Korean Media: Takashi’s “Acceptance” of Murayama Statement Was Pretense

The Chosun Ilbo (Japanese edition), in an article published on October 19, reported that Takaichi Sanae’s assertion of accepting the Murayama Statement was not genuine, but rather a strategic calculation regarding relations with neighboring countries.

On the 16th, during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Tsujimoto Seimi read excerpts from Takaichi’s remarks made over three decades ago. At the time, Takaichi criticized then-Japanese ambassador to the U.S., Sugiyama Naoki, for his remarks on wartime reflection, stating: “At the very least, I belong to a generation that did not directly participate in the war, so I have no need for reflection, nor am I required to reflect.” This occurred during Japan’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, a period marked by intense domestic debate over how best to express remorse and apology for Japan’s past military actions.

Five months later, in August 1995, then-Prime Minister Murayama Tomihiro delivered the Murayama Statement, expressing “profound remorse” and “sincere apologies” for Japan’s wartime aggression and colonial rule, acknowledging the immense suffering and destruction inflicted upon Asian nations.

Takaichi at the time voiced opposition to this statement. In 2005, she described the Murayama Statement as “unreasonable in its viewpoint.” In 2013, she again expressed dissatisfaction with Murayama’s use of the term “aggression.”

Tsujimoto asked Takaichi about her historical understanding: “Now that you have become prime minister, has your original position changed?”

Takaichi responded: “The stance taken by all previous cabinets will be upheld, and I too must adhere to it.”

Tsujimoto followed up: “What about the Murayama Statement?”

Takaichi replied: “Of course, that is included as well.”

In 2014, while serving as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Takaichi reiterated in a parliamentary response that she held personal beliefs and ideological positions, yet acknowledged that the Murayama Statement had been formally adopted by the cabinet and thus would “abide by the policy as a cabinet member.”

Now, as head of government, she reaffirmed her commitment to uphold the Murayama Statement.

During the autumn memorial rites at Yasukuni Shrine, which began on the 17th of this month, Prime Minister Takaichi offered “Shinshaku” under her official title, “Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.”

While avoiding direct visitation to the shrine, Takaichi previously paid homage through “remote bowing” at a parking lot near the Nippon Budokan in August, facing the direction of Yasukuni Shrine.

Has Takaichi’s personal view on history truly evolved?

As reported by Asahi Television, her decision not to visit the shrine stems from considerations related to her comments on potential conflict involving Taiwan, the deteriorating relationship with China, and the desire to maintain diplomatic stability with South Korea.

Kyodo News further analyzed that Takaichi’s approach aims to prevent renewed diplomatic friction with both China and South Korea.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879431622661260/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.