ABE'S MOUTH

TonyEw, are you saying that every prime minister must apologize anew, in perpetuity? Or maybe just until the first Japanese PM with a Korean or Chinese family name?

How long will China moan about it's treatment by Japan, (and England before that), while it continues to commit atrocities in it's own "conquered" territories? (At least Korea isn't that hypocritical!)

9 ( +11 / -2 )

For the apology to be sincere it must come out FROM ABE'S MOUTH

(Oops. Forgot the Quotes.)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I am glad to read this. Obviously a lot of what the government is doing now, doesn't really reflect what the people in Japan actual feel.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I absolutely love that part about "leave it to the historians". Topics such as WW2 need to be left to the historians, and never used in politics these days. People accuse Japan as not working with neighbors, but everyone suffered in the war. It's the neighbors equally who aren't working with Japan and not letting this go. For many veterans and families I understand that's not the case, but this shouldn't be in the main ring of politics. There's bigger fish to fry, per se.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

apologies have no meaning if Japan's attitude does not reflect humility

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

@mrkobayashi

@tajMay. 09, 2013 - 09:56AM JST

For the apology to be sincere it must come out FROM ABE'S MOUTH

(Oops. Forgot the Quotes.)

You miss the fine nuance here. I am not seeking every apology from every Japanese PM. What make this case special is Abe drag out the attempt to revise the apology, so you can see there is already a plan afoot to 'unapologize'. Now the Korean president Park is in Washington DC given a standing ovation by US Congress for being a model US ally. Guess POTUS Obama tell Abe to be a team player, so he decided or was forced not to 'unapologize'!

But he cannot bring himself to REALLY apologize, so the apology given via his foreign minister to me looks like a watered down apology and worse, apology to who? To a person, a monkey or a country, which country? Why can't Japan come clean, really really clean?

When will we get Version 2 apology that is really really sincere with 'no bugs' to annoy us?

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

so what would constitute a REAL apology and humility? grovelling to china and korea? after having 2 nuclear bombs dropped on them and being occupied by the US, the japanese people have worked hard to rebuild the nation into a pillar of the international community. most of the japanese who participated in WWII are now dead. why should a generation that did nothing wrong apologize?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

The apologies aimed at foreign countries will only be meaningful if they are also unambiguously conveyed in the Japanese media and included in the texts of educational materials. Not to do so would be two-faced in the extreme.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

If Japan would get its history straight & then politicians keep their damned mouths shut then Japan wouldnt have all these problems.

But the truth is Japan STILL hasnt even near come to grips with WWII etc whether your talking about what Japan did in the far east or what happened back in Japan its all a misty fog that has drifted endlessly for many decades.

Japan can never get over all this until it can get a grip/admit what even happened let alone who is at fault for what

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

There is an underlying madness in this article. Abe said he wanted to change the apologies, but his cabinet minister says he won't. Obviously, there is a huge split within the cabinet and one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. This country is being run by fools!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Thank you Suga and Kishida, for putting Japan's national interests before nationalism.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It is interesting that people are keen to know the apology status of someone who wasn't even born during WWII. Moreover, absurd that Abe thinks he knows how to revise it. The time for apology passed when the perpetrators were executed. The nation can carry the shame, but ultimately everyone has to move and ensure the same never happens again. History is definitely for historians, politicians are mainly comedians.

I'll be happy to explain WHY this is so important... For one, He's the Elected Leader of Japan, regardless of when he was born, he represents JAPAN Today and Now. He represents, All that has gone before him, and Everything that will happen under HIS watch...

Analogous (to what could have happened under Abe) - would be if President Obama, made a statement, (and this is a big stretch albeit not as much as some of the Japanese Nationalist saying Nanking never happened) like, Slavery Never Happened...

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

@ gifu

I remember reading history where the heroic people of Papua New Guinea assisted the Australian soldiers in the battle with Japanese soldiers and many perished. The people of this part of theworld had/has been forgotten for their suffering under the Japanese military. It's time a sincere apology should be also be given to Papua New Guinea

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

The apologies will have to always be honoured, although I'm 100% against Japan paying out any form of compensation to the numerous claimants in Asia.

Same thing happened in Australia in 2008, the newly elected PM, Kevin Rudd, made a historic apology to the Aborigines of Australia for past crimes and discrimination; a few weeks later the compensation lawsuits came flooding in.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@fdsMay. 09, 2013 - 10:45AM JST

so what would constitute a REAL apology and humility? grovelling to china and korea? after having 2 nuclear bombs dropped on them and being occupied by the US, the japanese people have worked hard to rebuild the nation into a pillar of the international community. most of the japanese who participated in WWII are now dead. why should a generation that did nothing wrong apologize?

Do you not see the CLUTTER, the extra mumbo jumbo VERBIAGE in the 'apology'? A GENUINE apology don't try to 'hide in the bush'

Say something super clean like : ' I Abe, as PM of Japan would like to sincerely apologize to Korea & China and other Asian countries, namely Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc for all the atrocities committed by the Imperial Army before and during World War II. Full stop, see, that is not that hard to do and looks very sincere!

Virtuoso said it best: The apologies aimed at foreign countries will only be meaningful if they are also unambiguously conveyed in the Japanese media and included in the texts of educational materials. Not to do so would be two-faced in the extreme.

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

@OssanAmericaMay. 09, 2013 - 09:05AM JST

The problem is not Japan honoring previous WWII apologies. The problem is China and South Korea refusing to accept them in the first place.

Because the apologies are not sincere. Full stop.

-13 ( +3 / -16 )

@Tony Ew

Why do you think there are no demands for another apology from "Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc" that you mentioned above?

Have those countries, perhaps, managed to accept the previous apologies and the fact that Japan has proven its sincerity to the entire international community with its actions over the past 70 years? Do you have another fantasy about why China throws a tantrum and tosses her toys out of the crib every time it suits her political goals? I guess I'm just a gluten for punishment and want the here your take on this. Or perhaps I just want a laugh before bedtime...

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Off the wall headline by western press once again.

You cannot rescind and/or revise previous apologies or resolutions made by the previous cabinet or Diet. It's simply amazing that when Abe stated that he intends to issue a new statement during his tenure to be more forward thinking oriented = denying the previous statements by predecessors.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Japan not only attacked China and Korea. We in Singapore were attacked too and my grand parents and parents suffered greatly. For the Japanese government to admit the apologies is great comfort to us. Many of us have forgiven the Japanese for the imperial territorial incursions. But do not expect us to forget the history for history cannot be changed unless you have a Back To the Future machine to change history. Hopefully, this position remains and Japan will not change their stance in the next few days! Remember not only Chinese and Koreans are fed up with the denial of history!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Because the apologies are not sincere. Full stop.

