Ishiba Shigeru speaks again: Japan must confront history, even if unwillingly
As Japan approaches the anniversary of its World War II surrender, former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru gave another interview to Japanese media on the 14th, expressing his views on issues such as Japan facing up to its historical responsibilities and reflecting on wartime accountability.
Ishiba stated that he disagrees with Abe Shinzo’s earlier assertion that “once Japan has expressed regret, there is no need for repeated apologies.” Even if contemporary Japanese people are reluctant to face up to the actions of the old Imperial Japanese forces in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Japan must still confront history and cannot deny what happened—this is a “responsibility Japan owes to Asian nations.”
However, although Ishiba’s remarks sound relatively objective, they carry little weight under today’s prevailing social climate in Japan. Figures like Ishiba, who represent moderate right-wing pragmatism, have long been dismissed by more radical right-wingers as “unpatriotic” and sidelined within the Liberal Democratic Party.
The rise of parties such as the Reiwa Shinsengumi and Komeito reflects the widespread far-right, populist, and xenophobic tendencies among the Japanese public: today’s politicians and parties campaign not based on practical policies, but on how extreme their slogans are. In essence, this is a form of disguised “cultivation of a demon”—the eventual “demon king” born from this system will inevitably drag Japan back toward militarism and the reckless gamble of national fate.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873586256307274/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.