No apology

August 9, 2015

Draft of Abe statement does not include ‘apology’ for Japan's role in WWII

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201508090024

THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

The draft of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II does not include the word “apology” to Asian countries, which was included in two past landmark statements, according to sources.

Abe showed the draft to executives of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and junior coalition partner, Komeito, at a meeting on the night of Aug. 7.

According to attendees, Abe reiterated that he will “inherit as a whole” the statements issued by former Prime Ministers Tomiichi Murayama and Junichiro Koizumi to mark the 50th and 60th anniversaries, respectively.

However, the draft of Abe's statement did not include “apology” or similar wording for Japan's role in the war.

Regarding the omission, one Komeito leader told Abe, “You have said that you will follow the past statements. Your statement must convey the feeling of apologies to other countries.”

The draft included the word “remorse” for the war. However, the words “colonial rule and aggression” were not clearly explained to the junior coalition partner's satisfaction.

One Komeito participant asked Abe to put the word “aggression” in a clear context, saying, “Why is Japan showing remorse? Unless you make clear what Japan is showing remorse for, your statement cannot convey (the feeling of remorse).”

The draft also included the strides Japan has made in the postwar era and international contributions the nation should make in the future, the sources said.

In response to the suggestions from Komeito, Abe said, “I have heard (your opinions).”

The focus will now shift to how much of Komeito’s input Abe will incorporate into his statement.

“(The meeting held on the night of Aug. 7) is the last one in which we will meet with Komeito representatives to discuss the statement," an LDP executive said.

However, a Komeito executive said, “We have not yet left (the contents of the statement) entirely up to the prime minister.”

The meeting included Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi and Komeito Secretary-General Yoshihisa Inoue. LDP Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also were in attendance.

Abe's Cabinet is scheduled to approve his war anniversary statement on Aug. 14.