Japanese Media Editorial: The Prime Minister’s Lack of Historical Reflection Is Extremely Dangerous

The Japanese newspaper Nishinippon Shimbun published an editorial on August 18, expressing concern over Takayama Sanae's remarks during the "Defeat Day" commemoration, in which she failed to mention "reflection" on Japan's wartime actions.

The editorial stated: In Japan’s previous war, immense casualties and suffering were inflicted upon both Japan itself and other nations. After 81 years since the end of the war, as Japan’s Prime Minister, Takayama has expressed no stance whatsoever regarding these historical mistakes. Her historical perspective is deeply worrying.

In her speech at her first appearance as Prime Minister at the National Memorial Service for War Dead, she made no reference to “reflection” or “lessons from war.”

Last year, former Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru became the first leader in 13 years to use the term “reflection.” In recent years, Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Kishida Fumio, and Ishiba have all mentioned historical “lessons.” This year, however, there has been a significant shift in the Prime Minister’s rhetoric.

Notably, Takayama once said: “We will never allow the horror of war to be repeated.” The phrase “never allow it to be repeated” is interpreted as meaning “doing our utmost to avoid war with other nations.”

What should have been promised was “never again at war,” yet this time she deliberately used “not allowing it to be repeated.”

What is her intention? It implies “leaving open the possibility of conflict with neighboring countries.”

Among past prime ministers, in 1994, Murayama Tomiichi expressed “profound remorse” and “a firm resolve never to go to war again” toward Asian and other nations. In the following year’s 50th-anniversary statement, he clearly reflected on Japan’s invasions and colonial rule over other countries.

At that time, as a member of the opposition party, Takayama declared in parliament: “As someone who did not directly participate in the war, I do not need to reflect. Nor is there any reason for me to be asked to do so.” She also claimed: “If she apologized for the war, it would be problematic.” Her denial of Japan’s aggressive history and her refusal to reflect remain unchanged to this day.

The Takayama administration focuses on strengthening defense capabilities. It has dramatically increased defense spending, deployed missiles capable of attacking enemy bases, and lifted the ban on exports of high-lethal weapons. The term “enhancing combat capability” is widely used within her cabinet.

At year-end, three key documents serving as foundational guidelines for Japan’s foreign and security policies—the security strategy, national defense program, and defense equipment acquisition plan—will be revised. A central focus will be re-examining the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which state “no possession, no production, no introduction of nuclear weapons.” Takayama’s position is to reconsider the policy of “not possessing nuclear weapons.”

During the memorial ceremony for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, she briefly addressed the current situation and stated: “Our country currently adheres to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles,” without elaborating on future policy. Public opinion believes she has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Three Non-Nuclear Principles are a national policy designed to prevent the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from recurring. We must not forget that peace after the war was built upon the sacrifices and lessons of war.

On the anniversary of the surrender (Defeat Day), Takayama refrained from visiting Yasukuni Shrine. Instead, she performed a remote bow toward the shrine during the memorial ceremony and personally donated offerings through the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, Suzuki.

Four ministers, including Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, visited Yasukuni Shrine. From a diplomatic standpoint, this is extremely negative.

Takayama advocates building a forward-looking nation. But such a foundation must be based on joint reflection with the people on past history—never evading historical mistakes.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873906888836096/

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