Student Presentations: Fukumi

Fukumi

In 8/14, Mr. Abe issued a statement on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.
But in past, the statements on the 50^th and 60^th anniversary were announced and both statements expressed the feeling of deep remorse (≒strong regret) and heartfelt (≒sincere) apology for inflicting immeasurable damage and suffering by colonial rule and aggression (≒invasion).

The remarkable point of 70^th statement was how much Mr. Abe would follow these past statements.
And there are four keywords, “colonial rule”, “aggression”, “deep remorse”, and “apology”, are especially paid attention.
Actually, Mr. Abe used all four keywords by indirectly quoting former cabinet’s recognition of history and made the position clearly which succeeds to the viewpoint of the former cabinet.
Based on this viewpoint, he said Japan hoist the flag of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” which is basic idea of Japanese security strategy.

Lastly, I’d like to introduce the foreign countries’ reaction.
First, China stated strict position and said that Japan should explain responsibility of war clearly and apologize victims sincerely.
Next, South Korea said there are some regrettable points but they concerned about the point which Japan made clear that the former cabinet’s position won’t change in the future.
Finally, America welcomed that Japan expressed “remorse”.

Through this issue, I felt recognition of history is very important for international relations and postwar handling is still have a great influence in the international society.