Mr. Toshio Tamogami, who was sacked as Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff over a controversial essay, testified Tuesday before an Upper House committee. His statements show that he does not understand what civilian control of the Self-Defense Forces means and how his essay could damage the reputation of not only Japan but also the SDF in the international community.
The essay was an attempt to justify Japan's aggression and colonial rule of its Asian neighbors before and during World War II, contradicting the government's official view.
Successive governments have inherited the position stated by then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on Aug. 15, 1995, when he expressed his "heartfelt apology" for the "tremendous damage and suffering" to the people of Asian countries that he said Japan's "colonial rule and aggression" caused.