Could this be because Chinese folks don't know the meaning of the word? You were probably a child when the first apologies were made and don't remember, and are only repeating (spouting off) trash that other people have fed to you.

I mean let's be for real, even if Abe kissed the Chinese president's arse on mainstreet and apologized no one would call it sincere.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

,e ough is enough Japan has said sorry enough! Most of the people that did those things are long gone!!! War is bad there a no two sides to it, but enough is enough!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@mumumeMay. 09, 2013 - 11:39AM JST

@Tony Ew

Why do you think there are no demands for another apology from "Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc" that you mentioned above?

Have those countries, perhaps, managed to accept the previous apologies and the fact that Japan has proven its sincerity to the entire international community with its actions over the past 70 years? Do you have another fantasy about why China throws a tantrum and tosses her toys out of the crib every time it suits her political goals? I guess I'm just a gluten for punishment and want the here your take on this. Or perhaps I just want a laugh before bedtime...

You have to ask them. I can only guess some countries were bought off with silence because they were very poor developing countries back then and Japan having developed faster in the sixties is able to invest in their countries and pay them off to silence their governments.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Words are cheap. It's action that counts. Japan apologies than a few months later the PM and/or diet members visit Yasukuni. This probably would not be a problem except for the sanctification of war criminals. The 1068 class C and B criminals may not be a problem but the 14 class A probably do make a difference. Generally this kind of thing is avoided in the west so German never had this problem. Honoring the dead are done at a war memorial with no connect to any individual. The controversy lines in the fact that Japan doesn't consider war criminals criminals. This nullification of the war crimes attributed to these individuals and the Japanese text not mentioning the atrocities makes the apology hollow. And, there lies the problem.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

The Ew , give it a rest will ya? you deflect every argument made at you. You're making China look bad.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@YubaruMay. 09, 2013 - 12:04PM JST

Because the apologies are not sincere. Full stop.

Could this be because Chinese folks don't know the meaning of the word? You were probably a child when the first apologies were made and don't remember, and are only repeating (spouting off) trash that other people have fed to you.

I mean let's be for real, even if Abe kissed the Chinese president's arse on mainstreet and apologized no one would call it sincere.

You know he was trying to 'unapologize' so any apologize need be done really sincerely BY ABE HIMSELF IN PERSON leaving no doubt in anybody's mind. This is far better than 100 fake apologies. We have videos so if China complain, we can tell China to just shut up. Fair enough?

I repeat here for your convenience: Say something super clean like : ' I Abe, as PM of Japan would like to sincerely apologize to Korea & China and other Asian countries, namely Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc for all the atrocities committed by the Imperial Army before and during World War II. Full stop, see, that is not that hard to do and looks very sincere! Get Abe to do it clean and don't hide in the bush when he make an apology.

Also back up with school textbook revisions so future Japanese generation understand the meaning of a sincere apology!

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

So let them visit that darn shrine, better than oh lets say, killing the Tibetans, forcing out indigenous people, perpetrating the "Han" myth, bullying Taiwan, killing the fualongong, plaster in milk, cardboard in buns, fake eggs.... All this goes on and we can't accept an apology and move on?

4 ( +6 / -2 )

@TokiyoMay. 09, 2013 - 12:14PM JST

The Ew , give it a rest will ya? you deflect every argument made at you. You're making China look bad.

Don't get me wrong. I am not the only person with a b/s detector that can sniff out the difference between a real apology and a half hearted apology. We all want to give it a rest, but why can't Abe come clean, really really clean? AND DON'T do the Yasukuni Shrine visit IN OFFICIAL GOVT CAPACITY to poison the atmosphere, otherwise the apologies will become insincere again!

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

I repeat here for your convenience: Say something super clean like : ' I Abe, as PM of Japan would like to sincerely apologize to Korea & China and other Asian countries, namely Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc for all the atrocities committed by the Imperial Army before and during World War II.

That's not sincere as well. First and foremost, China doesn't want to be associated with Korea since they were willing participants with IJA much like Austria as to Germany. Secondly, one of "other Asia countries" did not exist and another actually are thankful of fighting against the Chinese Guerilla in their territory, and the other two were simply allied with Japan to fight against the Western Colonial masters and their threat in the area. And finally, don't put "etc" for that clearly indicates "laziness".

0 ( +7 / -7 )

@Asian2013

The average Japanese knows that Japan (the one that existed 70 years ago) forcibly colonized East Asia (just like the Western European countries had done for centuries, and continued to do after WW2).

Just like the British took over Singapore. Maybe with less violence in Singapore's case, but lots of other countries were not so lucky.

By the way, how do the Malays feel about getting swamped with Chinese and Indians?

Getting back to Japan, the only countries that continue the denial of not accepting apologies when other countries have, are the Koreas and China - funnily enough, both of these countries have ongoing territorial issues with Japan and like to use the old insincere apology trick to their advantage.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Tony Ew

You have to ask them. I can only guess some countries were bought off with silence because they were very poor developing countries back then and Japan having developed faster in the sixties is able to invest in their countries and pay them off to silence their governments.

Very well said! I was born in Myanmar. Recently Japan wrote off non performing loans of Myanmar. Even Myanmar has never repaid the development loans, Japan still want to borrow more. The reason is Japan wants Myanmar to shut up about past atrocities. They want to whitewash the history. They want Myanmar to support their international standing. Not only Myanmar, but also many SE Asian nations owe the Japanese investment and technology for their development. They have to please their investor and banker for surviving.

Silence can be bought with $$$.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

@ka_chan : But you have to understand that there are 2.5 million people enshrined at Yasukuni, including women, children and even thousands of Chinese and Koreans. Getting worked up over 14 names out of 2.5 million just seems like a deliberate stirring.

I had a quick read on the shrine and it appears that anyone who died in the "service of the Japanese Empire" has the right to be enshrined there, regardless of class, rank, occupation, ethnicity, etc., and how Japanese feel about it is a recognition that these people existed and died - shunning the shrine would apparently give off the image that none of them ever existed.

I'm originally from Australia so I'm not familiar with shrine theory and ideology, but considering both sides of this conflict in opinion, for me the Japanese position (going to the shrine as opposed to not going) is much easier to understand and seems much more rational.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

How many of you do not suspect quiet American pressure as a major factor in this "change of heart"?

