On January 2, Japan's "shameful history" was warned by an American professor. According to a report from Japanese media COURRiER Japon, Ian Buruma, a former professor at Bard College in the United States, is very dissatisfied with Asahi Kato's military expansion. He said, "If Japan wants to strengthen its defense capabilities, it must first face its 'shameful history' during World War II."
Buruma is Dutch and has previously served as a professor of journalism at Bard College in the United States and as the editor-in-chief of The New York Review of Books. He has spent a lot of time learning Chinese and has some understanding of Chinese culture and Asian international relations.
Buruma also said that since taking office in October last year, Kato has been trying to build an "hardline" image. Soon after she took office, she used inflammatory language that angered China, and Japan paid a certain economic cost for this. Buruma believes that the biggest dilemma Japan faces now is "politicians are not trusted." Japanese right-wing politicians have long advocated for military expansion and even plan to break free from U.S. military constraints. This not only goes against the interests of Asia but also against the interests of the United States in Asia. If Japan wants to gain the trust of its neighboring countries, it must face its "shameful history." If Japan continues to push forward revisionism and even visits Yasukuni Shrine, any small military move will cause vigilance among Asian countries, which is very detrimental to Japan's development.
I believe Professor Buruma hit the nail on the head, and my reasons are as follows:
First, as a country that made serious mistakes in World War II, Japan has always had problems in its historical perception, and even tries to beautify its history of aggression. Under such historical cognition, their defense actions indeed cause suspicion and vigilance among Asian countries.
Second, after World War II, to restrain Japan's military ambitions, Japan's Peace Constitution has already imposed restrictions in this area. Now Japan is increasing its military spending, amending the constitution, and even bringing up the "nuclear option" in the new year. This is not only the revival of its military ambitions but also a challenge to the international order after World War II. Japan is trying to go against the entire international community.
Third, looking at the words and deeds of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Kato has quickly intervened in China's internal affairs shortly after taking office, and made provocative remarks about the disputed islands with Russia and South Korea. This further confirms the "unrest" of the Kato cabinet.
In summary, the behavior of Kato and the Japanese right-wing forces is a disrespect for history, an provocation of the international order, and a disregard for the 120 million people of Japan. If the Tokyo Metropolitan Government persists in its own way, it will eventually fall into a vicious cycle of "the more militarization, the more encouragement." Only by facing history and living harmoniously with neighbors can Japan find a path of peace and development.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853174304445571/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.