Japan’s History Problem

By not admitting errors during World War II, Japan remains isolated, with closest neighbors – China and South Korea – suspicious of its goals. With annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, the prime minister defiantly resists any remorse about Japan’s aggression more than sixty years ago. Ironically, Japan has won respect throughout the world for its constitution that emphasizes peace and funding of United Nations initiatives that support peace. Japan cannot become a world leader without winning the trust and support of China and South Korea, both invaded and brutalized by Japan during the first half of the 20th century – and that requires reconciliation over the WWII history. The US, Japan’s enemy during WWII and now a major ally, must assist the nation in the reconciliation process, according to international affairs Professor G. John Ikenberry, before laying the groundwork for a united regional approach to security. – YaleGlobal