Settlement has been reached, at least temporarily, on two thorny issues that sparked criticism both at home and abroad: a junior high school history textbook edited by the Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine.
The fact that the Reform Society's textbook has been adopted by only 1 percent of schools comes as a relief to those who are critical of the organization. On the other hand, Koizumi's decision to move up his planned shrine visit to two days before the Aug. 15 anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II received a rather cool reception by both opponents and supporters because the change appeared to be makeshift.
Since both issues are likely to resurface internationally, it is hoped that they will be thoroughly discussed by politicians, educators and journalists.