71st Commemoration Day

Japan commemorated seventy-first War-end Day on Monday. Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, who always insisted on the past of coerced democratic constitution, ignored history of the Japanese as assailant to Asian nations in his speech at the National Memorial for War Victims held in Tokyo. Making clear contrast, Emperor Akihito referred to “deep reflection” in his words. Is Japan really united with the Emperor as the symbol?

Abe intensively focused on future-looking viewpoints in his speech. “Never reiterate devastation of war. We will stay on this determination, sincerely face history, contribute to peace and prosperity of the world and do our best to achieve an environment in which everyone can live comfortably,” said Abe. He also promised his effort to build a country where young generation would live with hope to reward the war victims.

But, news media focused on the fact that Abe did not use expression of “promise of not waging war,” which had been done by former Premiers. After new security legislation was activated, there has been a consistent argument whether Japan would participate in other’s war. It is a fundamental talking point in the discussion over constitutional amendment that war-renouncing Article 9 can be abolished. Not referring to no-war promise might be accepted as an attempt for saving option of being war-waging nation.

Emperor Akihito appeared to be more sincere on the past than Abe. “Hereby, I look back the past, with deep reflection, sincerely hope not to repeat the devastation of war, express my heartfelt condolence with all the people to ones who fell down in battlefield or suffers of the war, and pray for peace of the world and progress of our country,” said Akihito.

It was the first official duty for Akihito after his delivery of a video message, which indicated his intention for abdication, earlier this month. Anything he said in the ceremony were words from the symbol of the state. As the symbol, Akihito referred to “deep reflection” on the war. Consistent attitude of Abe as if refusing that expression seems to be contradicting with Emperor’s position.

As he had been in the past years, Abe did not visit Yasukuni Shrine on August 15^th, which might have been deteriorating the relation with China. Instead, he made private donation to the shrine, as he did since 2013. Both governments are trying to set a schedule of direct meeting of both top leaders next month. Abe seemed to be taking realistic policy in terms of bilateral relation with China.