Japanese PM's offering for shrine sparks criticism from Seoul
Another minister, 100 cross-party lawmakers visit Yasukuni Shrine
One wonders why Japan continues to stick to this past.
Our history makes us who we are. But it does not have to define our future. It does not have to dictate our actions. We cannot remake history, but we can learn from it. But learning from mistakes does not mean honoring those mistakes.
And we must remember: victims are the ones who remember transgressions the most vividly.
Just like how Japan continues to remember the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the countries invaded by Japan will continue to remember Japan's invasion. When President Obama visited Hiroshima, he made headway. If Japan is able to take some form of substantial action to show the countries invaded that Japan is truly remorseful, there will be headway made in mending those relationships.
But until then, those countries will continue to remember.
And the day may come when some will find ways to regain face lost. What will Japan do then, when it is the one losing face?
Another minister, 100 cross-party lawmakers visit Yasukuni Shrine
One wonders why Japan continues to stick to this past.
Our history makes us who we are. But it does not have to define our future. It does not have to dictate our actions. We cannot remake history, but we can learn from it. But learning from mistakes does not mean honoring those mistakes.
And we must remember: victims are the ones who remember transgressions the most vividly.
Just like how Japan continues to remember the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the countries invaded by Japan will continue to remember Japan's invasion. When President Obama visited Hiroshima, he made headway. If Japan is able to take some form of substantial action to show the countries invaded that Japan is truly remorseful, there will be headway made in mending those relationships.
But until then, those countries will continue to remember.
And the day may come when some will find ways to regain face lost. What will Japan do then, when it is the one losing face?
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