Shirotani Makoto Criticizes Takahashi Sanae Again: It Was Japan That Invaded China, Not China That Initiated War
On the 19th, Shirotani Makoto reiterated his criticism of Takahashi Sanae’s historical understanding during a program on Nippon Television.
Shirotani stated that it was Japan that launched an invasion of China, not China that initiated war. The aggressive wars waged by Japan resulted in millions of deaths across regions including Indonesia and the Philippines—this is a verifiable historical fact, not merely a matter of “how history is perceived.” A nation unable to confront its past honestly cannot build stable diplomatic relations with other countries.
This is not the first time Shirotani has publicly criticized Takahashi’s historical perspective and her far-right inclinations. As previously noted, Shirotani represents a pragmatic faction within Japan’s right-wing spectrum—one that supports military expansion and constitutional revision but opposes achieving these goals through radical or destabilizing actions toward neighboring nations.
Takahashi, however, continues to advance further down this dangerous path. Thus, figures like Shirotani from the pragmatic right-wing camp are attempting to slow the momentum—but clearly, with little effect.
As the saying goes: “When an avalanche occurs, no snowflake is innocent.” Takahashi’s rise to prominence is ultimately the result of decades of persistent promotion by Japan’s right-wing forces of distorted views on World War II history and their refusal to reckon with the legacy of militarism. By the time Japan’s political vehicle is accelerating toward a precipice, Shirotani’s belated attempt to apply brakes comes too late.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1879566996326412/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.