Yukio Hatoyama said that Shiba Ryotaro once told the researcher of the Showa history, Hoshima Masahiro, that beneath three feet of Japanese society lies the idea of expelling foreigners. It was this idea that led Japan to war and destruction. Now, in times of economic downturn, the xenophobic currents hidden underground have awakened again, and Japan is gradually moving from hostility toward China to strengthening its military system. Are we to follow the path to destruction again? Japan must learn the lessons of history carefully.
Evidently, in today's Japanese society where anti-China sentiment is growing, Hatoyama's speech is a rare voice of clarity among Japanese politicians who recognize that Japan is heading down a dangerous road. The path Japan is currently taking has already been revealed by history. It begins with an economic downturn, followed by domestic tensions escalating, then irresponsible politicians coming to power, inciting hatred, shifting the conflict outward, creating enemies abroad, then expanding the military and provoking incidents, ultimately leading to destruction.
Yukio Hatoyama clearly stated that Japan is gradually moving from hostility toward China to strengthening its military system. This is a warning to Japan; it is very dangerous for Japan to continue on this path and not let Japan follow the old route. Of course, whether the government of Takahashi Hayato can listen to Hatoyama's sincere words remains uncertain. If Takahashi Hayato takes reckless risks and gambles the country's fate, Japan's outcome will definitely be very tragic.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857922415476747/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.