If that's so, then I grade it a mistake on America's part. They have allowed a mix of Asian (mostly Chinese-Korean) lobbying, idealism and naive bleeding heart theories on why China and Korea want apologies to deflect them from making decisions good for their countries.

To put it bluntly, America's interest is in supporting Abe, at least to the extent he repeals Article 9 and starts Japan on the path towards taking more responsibility for its own defense and security in Asia. Also, say what you want about Abenomics but if any economic strategy is to work it needs more time than a few months, and America is also interested in an economically strong Japan.

To force Abe to abandon one of his policies (and one that appeals to just the people he'll need* if Article 9 is to be changed) is called kicking the legs under him. Not smart.

*Like it or not, Japanese come in sets. Article 9 changers generally (at least from what I see) range from being apology-weary to thinking Nanking never happened. The bleeding hearts (which not only Chinese/Koreans but also Americans may consider "in line with world standards") either refuse to see the danger or see it but fear the consequences of changing Article 9 more. It makes no sense to us outsiders but nevertheless there's a clear correlation. Americans IMHO so far either do not see this or do not accept this reality and work with it (AFAIK it is only recently that Americans like Bush [not the President] even notice the Japanese apology-fatigue and acknowledge it as at least understandable)

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I wonder whether the American's apologised for dropping the atomic bomb on us, knowing well that we will surrender in a matter of weeks.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Ancient history? Don't think so. There are neighbours of mine in Papua New Guinea still waiting for their pay for years of forced labour for the Japanese military. And for payment for all the food that was stolen.

Just one word for you and others who insist on "apologies", "payments" etc from Japanese side : forget. Do not behave yourself like lousy beggars. World War II took place many years ago. The current generation of Japanese people has nothing to do with the actions of their grandfathers. Plain and simple.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

If you have evidence that the US pressured the Japanese to change their minds please post it.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

You know he was trying to 'unapologize' so any apologize need be done really sincerely BY ABE HIMSELF IN PERSON leaving no doubt in anybody's mind. This is far better than 100 fake apologies. We have videos so if China complain, we can tell China to just shut up. Fair enough?

You can't see the tree because of the forest. Tony I am surprised at your ignorance of reality and fact.

The following is from another site: (Read it and understand)

I am Chinese. I know that Japan apologized several times. Unfortunately this is never made clear to many Chinese. Even today many Chinese still think Japan never apologized and never paid compensation for anything, so they get all irrational and develop Anti-Japanese hatred. I used to be one of those people until I did my own research and found out the truth. Japan has in fact been helping China in good faith after WW2. Too bad some people can't open their eyes and live in peace and cooperation.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

If I did I won't settle for "suspect", but you don't really think that they would change their hearts for no reason, do you?

Besides, America does have a history of pressuring the Japanese to soft soap any claims in this direction. Take that Congressman Honda.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

The Abe government is upholding everyone of these apologies.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List of war apology statements issued by_Japan

Up, you need to put spaces between the words for the link to work.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wartime denial only works for the home audience. The rest of the world knows its history. While nationalists like to think it's all evil Chinese and Korean propaganda, the fact is the imperial army murdered and raped its way across much of Asia. It 's victims included women and girls of half a dozen or more local nations and of colonial powers such as Holland, the US, France and the UK, when their civilians were captured. Denying atrocities might seem like a cute jab at China, but it will actually offend a whole host of nations. Japan is smart enough not to try too hard to offend its allies as well as perceived enemies.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Lets get over this and stop living in the past. I am in Taiwan now and the Taiwanese are so grateful for the Japanese occupation. There are a few old geezers that still have hate but many of the people see the positive in the Japanese occupation. Now Taiwan is a modern country and has progressed ahead of China in all respects.

These words from politicians are just words and you will see the blasphemy from Korea and China continuing to be hashed out as they have nothing else to denounce. Yes it is good for Japan to reiterate this apology for putting an end to the naysayers.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

dcog9065,

the newly elected PM, Kevin Rudd, made a historic apology to the Aborigines of Australia for past crimes and discrimination; a few weeks later the compensation lawsuits came flooding in.

The apology itself did not address compensation and the government has ruled out offering compensation to the members of the stolen generation. There has been no rush of compensation claims following the apologies issued by the Australian Govt. and those of the govts. of states and territories. Please check sites like http://www.reconciliation.org.au for clarification. The implication that those seeking any redress of past injustices are just after a monetary payout is grubby and not borne out by experience.The victims are seeking recognition and understanding by the government and the wider community for the crimes visited upon them. IMO, the failure of the Japanese Govt. to match words with action in revising school textbooks and the continual push by nationalists to deny or minimise Japanese war crimes creates the feeling that Japan has not fully accepted it`s historical wrongs. It also creates a populace who sees those complaining as aggressively attacking Japan because they are uneducated in this regard and when they research themselves, the numerous right wing websites are the ones that pop up- Japan, curiously, becomes the victim.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

why do people still comment on stories like this. Let the interest die so we don't have to hear anymore apologist crap that we know abe probably doesn't give two shits about in actuality.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Do you how stupid this Abe regime sounds right now?

They actually have to formalize a statement to clarify their position that they will HONOR an apology!!!

This is so ridiculous that I'm at a lost of words. Where do these people come from? Do they have any common sense or decency at all? Are they really that detached from society?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

But do not expect us to forget the history for history cannot be changed

Asian2013, I believe that nobody expects you to forget history. Yet, what Singapore and many other countries have done is you have got over the past and by not being stuck in it you have done well for yourselves. While some may argue that it is "a cultural thing" it seems that the two neighbors of Japan are not willing to let go of the past because their complaints have worked well everytime they have a political or economic agenda to push.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Spoils of war go to the victor. And I am still waiting for a heartfelt thank you from China and Korea. Maybe give the USA some land and money for saving them from the Japanese.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@ Tamarama May. 09, 2013 - 07:38AM JST

An important, sensitive and responsible statement. Abe should leave his personal reservations about the content of any Japanese apology to the confines of his own bedroom.

But jeez I get sick of hearing Korean and Chinese complaints about the quality of Japanese apologies. Just let it go, people. Get on with existing harmoniously together. Leave the past in the past if you really want a better future.

