Photo: VCG

 
This year marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II (WWII), a year of profound historical significance. Not long ago, Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shoji Nishida made erroneous remarks about the Himeyur-no-to memorial in Okinawa, trampling on local tragic history. This incident highlights a deep-rooted problem confronting Japan: Over the past 80 years, populism that denies or glorifies aggression and colonial rule has spread, distorting history and rejecting facts.

On August 15, 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Japan's defeat, then Japanese prime minister Tomiichi Murayama issued his famous Murayama Statement. Approved by the Cabinet as the prime minister's statement, it became the official view of the Japanese government and carried great weight.

The Murayama Statement explicitly acknowledged Japan's past aggression and colonial rule, noting that "during a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the Japanese people in a fateful crisis, and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations." It further declared "the hope that no such mistake be made in the future" and that Murayama himself acknowledged "these irrefutable facts of history," expressed deep remorse, offered a heartfelt apology and mourned all victims at home and abroad.

For the first time, the Japanese government openly presented its view of history to both domestic and international audiences. Concise in length, the statement conveyed sincerity and credibility in confronting the past. Its historical significance was enormous and received high praise from China, South Korea, Europe, the US and other parts of the world. However, certain Japanese conservatives and right-wing forces derided this reflection as a"masochistic historical view," which is gravely mistaken. The real questions are: Have we sincerely reflected on what Japan did to Asian countries, including China? Have we made proper compensation? Have we truly drawn a line with the past? These matters are closely tied to Japan's national reputation. Conversely, denying historical facts and refusing to acknowledge aggression truly tarnishes Japan's name.

On this 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, how we address historical issues and deepen Japan-China friendship are urgent tasks. 

First, young people in Japan need to study more about their country's modern and contemporary history in schools and other institutions. Today, the Japanese government continues to beautify and distort textbooks, leading to serious deficiencies in historical education. Many students remain unaware of Japan's past acts of aggression, which is a grave problem that must be addressed.

Second, fostering vibrant people-to-people exchanges between Japan and China is equally essential alongside dialogues between national leaders. Civil exchanges, local-level exchanges and especially youth exchanges must be expanded. In particular, I believe that study trips between middle and high school students of both countries should be actively promoted. In the past, many Japanese high school students visited China on study trips, but this practice has since declined. These trips should be revived.

In addition, political exchanges between Japanese and Chinese politicians, long stagnant, have made progress under the Shigeru Ishiba administration. It is worth affirming this development. Frequent visits by Japanese lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties to China, and candid exchanges with the Chinese government, are of great importance. Only by bringing together the strength of civil society, youths, politicians, governments and all sectors can we jointly advance Japan-China friendship.

Standing at the milestone of the 80th anniversary of postwar era, although the international situation remains complex, at this key moment it is of the utmost important to inherit and carry forward the spirit of the Murayama Statement. What we need is not a politics of "might makes right," but "the relations of trust between countries" advocated in the statement. It is a diplomatic asset for Japan, contributing to peace and stability in Asia and helps correct today's turbulent world order.

Ultimately, I would like to declare once again to the world that promoting friendship with China is Japan's greatest security guarantee. I firmly believe that for the sake of Asia's peace and development, friendship and solidarity between Japan and China are absolutely vital.

The author is the Secretary-General of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn