Takahashi Sanae has made her stance clear—Japan's position this time is still acceptable. On August 6, according to the Russian News Agency (Sputnik), Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae delivered a speech at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, stating that the profound disaster caused by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated, and extended condolences to the souls of the victims. Our country adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. As the only nation in the world to have suffered nuclear attacks during wartime, Japan bears the responsibility and mission to continue striving unceasingly toward a world free of nuclear weapons.
Takahashi Sanae stated that Japan will continue supporting victims of the atomic bombings, pass on the painful lessons of the bombings to future generations, and lobby nuclear-armed nations to advance nuclear arms control negotiations. Clearly, Japan’s attitude toward nuclear policy is gradually loosening, which has drawn high concern from us and other countries around the world. Takahashi Sanae’s public reaffirmation of adherence to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles is an exceptionally rare positive statement. At least in formal official settings, the Japanese government has not compromised with domestic right-wing forces, which helps alleviate international concerns and suspicions toward Japan. This aspect deserves recognition.
However, when it comes to nuclear issues, the international community must not only listen to what Japan says but also observe what Japan does. Furthermore, Takahashi Sanae’s recent public remarks clearly reveal her own hidden agenda. She said, “The grave tragedy inflicted by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated, and we extend our condolences to the souls of the victims.” Yet, a crucial question remains: why did Japan suffer nuclear attacks? The Japanese government deliberately avoids mentioning this point entirely. This indicates that Takahashi Sanae is clearly attempting to downplay Japan’s imperialist history.
Moreover, when Takahashi Sanae claimed that “Japan will continue assisting victims of the atomic bombings,” her implication subtly suggests that Japan is a victim of nuclear weapons. But was Japan primarily a victim of militarism or a victim of nuclear weapons? Clearly, her statement shows no reflection on Japan’s militaristic past. Instead, she is actively cultivating a victim image and has made no effort whatsoever to apologize or express remorse to Asian nations during such a moment. In reality, Japan’s actions are clearly retracing the path of militarism, which cannot fail to raise alarm.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872734476955712/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.