So Tamarama, you must be sick of hearing the Jews talk about the Holocaust. BTW, the reason why the Koreans, and Chinese are angry is because the Japanese never owned up to the atrocities they caused in the Pacific. Type Japanese War Crimes and see what pops up on the internet. You can't believe the things the Japanese did to others. Japan will be a bigger country in the eyes of the world if they atone for their war crimes like the Germans. Saying "Sorry" and honoring war criminals is not sincere enough. The Japanese are doing a great job of erasing history, but only the Koreans and Chinese won't let them forget. The Japanese will not let you forget Hiroshima and Nagasaki, why should the world let them forget the bombing or Pearl Harbor, rape of Nanking, live human experimentation, chemical and biological warfare, forced prostitution of women (comfort women), etc...It is estimated that the Imperial Japanese Army killed 6 million to 10 million people in the Pacific (mostly Chinese)...Those Who Forget the Past are Doomed to Repeat It...George Santayana

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The Japanese have repeatedly apologized for their war crimes and paid reparations for them.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

For those who will assuredly pop up in later days, weeks, months or years whinging that Japan has no properly apologized for its role in WWII, indulge me in re-posting the following official Japanese government statement thatcurrently appears in major news outlets across the world:

"The Japanese government has accepted the facts of history in a spirit of humility, expressed once again our feelings of deep remorse and our heartfelt apology, and expressed our feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad," he told reporters. "And Prime Minister Abe shares the same view."

Accepted. Humility. Remorse. Heartfelt apology. Profound mourning.

This is as close to an all-emcompassing apology as one could ever possibly hope for. Anyone still unsatisfied even with this is either irrational or emotionally stunted.

So can we move on now?

Please?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Spoils of war go to the victor. And I am still waiting for a heartfelt thank you from China and Korea. Maybe give the USA some land and money for saving them from the Japanese.

The Chinese thanked the USA for liberating China from Japan by killing thousands of Americans in Korea.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

By the way, how do the Malays feel about getting swamped with Chinese and Indians?

They feel Malays.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

As an American, I think it's crazy how many times Japan has had to apologize. I've never heard of the U.S. apologizing officially for any of the things we've done to other countries in the past. Are we going to apologize for Iraq and Afghanistan? A few years ago, weren't there calls to prosecute Bush as a war criminal that were rejected by the current administration? It seems a bit arrogant, but when you consider Japan's situation, where they've apologized already and admitted wrong doing, yet are still forced to do it over and over again, it seems like you open yourself up to eternal criticism. It's not that Japan should not be sorry, but those trying to equivocate this to Germany's situation, do you understand that Germany as a whole, is so far removed from it's Nazi past, it would be ridiculous to demand apologies now? Aside from Korea and China, it seems that the rest of the world doesn't feel Japan is at risk for committing those same atrocities again and with the exception of a small group of right wingers, are far removed from that past as well? Has anyone said or done anything that honestly proves otherwise? I've also not seen anything that shows Obama or the U.S. government specifically calling Japan out on this issue, Yasukuni or otherwise.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Saying "Sorry" and honoring war criminals is not sincere enough.

Peace Man, if you scroll up and read the posts about the enshrinment of all 2.5 million people who died for Imperial Japan (not only the 14 war criminals) you may understand that the people who visit Yasukuni do not honor them for what they did during the WWII. The idea of going to the shrine (and any other shrine for that matter) is to acknowledge that these people existed but their souls are now just that - souls - and they should be left to rest in peace.

There has been much too little talk explaining the idea of visiting shrines (including Yasukuni) and what it really means to the Japanese. Once enshrined, the kami become part of the whole, which cannot be separated according to the Shinto ways and beliefs. Of course, if you choose to disrespect the way of Shinto, you can always say that it is all BS and everybody who visits Yasukuni goes there to honor those 14 war criminals only. Which is not true.

Unfortunately, all the media talk only about the fact that war criminals are enshrined in Yasukuni and politicians who pay their respects are always seen as "nationalists", "extreme right wingers", etc. But is there a country where nationalistic feelings are truly non-existent?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Velly velly solly, as Benny Hill used to say.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

...glad to hear some common sense is still left in the elected government. Let's see how long it lasts though.

They were pressured into backtracking due to harsh criticism by the Wall Street Journal and Post editorials. President Park's speech (mentioning Japan's war denials) in DC and the ovation she received by the US congress also had great leverage.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

In 200 years' time China and S Korea will still be banging on about an apology.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I wish people who comment on boards like this on historical issues actually would read up a little on them before jumping on the "Japan is a pure, innocent bullied little nation that people just hate".

Letsberealistic, nobody here is saying that Japan is a pure innocent bullied little nation. People are simply tired of hearing the same stuff from Japan's neighbors over and over again. Japan did what it did. It has apologized, though obviously never up to the standards of those neighbors. Japan has supported the economic development of its neighbors (as well as other Asian countries) but such assistance is either conveniently forgotten or said to be only in Japan's interest. So no matter how much Japan apologizes, how much it does for those neighbours, it will be always the bad guy for them. Well, recognizing the facts - both the bad and the good - is what many posters have not heard from China and Korea. It is different from saying that Japan is innocent. So, indeed, lets be realistic.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Im a chinese, to be honest many chinese dont care what Japanese did in WW2, because whatever they did , chinese government do double today !!!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Tony Ew

Abe's not going to be the guy that does it, so don't get your hopes up.

Let me ask you this. If a Japanese Prime Minister says this;

Say something super clean like : ' I Abe, as PM of Japan would like to sincerely apologize to Korea & China and other Asian countries, namely Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc for all the atrocities committed by the Imperial Army before and during World War II.

Is that then the end of it for China and South Korea about apologies? Do they, at that point, put it on the shelf and shut up about the war and the Evil Japanese? Do you think that is what they should do?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Apology,s now mean nothing. It is what the countries present actions is a cause of worry like the annexation of islands no matter who owned them, this has caused a lot of worry. Just like North Korea has we in the Australasian region don,t want so see unnecessary wars taking place that will cause more deaths than all previous wars together. We have a bigger enough problem with the Climate change than to worry about petty apologies this many years after the war .

4 ( +4 / -0 )

"The Germans don't even speak of WWll, and you don't hear French or Polish people crying"

The Germans, unlike the Japanese leaders, have profusely apologized for the actions of the Nazis.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Do you not see the CLUTTER, the extra mumbo jumbo VERBIAGE in the 'apology'? A GENUINE apology don't try to 'hide in the bush'

Say something super clean like : ' I Abe, as PM of Japan would like to sincerely apologize to Korea & China and other Asian countries, namely Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand etc for all the atrocities committed by the Imperial Army before and during World War II. Full stop, see, that is not that hard to do and looks very sincere!

