Following strong protests from the Chinese public, Takashi Kawamura, Mayor of Nagoya, refused to amend his wrongful statement. He did not withdraw the provocative remarks denying the Nanjing Massacre, and even reiterated the stand yesterday.

Japanese hawks used to argue with China over the casualty figures of the Massacre, however, Kawamura's arrogant attitude toward history is unprecedented. He should be strongly refuted.

We advise China to levy sanctions on Kawamura, for example listing him as an unwelcome person and barring his entry into China. Nagoya can be delisted from the schedule of Chinese tourism groups to Japan. China can also consider reducing economic exchanges with the city.

These are fully reasonable steps. Kawamura directly offended the delegation from Nanjing, the city victimized by the brutal killings in 1937. It is a serious mistake both from a diplomatic and historical perspective. As a result, he has infuriated the whole of Chinese society. Due punishment will appease the Chinese public, which has long thought of the Chinese diplomatic approach as weak.

Kawamura should be pressed to apologize or even resign. Denying the Nanjing Massacre is not a mainstream view in Japan. Japanese authorities admitted the Massacre took place, though disagreement around the exact death toll persists. Hideaki Omura, governor of Aichi Prefecture where Nagoya locates, has called upon Kawamura to correct his charged remarks. 

Punishing Kawamura is right. We understand the questions raised by a few Japanese rightists on Nanjing Massacre under certain circumstances. But Kawamura, as a politician, has crossed the line. A similar mistake would cost dearly for politicians everywhere. Imagine if a Chinese official applauded the atom bombs dropped on Japan in front of a delegation from Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Could the Japanese accept it?

This diplomatic fiasco should reset a line for the Sino-Japanese relationships. A proper reaction will score points for the Chinese government, including winning public trust. As public opinion is emphasized more in governance, this is a natural decision for diplomacy to reflect public will.

Unexpected conflicts may arise such as tension between China and Japan. This is nothing to be feared. The important thing is for China to be in the right. As for the level of the punishment, it depends on the attitude of Nagoya.