SINGAPORE -- From a Southeast Asian perspective, recent developments underscore an internal angst in Japan over the growing "China threat" and how Japan will come to terms with its military aggression of the 1930s and '40s. Meanwhile, debate continues in Japan on revising its "pacifist" Constitution and determining Tokyo's future international political and economic roles.
In an interview marking his 72nd birthday on Dec. 23, the Emperor called on Japan to "accurately understand" its history at the end of a year that had been marked by severe criticisms of Japan from abroad for Tokyo's failure to atone for its militaristic past. Strangely, this gesture may seem at odds with the general trend of public and governmental opinion emerging in Japan.
The Emperor's message to the Japanese people is significant. He recalled that "there were rarely peaceful times" from 1927 to 1945, and said, "I believe it is extremely important for the Japanese people to strive to accurately understand this past history along with the ensuing era. . . . I hope that knowledge of past facts will continue to be passed in a proper manner . . . and will be used for future benefit."