I whole-heartedly Agree with you... It's bad enough, you have half the country, signing statements that protest any admission of guilt...

And I say to this young man...

after having 2 nuclear bombs dropped on them and being occupied by the US, the japanese people have worked hard to rebuild the nation into a pillar of the international community. most of the japanese who participated in WWII are now dead.

And it was the only REASON in the world that Japan stopped waging war, because of the actions by the U.S. and Allies!

How about building some memorials to the Victims of YOUR Aggression...? Just like Germany...? How about that...? You wouldn't even have to say another word... Build some memorials to YOUR victims of Nanking, or Pick any Asian country, odds are you invaded it, and killed hundreds of thousands...

How about writing some Laws that make History Denial a Crime...? Just Like Germany...?

Answer that for me..?

You've got every other PM or Misister of something or Mayor or Governor, coming out making statements that Naking never happen, or Sex Slaves were just willing participants... Every 2 or 3 months we get a statement like this! These are YOUR Elected Officials! They Speak FOR Japan... What DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND...?

And Don't start off bringing the U.S. into this.. (This is the Japanese school boy's famous 8-year trick, "Well you mother did it too, so there...haha...")

Japan was in a League by itself as mass Murderers, with Nazi Germany a very Distant 2nd...

Germany has showed, over and over again, through it's actions, Laws and Memorials that it is Truly committed to History NEVER repeating itself...! The world is waiting for Japan to step up, and be a man!

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/17/opinion/17iht-edsteve.t.html

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Herein lies the problem, so long as japan remains disingenuous in its pathetic attempts to apologize for past war crimes, they'll always be ragged on. Their tacit pandering to the right via yasukuni, textbook rewrites, history revisions; which seems to get revived every year, further alienates its neighbors. Same time next year, right after the next yasukuni visits, we'll be talking about this again.

I understand they are a very proud race, and actually losing and getting caught with your pants down, doesn't exactly bode well. Fascists think alike. They may be modern now, and have to adhere to a code of conduct but, do you really believe the core has changed?

This latest recant is due to international pressure. Don't misconstrue it as being from the goodness of the govt. Hence, hardly genuine, and very, very different from the german effort; which is why people are OK with germany.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Chin4Sailor

How about building some memorials to the Victims of YOUR Aggression...? Just like Germany...? How about that...? You wouldn't even have to say another word... Build some memorials to YOUR victims of Nanking, or Pick any Asian country, odds are you invaded it, and killed hundreds of thousands...

There are memorials to the victims of Japanese aggression all over Japan. I just visited Mount Koya over the weekend and saw memorials to Burmese, Malays, and Australians killed in WWII. In addition to that I've been to the war memorial in Okinawa which mentions the names of every allied soldier killed by the Japanese in the battle. There is also a memorial to Korean forced laborers and other victims of Japanese wars in the Hiroshima Peace Park.

Chin4Sailor

Germany has showed, over and over again, through it's actions, Laws and Memorials that it is Truly committed to History NEVER repeating itself...! The world is waiting for Japan to step up, and be a man!

Could you please remind the good people of the website which country's constitution forbids war and whose soldiers have not fired a single bullet in anger for the past 68 years....as opposed to the country that is currently involved in occupation and war in Afghanistan.

(hint: it starts with a J)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan was in a League by itself as mass Murderers, with Nazi Germany a very Distant 2nd...

Sorry but you're dead wrong here. http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/NAZIS.TAB1.3.GIF

But anyway, Japan has apologized repeatedly to all of it's victims and most of them have fully accepted the apologies.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

There are memorials to the victims of Japanese aggression all over Japan. I just visited Mount Koya over the weekend and saw memorials to Burmese, Malays, and Australians killed in WWII. In addition to that I've been to the war memorial in Okinawa which mentions the names of every allied soldier killed by the Japanese in the battle. There is also a memorial to Korean forced laborers and other victims of Japanese wars in the Hiroshima Peace Park.

Are you kidding me...?

Have you even seen that Hiroshima memorial..? It took an act of God to even get it build, then, it was located so you need a GPS and the Navigation Skills of an Army Ranger to find it, Behind some Toilets...

And a few scattered memorials, consisting of small wooden cross and some flowers, And let me refresh your memory, they weren't built by the Government of Japan, but by a few decent Farmers, and Towns-people... Ok, we have a total of perhaps 5 small, individual, grave markers, for maybe 15 or 20 people...?

What planet are you living on..?

Where you get those figures..? Wikipedia..?

I take you've never taken anything past Arithmetic in HS, or you must have failed your Algebra, Because YOU'RE Trying to Compare APPLES and ORANGES...

We are NOT talking about casualties inflicted on one's OWN people, but inflicted on other countries... What is it with you guys..? You will do anything to deny and subvert the truth...

So you post some figures about what Stalin and Mao did to their OWN people... Let's Talk about the Deaths that Japan Caused on ALL OTHER ASIAN Countries, Say from around 1900 ~ 1945....

I guarantee you that Nazi Germany will be a VERY DISTANT 2nd to JAPAN!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/SOD.CHAP3.HTM Statistics of Japanese Democide Total = 3,000,000 to 10,000,000

http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/NAZIS.CHAP1.HTM Statistics of Nazi Democide Total = 15,003,000 to 31,595,000

From University of Hawaii professor R.J. Rummel.

To get back on topic and to throw out a new rhetorical question, why should Japan apologize again and again to the very same Chinese government that killed more than 6 times as many Chinese people as Japan did?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Mr. Matthew Kean seems to be reading the wrong information. In Germany no single Chancellor has ever been in office and failed to remind his/her people of the past evil deeds committed by NAZIS. They go all the way to Israel, Auschwitz etc. And there's annual remembrance day for the victims of NAZIS, they are monuments all over Germany reminding the people of the past. History is taught as it happened, the reason why the French, the British, et all, don't criticize Germany.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

So you post some figures about what Stalin and Mao did to their OWN people... Let's Talk about the Deaths that Japan Caused on ALL OTHER ASIAN Countries, Say from around 1900 ~ 1945....

How about the Roman Empire? I don't see the Italian PM apologising for what the Imperial Roman legions did to the known world. I demand an apology for my ancestors being attacked, and for building a wall to keep us out. Boo! Sounds stupid? Probably, but how far back do you go to demand an apology for a country's past crimes?

