The vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party urged Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday to uphold past government apologies and expressions of remorse for Japan's wartime aggression in Asia as Abe prepares to issue a statement on the 70th anniversary of World War II's end.
"The more (Abe) clarifies that he inherits the statements for the 50th and 60th war anniversaries, the better he can cast a spotlight on the future of Japan" in his upcoming statement, Masahiko Komura told reporters.
"Japan's path itself for the past 70 years since the end of the war clearly reflects the country's remorse, which goes without saying," Komura said. "I hope (the new statement) will put emphasis on how we are going to contribute to global peace and stability."