The Huge Entity: UPDATE: Koizumi Apologises for Japanese Wartime Atrocities

UPDATE: Koizumi Apologises for Japanese Wartime Atrocities

Friday, April 22, 2005 → by Danieru

Update:

"Chinese President Hu Jintao has urged Japan to "seriously reflect" on its wartime history and back up government apologies with action." - Link

...and also this interesting BBC article popped up:

"Young Chinese are taught about the atrocities committed by the Japanese during World War II. They are not however taught about the 17 official apologies that Japan has made to China over the last 30 years
Nor are they told of the $30bn in aid that Japan has given to China since ties were re-established in 1972, aid that has helped build Beijing's international airport and the city's new subway system. You'll search in vain for a plaque on either acknowledging where the money came from.

Unlike Japan, in China the government really does control history." - Link

Previous story:

"Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has reiterated his country's "deep remorse" over its aggression in Asia during World War II.

The speech at the Asia-Africa summit comes amid tensions over the approval by Tokyo of school textbooks which China says gloss over Japan's record....

Addressing delegates, Mr Koizumi said: "In the past Japan through its colonial rule and aggression caused tremendous damage and suffering for the people of many countries, particularly those of Asian nations.

"Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility." "

So finally an apology, but was it really necessary? Afterall, Japan's official stance on WWII is one of remorse. A few school textbooks, available to a tiny percentage of Junior High schools (about 12 schools throughout Japan) has arguably caused all this fuss. Now China might have to step aside and allow Japan's bid for a place on the security council to go through un-questioned. Words in politics go a long way, should Koizmi have bitten his lip and said sorry earlier?

What do you think? China or Japan? History or forgiveness? Please leave your comments below...

Categories: Japan, China, History, News, Politics, Asia

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posted by Danieru at 7:40 AM

Jay said...

Even if it is late, I think 'I'm sorry' is never a waste.

April 22, 2005 9:55 PM

wakarimasen said...

Japan's stance is one of remorse when you refer to the generation of Japanese people who are actually aware of WWII atrocities. I think there is a staggering amount of ignorance among the "young people" here and this is a problem. Also, for Koizumi to make a public apology and then take his cabinet to visit the Yasukuni shrine on the same day is a little questionable. That seems like quite a strong statement on the same day. I don't know. It's a complicated issue. You can't apologize forever, but I think it's important to continue recognizing past wrongs. Hmm.

April 23, 2005 2:11 AM

vincent said...

Is this sorry sincere? The same day of the Koizumi apology in Jakarta 80 politicians (78 form Koizumi’s party) visited Yasukuni where war criminals are enshrined. Words, only words. Also, the apology is extremely carefully drafted: Almost identical to Muriyama’s apology in 1995. No new elements.

April 23, 2005 3:07 PM

Danieru said...

It seems that going to the shrine whilst also denouncing Japan's crimes is the best of both worlds in some sense. No one would question for instance that the war in Vietnam was a horrific incident on the part of America, but at the same time to follow this opinion with a complete lack of respect for the American troops that died in Vietnam would be deemed utterly disrespectful. Japan has apologised, but we shouldn't expect them to treat their wartime dead any differently than the West treats theirs.

April 24, 2005 12:06 AM