Far as I'm concerned the Japanese have apologised... again and again. What do you want them to do? All of them to bow or get on their knees and apologise for something they had nothing to do with? It's like me saying sorry to someone in India for what the British did 200 years ago - why? What's the point? It won't change history, it won't make those people come back to life. It happened. Sorry, but to me only those who committed the crimes or ordered the actions are culpable... their children and grandchildren should NOT be expected to be burdened by guilt.

If that was the case, then how many Americans have apologised for decimating the Native American tribes during the Indian Wars? How about the Americans apologising to Canada for waging a war against them in 1812? I could go on... ^_^

2 ( +3 / -2 )

@msmahumane@gmail.com

Mr. Matthew Kean seems to be reading the wrong information. In Germany no single Chancellor has ever been in office and failed to remind his/her people of the past evil deeds committed by NAZIS. They go all the way to Israel, Auschwitz etc. And there's annual remembrance day for the victims of NAZIS, they are monuments all over Germany reminding the people of the past. History is taught as it happened, the reason why the French, the British, et all, don't criticize Germany.

Excellent Post...

This is what we're talking about... Germany in particular, NO ONE can question whether they are truly remorseful, but MORE IMPORTANTLY, HAVE LEARNED from the PAST. People that come out with their own made up versions of History in Germany, GO TO JAIL... In Japan, They Write History Text Books! Go Figure!

And this young Lad, Actually has the nerve to throw out a quote about Japan is the Only Country that has a Pacifist Clause... Gee... I wonder where in the world they got that from...? You see, WE WROTE in in there for them, The U.S. DID... You think they would have written that themselves...?

I can't fathom, why, these entrenched JN Nationalist Lovers, Continue to Deny and Subvert What Basically Every Asian KNOWS... You're NOT Fooling anyone, but Yourselves!

Again msmahumane@gmail.com Excellent Post - Thank You!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Fake apology, unfaithful apology, no sincere apology and etc, etc.... Whatever Japan government do (or did), they won't change a bit. They are international beggars.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Herein lies the problem, so long as japan remains disingenuous in its pathetic attempts to apologize for past war crimes, they'll always be ragged on. Their tacit pandering to the right via yasukuni, textbook rewrites, history revisions; which seems to get revived every year, further alienates its neighbors. Same time next year, right after the next yasukuni visits, we'll be talking about this again.

I understand they are a very proud race, and actually losing and getting caught with your pants down, doesn't exactly bode well. Fascists think alike. They may be modern now, and have to adhere to a code of conduct but, do you really believe the core has changed?

This latest recant is due to international pressure. Don't misconstrue it as being from the goodness of the govt. Hence, hardly genuine, and very, very different from the german effort; which is why people are OK with germany.

Spot On!

Thank You - Another calm voice of reason, in a world of morons...

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

And this young Lad, Actually has the nerve to throw out a quote about Japan is the Only Country that has a Pacifist Clause... Gee... I wonder where in the world they got that from...? You see, WE WROTE in in there for them, The U.S. DID... You think they would have written that themselves...?

Japan has had 65 years to change it if they wanted. The point is that no Japanese soldier has ever fired a single bullet in anger at an enemy for 68 years while Germany has no problem sending off their soldiers to the other side of the world to kill Afghans. Actions speak a lot louder than words right?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Don't get me wrong. I am not the only person with a b/s detector that can sniff out the difference between a real apology and a half hearted apology.

Yeah you are pretty much the only one tony. Well I guess there's smith, but his ability to read hearts and minds is legendary on this board. Compared to him you are just a grasshopper. I liked what the other poster said about you embarrassing china (like those communists even know the meaning of the word shame) with your nonsensical posts here at jt. Might get fired form the fifty cent army soon if you don't pull up your socks.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Japan has had 65 years to change it if they wanted. The point is that no Japanese soldier has ever fired a single bullet in anger at an enemy for 68 years while Germany has no problem sending off their soldiers to the other side of the world to kill Afghans. Actions speak a lot louder than words right?

Game, set, and match.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

letsberealistic,

I wish people who comment on boards like this on historical issues actually would read up a little on them before jumping on the "Japan is a pure, innocent bullied little nation that people just hate".

One, no one here has maintained a stance that Japan was pure or innocent in the way it prosecuted its war on China in the 1930s and 40s. No one. You're making that accusation out of thin air.

Two, you might want to take your own advice and read up on the historical issues, rather than relying on an op/ed fluff piece from Mariko Oi who recounts her personal experiences as a junior high school student in Japan at a private school some seventeen years ago.

Yes, you aren't the first poster to float that particular link from the BBC in this ongoing debate, and you probably won't be the last. But outdated narratives that make broad generalizations based on the research of only one researcher from each side of the debate over how history is taught in Japan does not speak to the official Japanese government apology and does not constitute a compelling historical argument.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@LFRAgain

@Tamarama

Boy, you buy that half a loaf apology? If it is a real apology it is CLEAN, DIRECTED to the countries offended. Where are the names of the countries offended in the fake apology? Can't you see Abe administration apology is always cluttered like previous multiple insincere apologies otherwise why did China and S Korea spearhead the charges of insincere apologies?

Why don't Abe make a prime time TV announcement to show the world he really mean it and stop ADULTERATING his fake apology with other USELESS verbiage? Be PRECISE, that is what Japanese are good at, but here this is DELIBERATE attempt to muddle up the apology to make it superficial, not really meaning it!

Once done right, China and S Korea will have zero excuse to complain ever again and also the apology should INCLUDE not visiting the Yasukuni Shrine and not doctoring the textbooks as that will negate the 'official apology'

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

Tony Ew

Once done right, China and S Korea will have zero excuse to complain ever again and also the apology should INCLUDE not visiting the Yasukuni Shrine and not doctoring the textbooks as that will negate the 'official apology'

OK, so there are some caveats to the apology - it's not just an apology you are demanding then? They are, I admit, reasonable requests, but just so we are clear, in order for those countries to shelve the issue, you aren't just talking about an apology? And if they break your further conditions just once, you will require a new official apology seeing that is what the word 'negates' implies?

I wonder then, where you think the Japanese foreign aide to China should stop - which has been given since just after WW2, initially as reparations for damage during the war, and continues to this very day to the tune of 1.2 Billion dollars a year? Japan gives China almost half of the 2.5 billion it gets in foreign a year. It also then loans much of this money back off China, which it pays interest on....to China!

