I love our editor, Adam Westlake’s opinion on why it’s important for Japan and South Korea to move on from their history. I agree that the tit-for-tat approach being adopted by the two governments will only get them political mileage and do nothing in terms of resolving real issues like economy, unemployment, growth stagnation and other key problems. Which is why ex-prime minister Shinzo Abe’s new statement asking Japan to be unapologetic for the past, is totally ridiculous and uncalled for.
By stating that comfort women were not taken advantage of by the Japanese Imperial Army or that Japan need not show ‘excessive consideration for neighboring countries’ because it ‘does not lead to genuine friendship’, is glaring politicizing a sensitive issue. I just hope the people of Japan see through such obvious tactics that key political figures are resorting to. Naturally the November elections are playing on their mind, so milking any and every issue worth luring the public will be done so.
According to Shinzo Abe, Japan should scrap the past three official statements that were made on the World War II atrocities meted by Japan. If his Liberal Democratic Party comes to power again, he will replace them with new opinions and perspectives. It is clear that Abe is gunning for the right-wing vote as he is seeking the chairmanship of the LDP next month. Abe went to the extent of praising Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who recently stated that there was no evidence that the sex slaves served the Imperial Army as sex workers. Please people, there are bigger issues facing Japan and South Korea both, let’s focus on those for a change.
[Via Chosun]