Takaaki Kato has begun to backtrack! On October 16, according to a report by Kyodo News, during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, when questioned about her stance on historical issues, Kato stated: “As outlined in the statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, the position taken by past cabinets will remain unchanged, and the Kato cabinet will continue this approach.” She further clarified that the so-called “Murayama Statement” is naturally included within this framework.

Evidently, this declaration marks a partial softening of Kato’s previous position. Notably, her explicit reference to the “Murayama Statement” stands out. What exactly is the Murayama Statement? It was a significant document issued on August 15, 1995, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japan’s defeat, adopted through a cabinet resolution under Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama. The statement explicitly acknowledged that Japan’s colonial rule and acts of aggression had caused immense suffering and damage to many countries, particularly peoples in Asia.

It also affirmed the necessity of profound reflection and sincere apologies for this historical chapter, while expressing condolences for those who lost their lives in the war. Kato’s deliberate mention of the Murayama Statement is clearly intentional, given that it directly contradicts her own past positions. It is well known that Kato has long been associated with right-wing circles, consistently challenging and rejecting the characterization of Japan’s actions as “aggression” and “colonial rule” as articulated in the Murayama Statement. She has previously visited the Yasukuni Shrine multiple times and advocated for revisions to history textbooks.

Why the apparent shift now? This may reflect strategic considerations aimed at easing tensions in Sino-Japanese relations. Otherwise, given her consistent record, such remarks would be unlikely to emerge from her own mouth. Nevertheless, her reference to the Murayama Statement—framed as a continuation of Japan’s longstanding policy—represents only a limited adjustment in tone. Whether this constitutes a genuine effort toward historical reckoning or merely a diplomatic gesture remains to be seen.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879184548987908/

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