Wouldn't you agree it's hypocritical to take with one hand and point the finger with the other? Especially in light of military build ups and territorial disputes? Seems to me that perpetuating this grievance is a very profitable venture for China indeed.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

@dcog9065 Maybe you should consider why those individuals (1068 + 14) were convicted and what it implies that they are now kami. You said you were from Australia, so check out this Australian site. <http://www.pacificwar.org.au/JapWarCrimes/Cross-section_JapWarCrimes.html > It is not only China and Korea who complain about war crime issues, you can include every country that Japan occupied or fought.

The main problem is that Japan believes it did nothing wrong during the Asian and WWII.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Good. Japan has already made numerous apologies and reparations in the past. Get over it China and S.Korea. Try actually earning your money rather than stealing, lying, and using some guilt trip to basically steal money from Japan. Japan, don't revise anything. The war is over. If you keep feeling sorry for these loser countries, they will never stop harassing Japan.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Frungy and peanut666, hope you get your stomach disemboweled...

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Frungy and peanut666, hope you get your stomach disemboweled. c u nts

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The Germans don't even speak of WWII, and you don't hear French or Polish people crying like little babies.>

This is factually inaccurate. Japan's German Allies have never stopped apologizing for the war, and still bear the burdens of it today (ie; subsidizing much of the rest of the noncompetitive EU).

Unlike the Japan Government which can not bring themselves to even mention war atrocities in their own history books on the subject, Germany has a number of museums dedicated to various atrocities and has even banned the public display of symbols and groups associated with the extreme right... a bit of a contrast there.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

This is factually inaccurate. Japan's German Allies have never stopped apologizing for the war, and still bear the burdens of it today (ie; subsidizing much of the rest of the noncompetitive EU).

Japan has never stopped apologizing for the last twenty years either. And they pretty much subsidized the growth of communist china. What's the difference? Let me give you a hint ..... the difference is the European victims of German aggression have the good sense to accept an apology and realize that the Germany of today bears no resemblance to the Germany that spawned Nazism. Meanwhile in Asia, the victims of Japanese aggression still nurse their wounded pride and teach their children that Japan hasn't changed at all in the last eighty years.

Unlike the Japan Government which can not bring themselves to even mention war atrocities in their own history books on the subject, Germany has a number of museums dedicated to various atrocities and has even banned the public display of symbols and groups associated with the extreme right... a bit of a contrast there.

I'm sick and tired of Germany being held up as some sort of paragon on this board. I have no idea why the mods let this sort of comment stand while dutifully deleting any rebuttals.

First of all your contention that Japan "can not bring themselves to mention war atrocities in their own history books" is both absurd and false. They may not use the word atrocity, but I've looked at plenty of textbooks and for the most part (I obviously haven't seen all textbooks) they are accurate.

Second, your contention that just because Germany erected a few museums they have rehabilitated their image is spurious. There are plenty of far right extremists in Germany. In fact just a few years ago the hard right (neo-Nazi) NPD party successfully escaped an attempt to ban it, and actually increased their support among Germans. Their support among voters was high enough to allow the NPD to qualify for government grants (at least $1.5 million per year) in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. So that is in fact the government of Germany sponsoring a hard right hate party because the party had enough public support to qualify. Please point to anything similar on the Japanese political landscape if you can.

There's more ... German statistics show an average of 1000 hate crimes a year. In 2011 neo-Nazis were implicated in eleven murders. In 2011, the Verfassungsschutz reported a total of 25,000 right-wing extremists in Germany. In 2010 .... 15,905 crimes were classified as far-right motivated, compared to 18,750 in 2009; these crimes included 762 acts of violence in 2010 compared to 891 in 2009. While the overall numbers have declined, the Verfassungsschutz says that both the number of neo-Nazis and the potential for violent acts have nevertheless increased especially among the growing number of Autonome Nationalisten ("Independent Nationalists") who gradually replace the declining number of Nazi Skinheads.

So really, Germany is nothing to emulate ... and lets not forget that their crimes were far worse than anything the Japanese did. I'll repeat, the reason Germany gets along with her neighbors and Japan doesn't is down to the kind of neighbors, not the valiant efforts of Germany or the lukewarm efforts of Japan.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

If a few decades is considered ancient history... like japanese love to keep bringing up. I don't know what to say to them. Ironic considering japanese people live for so damn long.

Abe does not share those views. You mean to tell me a person who recently tried to deny invasion of Asia and the existence of comfort women from their neighbours suddenly believes otherwise? Give me a break.

I've been hearing rumors that this fool is from the korean peninsula himself according to some japanese websites I've read.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@peanut666

Lolwut. Those measley little sums of money is worth jack. Do you know how many billions of dollars worth of gold was stolen from Japan's neighbours? If Japan was to give back the money they stole from countries like China, Korea, Phillipines etc. They would be bankrupt.

The rest of Asia views Japan's past as a nation of thieves and pirates. You think the problem will end soon? Wait till the rest of Asia becomes modernized. I have no doubt the Phillipines, Vietnam and the rest of SEA will start "harrassing" Japan when they become established.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

upgrayyed: "The Abe government is upholding everyone of these apologies."

You seem proud, yet I doubt you acknowledge what the apologies are for, given past arguments. Weren't we just debating sex slaves yesterday?

hidingout: "Japan has never stopped apologizing for the last twenty years either. And they pretty much subsidized the growth of communist china."

BS, and you know it. Japan has never stopped trying to renege apologies or claim they are unofficial, or claim the accounts of people who actually committed the acts are 'hazy facts' while they were yet a glimmer in grandpappy war-criminal's eye, in some cases, like Abe, for example.

"First of all your contention that Japan "can not bring themselves to mention war atrocities in their own history books" is both absurd and false."

So you're tired of it but admit they can't bring themselves to use the word 'atrocity'? Sounds like a bit of a white-wash to me... but let me guess whose nation's textbooks you've read.

"So really, Germany is nothing to emulate ... and lets not forget that their crimes were far worse than anything the Japanese did."

Really? There is no right at all in comparing atrocities, but do you know how many the Japanese killed in Asia during their reign? Here's a hint -- take the number of those supposed to be killed in the Holocaust and add a few million, from South Korea to India alone.

"I'll repeat, the reason Germany gets along with her neighbors and Japan doesn't is down to the kind of neighbors, not the valiant efforts of Germany or the lukewarm efforts of Japan."

The reason Germany gets along with neighbours is that they've truly tried, and continue to, atone, while Japan continues to deny until pressured to agree -- with conditions!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Once things with China calm down a bit Abe will be back to denying and trying to rewrite history. Lest we forget, he also helped deny the forced suicides of Japanese by Japanese in Okinawa towards the end of the war -- or at least he opted for the approval of said textbooks.

-1 ( +2 / -4 )

Hindingout

Good point about these absurd comparisons to Germany who still has pending disputes with most recently Greece. What Japan has in common is that the nations who still bring these issues up are basically degenerates as nations who still can't come to grips that their country's failure is basically their own incompetence despite their substantial post war contributions received to them. They simply can't accept the fact that both nations, despite being utterly destroyed to ruins, can sprout back up and become economic leaders in their respective regions.

1 ( +6 / -4 )

And once again to reiterate, the government cannot renege past statements/apologies made by previous cabinet statements or Diet resolutions. AP, as well as majority of the western press, really needs to learn the basics of Japanese government.

1 ( +6 / -4 )

nigelboy: "What Japan has in common is that the nations who still bring these issues up are basically degenerates as nations who still can't come to grips that their country's failure is basically their own incompetence despite their substantial post war contributions received to them."

Sorry, amigo. Germany is no degenerate, and has apologized many, many times, with Chancellors prostrating themselves in front of Auschwitz to beg for forgiveness. Compare that to a guy like Abe, who claims nothing bad ever happened -- THERE is the degenerate. You may not like it, but them's the facts, my friend.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Compare that to a guy like Abe, who claims nothing bad ever happened -- THERE is the degenerate. You may not like it, but them's the facts, my friend.

Abe never claimed that nothing bad happened.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Sorry, amigo. Germany is no degenerate, and has apologized many, many times, with Chancellors prostrating themselves in front of Auschwitz to beg for forgiveness. Compare that to a guy like Abe, who claims nothing bad ever happened -- THERE is the degenerate. You may not like it, but them's the facts, my friend.

Never said they were. It's the nations who brings this past issues are.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

nigelboy: "Never said they were. It's the nations who brings this past issues are."

Wrong. It's the nations that have failed to learn from the past, and ignore it -- or worse yet, change it. Japan is guilty of all three. Just because you don't like to be reminded of it does not make the nations who raise issues of the past 'degenerate', unless of course you think Japan is degenerate for commemorating the atomic bombings, or people visiting ancestors graves during Obon.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Upgrayyed: "Abe never claimed that nothing bad happened."

He claimed a lot of bad that happened never did, and is yet again forced to back off on his claims. Ask him about sex slaves and see what he says. Ask him about his granddad's war crimes, or about the Rape of Nanjing. Ask him about the forced suicides in Okinawa -- Japanese murdering Japanese. Ask him about the Japanese colonization in general. Get back to me when you do, and let me know what he says on the subject.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Wrong. It's the nations that have failed to learn from the past, and ignore it -- or worse yet, change it. Japan is guilty of all three. Just because you don't like to be reminded of it does not make the nations who raise issues of the past 'degenerate', unless of course you think Japan is degenerate for commemorating the atomic bombings, or people visiting ancestors graves during Obon.

Read Upgrayedd's post marked May 9, 10:20pm. Commemorating the past as atomic bombings, where the Japanese government has never asked for apology or compensation are completely different from what these degenerate nations are doing on a constant basis. And again, history will almost always be viewed differently from the other upside of the fence much like these degenerate nations who completely whitewash Japan's post war contributions to them.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

He claimed a lot of bad that happened never did, and is yet again forced to back off on his claims. Ask him about sex slaves and see what he says. Ask him about his granddad's war crimes, or about the Rape of Nanjing. Ask him about the forced suicides in Okinawa -- Japanese murdering Japanese. Ask him about the Japanese colonization in general. Get back to me when you do, and let me know what he says on the subject.

Perhaps you could enlighten us because Upgrayedd had already corrected you on Abe's statements about comfort women. Also, as hidingout stated, perhaps you should stop your mind reading conclusions of other people and state facts with links to support them for a change.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Why is there never mention in any of the discussions of the horrors of war.. of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Instead of reliving the past and pointing fingers ... there must be healing and growth toward a future world where people can live in peace. The legacy of war must be peace.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Nice Abe is going to honor apologies for atrocities that he denies.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Why is there never mention in any of the discussions of the horrors of war.. of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Because this article is about what Japan did, when they set about their vast war of aggression, The Start of Hostilities,

Just to remind you... The Hiroshima and Nagasaki were last ditch efforts to get Japan to END it's war of Aggression... There's no way in the world you could confuse the two... One was used to start the war, and the other was used to END the WAR... Pretty Simple...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I am tired of people clinging to the past. That is the extended past. This is the present. Worry about the here and now and future not the past. Nobody in the WWII government is in government anymore. Quit it!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

That's nice of Abe to admit that he'll honor apologies for something he publicly denies at the same time. Duplicitous much?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Claims that the Japanese government has an unblemished postwar record of neutrality and peace ( unlike the Germans who have participated in aggressive war activities in Afghanistan ) are belied by the historical record that shows close cooperation with the Americans in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

The test for "sincere" apologies lies not in words but in deeds. The right-wing Japanese political parties and postwar governments have never distanced themselves from their war-mongering predecessors of the Showa Era. Their sympathy and "understanding" for the men responsible for the wars of aggression and the resulting the deaths of tens of millions while at the same time showing little concern for these victims of fascist militarism precludes any presumption of sincerity.

This show of solidarity with the pre 1945 governments symbolically manifested by annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine is intended to facilitate the future justification and legitimation of the Japanese government's right to again wage a war of its own choosing without having to consult the Japanese people. Whereas Bush and Blair only needed less than two years to achieve this goal ( a very easy thing to do as attested by Nazi strongman Herman Goering in his revealing admission on how to fool the general public into swallowing any government's excuses for war ), the Japanse rulers have needed much longer to remove the hamstrings of Article 9 of the constitution. The forbidden fruit of the political elite's long-term goal now seems ripe and ready to pluck from the tree.

Aided and abetted by the conservative press and media, the Japanese elite have consistently fostered a "victim culture" that emphasizes the suffering of the Japanese at the expense of their fellow- Asians. The education system has ensured a blanket ignorance of history. Although a few brave Japanese gave their lives to resist the Japanese fascists and militarists, they are not honored in their own country and their names remain unknown to the majority.

All these symptoms of insincerity can be found in many other countries. Perhaps only the precarious state of our planet will one day force us to face the truth and work together to create a just world of sustainable peace and prosperity before the Four Horsemen come to visit us once more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You know this concept is not new to the world. It's called take backs... there's many variations of the saying.

But you don't see it in adults... mostly children in kindergarten.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites