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Crown prince warns of need to remember World War II 'correctly'

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Crown prince warns of need to remember World War II 'correctly'

Good for him. The imperial family should speak out more. They are the one group that the right wingers can't criticise

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Your all interperting this the way you want...hearing what you want to.

The very fact that they are seeking to cover up japans wartime historical crimes...means one of two things are true.

Are they seeking to cover them up because they are embarrassed of their forefathers and thier wartime conduct?

Or are they really not, but want us to forget and trust them again?

Funny japan went from cruel relentless cannibals...to polite helpful friends instantly at their emperors command and request...

Been that way for 70 years too..

What other leader in history has had that much control over his people and military?

What happens if.he asks them to go back to cruel cannibal japan?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@brants: Tina' priginsl comments of her usua;; guess

abeFEB. 23, 2015 - 09:35PM JST You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners?

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@melonbarmonsterFEB. 28, 2015 - 03:47AM JST I don't understand how not 100% of Japanese don't have this guy's mindset when it comes to history. if Abe and his ilk had this mentality, all the rancor about revisionism in East Asia would be gone in a second.

Source info of your 100 % please.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I don't understand how not 100% of Japanese don't have this guy's mindset when it comes to history. if Abe and his ilk had this mentality, all the rancor about revisionism in East Asia would be gone in a second.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

This is so awesome! Yay for Naruhito's integrity, bravery and humility.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The Japanese royal family can steer the country in the right direction through back channels and through lightly political messages as described in this story. Keep it up Prince Naruhito.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Thank God, this prince has common sense.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You won't hear the nationalists complaining because from what I can see the crown prince was quite unspecific as to what he believes is the correct version of events, so the nationalists will likely take what they believe, to also be the correct version of events in the princes eyes anyway. You can read what you want into his words.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I dont hear the nationalists complaining. That says it all.

Japan has earth on a financial economic starvation diet.

What have they been spending their profits on all these years?

If my forefathers were lying, sneaky, cruel, cannibals, and thieves....i would disown them..certainly not worship or defend them.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

So quoting random, anonymous "tweets" passes for journalism now? And stacking a panel to draft the statement he wants made so he can claim he didn't write it passes for statesmanship now?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@banz10FEB. 24, 2015 - 01:31PM JST @toshiko

Crown Prince did not learn hiow to talk to Japanese people from foreigners.

Not sure what you're banging on about there. The Crown Prince is his own man and he's clearly not afraid to denounce the drivel of the nationalists. Good for him!

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You did not read tinawatanabe's original comment.

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@BertieWoosterFEB. 24, 2015 - 06:28PM JST smithinjapan,

The Emperor admitted there is Korean blood in the Imperial line and right-wingers went ballistic.

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Bertie, he really said that as he learned Japanese History a lot more than Japanese people.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

@blvtzpk:

Got it. Understand the point you were trying to make.

Now, off to read the latest on Hakuho disturbing the "wa" in the sumo world.....

2 ( +2 / -0 )

smith, I made the comment before I read the Japanese original. I now say "he meant differently"

unbelievable.

We 'foreigners' respect the Imperial family. Be happy please.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@zones2surf

Noted. Point taken.

I should have used another example of the poster's predilection for assuming knowledge of others' thoughts/feelings/intentions, something which appears quite often in the poster's submissions.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@blvtzpk:

Not here to defend others, but did just want to note one thing regarding your post to @slumdog regarding @tinwatanabe's post.

You noted that:

The poster also knows how the prime minister thinks (which is the same way as the poster):

in response to @tinawatanabe's post:

PM Abe would take it as I took.

In fairness, that was in response to a specific question I asked, which was for @tinawatanabe's personal opinion on how he would take it. So, fair enough, that was an answer to my question, which I appreciated, regardless of whether that is, indeed, how the PM would take the Prince's comments.

That said, I can't see the PM being deterred because the Crown Prince makes a statement like this, regardless of the Prince's intent and regardless of how the PM takes it.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@blvtzpk

Face plant!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

smithinjapan,

The Emperor admitted there is Korean blood in the Imperial line and right-wingers went ballistic.

Did they really?

I can well imagine.

Like the KKK, the ultra-right are not known for their tolerance.

I wonder how many Japanese are beginning to regret they voted LDP in the last election?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

tinawatanabe Feb. 17, 2015 - 09:05PM JST

You should read the Japanese original not translation versions. When you criticize others, you have to be more careful

tinawatanabe Feb. 24, 2015 - 05:29PM JST

I made the comment before I read the Japanese original. I now say "he meant differently"

10 ( +11 / -1 )

smith, I made the comment before I read the Japanese original. I now say "he meant differently"

-19 ( +0 / -19 )

Respect.

Now, if only those lording it over Kasumigaseki could have such common sense...

4 ( +4 / -0 )

tinawatanabe: "You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners"

Classic! He 'meant the opposite', did he? and he 'sided with foreigners'?? Tina, he sided with the constitution and historical FACT. AFTER he said the things he just did, which were extremely wise, many people, INCLUDING but not limited to foreigners, sided with him, not vice-versa. The Crown Prince has made some remarks which have wingers upset, same as when, in an attempt to mend ties damaged by the government, the Emperor admitted there is Korean blood in the Imperial line and right-wingers went ballistic. He meant exactly what he said, tina, and that's all there is to it. The fact that you have to say, "He's not siding with foreigners" is quite telling of how you think. It has nothing to do with foreigners.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

@slumdog

There is some twisting of the Prince's words going on, but it is definitely not in this article.

It's clear from the poster's previous declarations, their own interpretation of any news is sacrosanct, and therefore the only possible way to comprehend any news. Any other interpretation, especially an interpretation that does not conform to the poster's take on the original information, is simply wrong.

And the poster in question isn't limited to sheer interpretations. The poster is an empath, with special insight into what the person quoted in the news meant and is feeling.

For example, the poster knows what Crown Prince Naruhito meant:

You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite.

The poster also knows how the prime minister thinks (which is the same way as the poster):

PM Abe would take it as I took.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@slumdog:

I have read the Prince's speech in Japanese and asked @tinawatanabe what she thought the Prince was saying based on the text of the speech. She gave her view/thoughts above. I would put the same question to you: what do you think the text of the speech says and what do you think the Prince means?

The reason I ask these questions is that what the text of the speech says can potentially be interpreted a number of ways. So, unless the Prince separately/subsequently "leaks" the true meaning of his words, everyone is left to interpret the comments as they see fit. Undoubtedly IHA watchers who parse the words of the Imperial family may have special insights, but I don't see those being quoted in this article.

I am not trying to be provocative here, but the meaning attributed to his words are from those that may not be supportive of the PM's policies (and I too am a critic of much of the PM's stated goals and policies) and, therefore, they may be reading into the words what they want to read into them.

I go back to my original post, which is that, regardless of the implied meaning of his words, the speech itself was a remarkable one in that the Prince certainly expressed thoughts in a manner that could be viewed as critical of the government, even if it was mild/muted.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

tinawatanabe: "You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners?"

Hahahaha!!! Classic! Tina AGAIN coming on and saying a person did not mean what they said, that we should understand they actually meant what TINA thinks... unless of course it's praise for Japan's right-wing policies, then of course the person meant exactly what they said.

Even funnier still is this idea that "Why do you think he takes side of foreigners" garbage. Tina, you aren't really that clueless, are you? He's not "taking the side of foreigners", he is siding with the Constitution, and insisting that Japan's history be remembered instead of rewritten by right wingers like Abe, lest it lead to a repeat of history (in which Japan lost, if you can recall) and further tensions in the nation. And it is foreigners and Japanese alike who AGREE WITH HIM and take HIS side, not vice-versa, tina. I know it confuses you and must really make you upset that your living god has said something you don't like, but he absolutely meant what he said, and the majority of Japanese and most foreigners agree with him. Other Royal Family members also make right-wingers like yourself furious, like when the current Emperor admitted that the Royal Family has Korean blood in their veins -- fact, tina! -- and other statements. They have shown again here that they are very wise, and a very important voice even in today's society where they wield no true political power.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This article twisted what he said.

There is some twisting of the Prince's words going on, but it is definitely not in this article. Tina, can you read Japanese?

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Frungy

There's no legal limitation on him making any comment he likes. He has the right to free speech as much as any other person in Japan.

He has no legal right to anything, I don't think. For instance, nobody can sue him for anything because he is not a Kokumin, Japanese citizen. but symbol of Kokumin.

This article twisted what he said.

-20 ( +2 / -22 )

I salute the crown Prince. He has the courage and wisdom.

Japanese and the world should be proud of him.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

If only the economy ran on love and peace, with Bach and Motzart playing in the background. Perhaps one day it will. Until then God bless the prince for his wise words. I Think though in these days, American pragmatics may just be what Japan needs right now. It may lead to policies that may make a lesser man fear, but at this time Abe is doing the right thing. Let's hope it all turns to nothing more than retoric on one side and economic recovery for Japan on the other. Peace on the seven seas.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

@toshiko

Crown Prince did not learn hiow to talk to Japanese people from foreigners.

Not sure what you're banging on about there. The Crown Prince is his own man and he's clearly not afraid to denounce the drivel of the nationalists. Good for him!

@noriyosan73

A message for China and Korea-GET OVER IT-THE WARS- AND MOVE ON TO THE FUTURE!

You're clearly missing the point made by your Crown Prince. As obstinate as China and Korea can be, until Japan properly recognises its dark history and shows genuine contrition for the atrocities it committed, not just hollow expressions of remorse, former Asian foes will be unable to "get over it" and "move on".

Until China can invent a time machine to go back to the 1930s, it will have to learn to live with the history that so far cannot be changed.

No, true history cannot be changed. No matter how much Abe and his right-wing cronies try to rewrite and gloss-over Japan's shameful past, the factual truths will forever endure. I think Abe would be first in line to buy that time machine and zip back to the Imperial glory days.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

No one needs to get stuck in the past. But the point about remembering the past is to change the operating basis to make sure the same mistakes are not made in the future.

Abe seems to be trying to whitewash Japan's past and undo the pacifist constitution that is designed to prevent the atrocities committed by Japan's previous regime from being repeated.

If he wants war and force, I'm NOT Abe, I'm Naruhito!

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Today, 2/23/15, USA, is the 70th anniversary. There is no hatred for the Japanese. The USA loves the cars and many other products from Japan. A message for China and Korea-GET OVER IT-THE WARS- AND MOVE ON TO THE FUTURE! Until China can invent a time machine to go back to the 1930s, it will have to learn to live with the history that so far cannot be changed.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Crown Prince did not learn hiow to talk to Japanese people from foreigners.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The monarchy can stand above the fray which is a privilege the PM does not have.

That doesn't make the monarchy wrong. People need to remember the past.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Abe is having his people begging American textbook companies to whitewash the sex slavery issue and meanwhile the Crown Prince is saying those actions must not be forgotten by todays generation.

Hopefully the Prince can blunt the fascist efforts by Abe to turn Japan into the country his grandfather created. And we all know how that turned out.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

One benefit of absolute monarchy is that the leader doesn't have to worry about politics and can call things as they are. He or she can get unpopular but necessary things done.

While not having governing power, the prince is in a similar position with regard to public debate about policy. He can bypass Abe and the LDP to project politically unpopular things to the nation. I hope he continues to take advantage of his position and continues to act as Japan's conscience.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

In ten years of living Japan, this is the best thing I have ever read. I hope this man will still be who he is after he becomes emporer!

10 ( +12 / -2 )

AKA, "Abe... be quiet".

5 ( +7 / -2 )

After end of WWII, Japan which spent basically from 1950's through mid 90's under the same conservative LDP government, which is why there was no change in thought or attitude. At best, the Japanese government was able to buy off the Chinese and Koreans, providing ODA loans and grants while those governments kept nationalistic sentiments tamped down. When the LDP hold was toppled in the 90ss, the coalition government was so weak that even though it began reconciliation with a formal apology, it couldn't make much progress before the LDP came back to power one year later. Japan needed a strong center-left party to lead the way. Unfortunately, Murayama and the Japanese Social Democrats were simply too weak. Japan's delay in the process has only made it more difficult for any real reconciliation. Had they done it back when Japan was at its peak, Chinese and Korean nationalism were somewhat under control and Japan had bought some goodwill through economic aid, they might have gotten their message across more smoothly. Instead, now you have Japan in a weak position, China and Korea ascendant, and both those nations experiencing near-rabid nationalistic sentiments, it'll be much harder for all involved to come together.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"PM Abe has openly said he wants a more sympathetic telling of the history" - article

“Today when memories of war are set to fade, I believe it is important to look back at our past with modesty and pass down correctly the miserable experience and the historic path Japan took from the generation who knew the war to the generation who don’t,” - Crown Prince Naruhito, article

There are facts and opinions about facts; perhaps Crown Prince Naruhito can ask the Prime Minister where sympathy and facts part company. The Prime Minister's opinions would be very important to hear.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

The Crown Prince is right! He's a peace-loving gentleman, like his father, the Emperor!

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The Crown Prince's father, Akihito was tutored by an American woman Elizabeth Vining who was chosen by Hirohito. Hirohito, at one time may've been swayed by the military parliament to attack Asia and go to war, but I'm glad he was sensible enough to accept democracy, and wanted his children to be exposed to other cultures and views. Akihito and Michiko must've played a big role in shaping Crown Prince Naruhito's unbiased views of WWII. His words will be heard, but I doubt if that'll be enough to slow Abe and cohorts down. At least, the right wing want to keep the Imperials alive and in view of the public, so hope the Crown Prince will speak up again.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The more fundamental problem is that Japan seems unable, as a nation, to manage the kind of collective psychological shift that has transformed Germany, with which it is inevitably compared. Apologizing sincerely for the sins and omissions of earlier generations is never easy. But statesmen, if they are to deserve the name, sometimes must take the politically uncomfortable high ground and then bring their publics along. Leadership of that quality has been a long time coming in Japan. But Abe has gone on the record over the years by denying that coercion was involved.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

It's helpful

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Yoshitsune, if you are trying to claim that 200,000 were kidnapped and enslaved, then we disagree. There has been NO proof of kidnapping and no proof of enslavement as a policy by the IJA. The ONLY proven case of kidnapping and sex slavery was a Dutch nurse prisoner of war in Java, Indonesia. When Japanese authorities heard about it, they shut down that brothel.

There is ample proof, however, of the government taking women from brothels to support the comfort women program and of those women being paid during their tenure as comfort women. One comfort woman famously petitioned the Japanese postal service to release the funds she'd saved during the war:

In March 1992, I read a newspaper article about a former comfort woman named Moon Ok-ju, who had come to Japan to request refund of the monies in a wartime postal savings account. Ms. Moon was a comfort woman in Burma between 1942 and 1944. During that time, she deposited cash received from soldiers at the unit’s military post office. She had lost her passbook, but she submitted a request to the Shimonoseki Post Office for a refund of ¥6,000 or 7,000.

The post office checked her story, and on May 11, 1992, found the original accounting records for military savings. Between June 1943 and September 1945, Ms. Moon had made 12 deposits, and her account had a balance of ¥26,145. Normally, the discovery of a sum of money this large would have made the news. In the 1940s, ¥5,000 would have purchased a house in Tokyo. She could have bought five houses!

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

Hi Fadamor,

The number of women was in the region of 200,000. The discredited officer who lied about kidnapping women only lied about a very small fraction of the total figure, a drop in the ocean. Does it mean the whole thing is false? Think on it - the people who want you to believe that are the same ones who would have you believe there was no Nanjing massacre.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

“This definitely contains a warning against Shinzo Abe, doesn’t it?” tweeted @Kirokuro.

A warning? What possible warning could this convey? The Imperial family has no means of removing elected officials.

In the narrow issue of whether comfort women were kidnapped and enslaved, I think the record needs to be corrected now that the former IJA officer who wrote a book claiming to have done such a thing was called a liar by the Korean village he supposedly did the kidnapping from - AND the newspaper that stood behind that officer and his book has admitted that what they were printing was false.

BUT... That's the ONLY thing that could use modifying. The Nanjing Massacre; the mass execution of prisoners of war; the mass execution of civilian prisoners; the horrible abuse of prisoners - marching them until they dropped and then bayoneted where they lay (under orders to not waste ammunition on them); all those things cannot be whitewashed-away.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Jim McBrideFeb. 24, 2015 - 02:56AM JST The Crown Prince however does not have to deal with the day to day problems and is insulated from politics so he is free so say whatever he wants without worry from repercussions. The monarchy can stand above the fray which is a privilege the PM does not have.

And is a necessary privilege, because sometimes the children need to be reminded of their manners.

Abe is a Japanese patriot

No, he really isn't. He's made decisions that will produce good results in the short-term (i.e. while he's in office) and will ruin Japan in the medium to long-term. That's not love of country, that's love of self.

and while Americans will stand behind an American patriot 'right or wrong'

... because they're rank idiots? I mean honestly if someone is doing the wrong thing for the country then wouldn't REAL patriots give them a smack upside the head and tell them to cut it out? Or does patriotism come with a free brain and conscience removal? In which case, count me out.

they hold disdain for patriots of other nations if that patriotism conflicts with American Imperialism because after all America is the world's police force.

Except that Abe's decisions are directly to the USA's benefit and in line with the USA global agenda. I guess you logic kindof falls apart, but that happens when your brain has been removed. But hey, there are benefits, you'll find FOX news fascinating and plausible!

7 ( +10 / -3 )

The Crown Prince however does not have to deal with the day to day problems and is insulated from politics so he is free so say whatever he wants without worry from repercussions. The monarchy can stand above the fray which is a privilege the PM does not have.

Abe is a Japanese patriot and while Americans will stand behind an American patriot 'right or wrong' they hold disdain for patriots of other nations if that patriotism conflicts with American Imperialism because after all America is the world's police force.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

@Tahoochi: Japanese constitution prohibit him and other IP members to get into politics. So. don't worry.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Thank you Crown Prince! Bend Abe over and give him the spanking he deserves!

On the other hand, I don't know if I agree with some posters saying he should replace Abe... I mean, wouldn't that be establishing a monarchy... again? If the Crown Prince ran for election, then I would agree...

9 ( +10 / -1 )

tinawatanabeFeb. 23, 2015 - 10:42PM JST He is probably against changing the Constitution,

Probably against changing the constitution? In his speech he attributes all of the growth and success of Japan in the last 4 decades directly to the constitution. He couldn't be any clearer if he was carrying a large banner saying, "Leave the constitution alone!!"

but he is not supposed to make any political comment, so this much comment, I guess.

Bull. There's no legal limitation on him making any comment he likes. He has the right to free speech as much as any other person in Japan.

And we saw what happened last time the emperor was reluctant to speak out against war. It seems that the imperial family have learnt from their mistakes, unlike some politicians in Japan.

15 ( +16 / -1 )

I guess this is why royal family in Japan is needed. They are very careful with words and influential enough for Japan to maintain the sanity LDP keeps throwing away.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

nobody is believes Shinzo Abe and his lies anynore, even the japanese royals has resentment and over him. Maybe USA applaud Mr Abe posture and attitudes . You know a cold war is between the US & China, a revisionist history with right-wing media mania is good for America to undermine the Chinese. More Americans does not believes the Nanking massacre has happened than Japanese does.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Question with a built in statement:

Would it be legally, or potentially legal, if legal adjustments were made, for a Crown Prince (Naruhito) to seek public office?

I do not know all of his other merits or faults (if or whether there are), but this series of statements seems a ground work of 'thought' that would be, almost necessarily, a foundation upon which any/all other counntry/nation considerations and realizations are built.

A second question: could the equivalent of a 'grassroots' movement catch on in Japanese society/culture?

((and last, to some poster who spouted Naruhito's comment steeped in 'western education' - go *screw. Naruhito just came off to me as a breath of truly fresh Japanese air. The best.

With all respects, Salute, Prince!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners?

Wars are a bad act , it makes the people be evil in the recorded history

so if there is a war it should be the peace

peace and caring of own people prosperity

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Keep the "samurai" spirit alive. Japan can be honorable yet humble and adaptable at the same time. Good luck!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Prince Naruhito's courageous and much needed statement strengthened my faith in the possibility of a bright future for Japan.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

In any decent democracy the counter power is from the media. In Japan - thanks to a wise guy - it comes from the imperial representative.

Well, I believe I should start playing baseball......!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

zones

I don't think it could mean anything more. He mentioned the constitution after that. I think he is concerned about Japan's future if the constitution has changed. PM Abe would take it as I took.

I think Japan should change the constitution, but I'm also concerned how much that would affect Japan with USA as ally, especially after beheading of two Japanese.

-23 ( +3 / -26 )

@tinawatanabe:

OK, thanks. Fair enough, if that tis what you think he implied by this language or that he was trying to communicate between the lines, I can accept that as one interpretation.

Two questions for you:

Do you think it could mean anything more than that? That is, would it be possible to read more into his words than that? How do you, personally, believe PM Abe would interpret those words? Do you think he would have the same interpretation as you?
9 ( +9 / -0 )

Thats the beauty of his comment, this abrupt input by the prince himself!! I hope he makes more & more political controversial comments on behalf of TRUTH-

10 ( +11 / -1 )

This Just goes to show that Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were good parents.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

He is probably against changing the Constitution, but he is not supposed to make any political comment, so this much comment, I guess.

-30 ( +1 / -31 )

@tinawatanabe:

I am truly curious. When you said "you guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite", what did you mean? What do believe his words were intended to mean? What do you mean that he meant the opposite?

I have read the Japanese text of his speech, so would love to get your take on it. I would include the text but it seems the site won't let me include Japanese?! So, here is the link:

http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/okotoba/02/kaiken/kaiken-h27az.html

14 ( +14 / -0 )

I remember not too long ago a fella gave a letter to the emperor and the right wing media skewered him for politicizing the emperor. He even received death threats. I wonder how the right wing media will react when it IS the royal family commenting politically.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

I'm not surprised Crown Prince Naruhito said this. After all, his father--the current Emperor Akihito--is old enough to remember the horrors of World War II clearly as a small child, especially the bombing raids on Tokyo in 1945 that effectively destroyed the heart of the city, including a number of buildings that were built during the Meiji era in the Imperial Palace grounds.

We must not forget the horrors the militarists in the Japanese government imposed on the Korean Peninsula, northeastern China, and other parts of China from the beginning of the 20th Century to 1945.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

If you can not trust Japan so much, why do you reside in Japan? Crown prince only said we need correct understanding of history, which Japan is doing. You are taking everything about Japan completely backward with no intention of learning. I suggest you study Japanese language, read Japanese language papers and books if you live in Japan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

'You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners?'

Pretty lame. It's not so much a question of sides or foreigners. He's talking on behalf of the sane, thoughtful and decent people of this country.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

I hope all of the plaintiffs filing their silly, petty, so-called "pride damage" lawsuit against Asahi News (over the sex slave columns) have heard the crown prince's desire for japan to remember its history CORRECTLY.

& there it is, straight frm the horse's mouth.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

You guys are all wrong. He meant the opposite. Why do you think he takes side of foreigners?

-34 ( +4 / -38 )

“Today when memories of war are set to fade, I believe it is important to look back at our past with modesty and pass down correctly the miserable experience and the historic path Japan took from the generation who knew the war to the generation who don’t,” Naruhito said.

He will have my respect forever. About time someone of influence has chosen to challenge Abe and his bunch of right-wing revisionists. Naruhito has demonstrated great moral courage -- something in short supply in Japanese political circles these days.

8 ( +12 / -4 )

Ive always thought that the Emperor and his son held these views about the war time past of Japan. It was the rightist who hijacked an opportunity presented to them during the post war years. This gave them the green light to inject their neo facist ideaology into the government and conservative academia etc. The same can be said of the Communist; but things became so polarized and undemocratic that the extremist won out; there were no alternatives so now you either have the commies or the rightist with a few socialist in the middle of it

. I also think the Emperor and his son, family etc are very fine people and deserve the respect of the world. If Japan could have a democratic monoarchy like Denmark or Sweden, it would be a very nice country.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

I actually have great respect for the crown prince for his apparent stand against nationalism in Japan. It really must burn those right-wing nutjobs who long for the glory days of Imperialism.

I totally agree, and I can't help but notice that our usual apologists and defenders are remarkably silent on this topic.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

There is a growing concern that Abe's path to military expansion can lead to increasing tension and conflicts. While it is appropriate for Japan to be more assertive on military matters, there is no need to keep bringing up World War II which is now almost 70 years ago.

The less said the better for all sides. It will be better to just say...the World does not need to repeat the horrors of World War I and II. And the less we talk about those events, the better.

There is much more important topics to concentrate on than the old war. And all territorial disputes should be postponed till 2100.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Damn, I could have sworn that there was more to "the war" than "sex slavery?"

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

What is remarkable about the Crown Prince's statement is that it would almost certainly have run through the minions at the Imperial Household Agency for review/comments. That is the way these things work, I am told. The IHA is not exactly a bastion of liberalism, so any comments that could be construed as critical of the Abe government, even if only mild in nature, would have certainly prompted some gnashing of teach.

I am not one to speculate and at this point it really doesn't matter, but one has to wonder whether this had the Emperor's blessing and, thus, the Crown Prince was allowed to go forward with these remarks. Or, a more audacious thought, that these were actually the sentiments of the Emperor himself and the Crown Prince was his proxy in making these remarks. Not to say that the Crown Prince and Princess wouldn't share the sentiments, but just a thought.

Regardless, I share the sentiments here, that regardless of what anyone thinks of the monarchy, in Japan or elsewhere, and what was done in the past in the name of the Emperor, the sentiment expressed is on the mark and certainly to be applauded.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Prince for PM!

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Crown Prince Naruhito throughtful comments, reflects an underlying national discernment that within government, elements seek to undermine 70 years of  democratic governance through collective self-defence. This caucus promotes a revisionist nationalism that provokes and cultivates a confrontation belligerence from neighbours.

Crown Prince Naruhito carefully worded appropriately timed intervention enforces the power and influence of constitutional monarchy to present the national conscience of the people of Japan.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

@warispeace

Well said, I totally share your sentiments. As genuine and likable as this particular family seems to be, monarchism in all forms ought to be irrelevant in modern, democratic societies. It's just a silly perpetuation of antiquated class systems. I don't get anyone who supports royalty and its privilege by birthright. Maybe they watch too many Disney movies. Having said that, I actually have great respect for the crown prince for his apparent stand against nationalism in Japan. It really must burn those right-wing nutjobs who long for the glory days of Imperialism.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

The real problem now is how Abe will respond.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Unlike Abe related article, here, all comment writers praise Prince. Now I am proud I am from Japan.

17 ( +21 / -4 )

Woah, this prince is real classy! and his comments are spot on.

The prime minister last week appointed a 16-member panel to advise him on a statement he is set to make later this year to mark the 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender.

Yet the crown prince tells him exactly what should he say, for FREE hahaha

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Careful! 2,100 Japanese people might sue him!

2,100 people sue Asahi Shimbun over 'comfort women' stories

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/2100-people-sue-asahi-shimbun-over-comfort-women-stories

9 ( +13 / -4 )

Several people who have comment have said they'd like the prince to take over from Abe. Are you suggesting he run for political office and try to become the leader of a party and become PM? If so, OK, though we all know it won't happen. If not, then think about what you are suggesting, seriously. As troubling as Abe's administration is and as weak as Japan's representative democracy is, the alternative of an imperial nation, no matter how benign the emperor, is frightening and disrespectful to all who have fought and died over the centuries to gain for us a degree of political and social agency.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Did the mainstream media do much reporting on this though? Has the government still got them firmly under its thumb? I wonder how many non-savvy social media residents of Japan are aware of the Crown Prince's comment.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

There is a saying about those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it. Mr. Abe's refusal to remember is worrisome.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

I always liked Hironomiya. I'm not surprised at his welcome comments.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

What a wonderful man ! As others have said, would be GREAT if he could take over from Abé...

11 ( +13 / -1 )

It is a pleasure to see such honesty. Japan has reason to be proud; and to be proud of him.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

It seems the Japanese royals have a lot more commonsense than the right wing bureaucrats running the country. It would be good to see the Japanese royals reinstated as country leaders mths British monarchy has a similar structure, but at least their leader's agenda is not based on a right wing Fasciest ideology.

13 ( +13 / -1 )

The Prince is a prince! If you rightwing scumbags really do support to Emperor System listen to the Prince. I never thought I'd be saying this. Thank heavens for an Enlightened Heir Apparent to the Throne. It may be that the most powerful check on the war hunger and lying Abe crowd is going to be the Emperor System.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

Abe is appointing a SIXTEEN MEMBER PANEL to advise him on ONE STATEMENT!

And I bet they are not getting 650 yen per hour as part time workers!

I'm with Prince Naruhito on this one.

Abe is getting way out of line. It's about time he was replaced before he does some real damage.

21 ( +25 / -4 )

Thank you, Prince Naruhito for giving us another wonderful reason for liking you!

14 ( +14 / -0 )

I'm glad this happened... He's basically put Abe in his place... PMs are transient, the Imperial Family are constant. I think Naruhito should go on some bridge building trips.

13 ( +14 / -2 )

Too bad he didn't say something snarky when the right wingers were protesting in the streets against his daughter becoming Empress. It all went away when his smarmy brother had a boy.

And GalapagosnoGairaishu, they aren't reporting online comments as news. Part of the story they reported on was that Naruhito's comments made social media explode, so they just included some examples of the comments.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Dear smithinjapan@

I love your comment. You said it all for me. I'm really glad that Emperor's wisdom has been handed down to Crown Prince.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Applause applause!! Well said! Those politicians should learn a thing or two or MORE from the Crown Prince & the Royal Family.

16 ( +16 / -1 )

Top bloke.

The UK royal family should take note....

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

The royal family showing disdain for the rightwingers. If that doesn't make you smile, nothing will.

29 ( +29 / -0 )

Nice job Naruhito! Show some brass, my man!

22 ( +22 / -0 )

What a great guy!

Zabuton juu-mai.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

We thank his western education.

10 ( +18 / -8 )

This in combination with the Emperors New Year Message, also rebuking Abe, shows they are relevant, as Smithinjapan says, and it is not the power they have (which technically is none), but the power they take away. Especially from the rightists how steal their name. Also, no Emperor or member of the Imperial family has been to Yasukuni even though it is THEIR shrine. I'm sure the last thing they want is for Abe to be sending young Japanese to die in one of the US's wars, yelling BANZAI for the Emperor as they die.

27 ( +28 / -1 )

The individual members of the Imperial Family have been pretty strong on this. Emperor Hirohito refused to go to Yasukuni after the Class A war criminals were enshrined there. Prince Naruhito's Uncle Prince Mikasa was an Imperial Army staff officer in Nanking and was shocked by what he saw there. In a 1944 speech he reportedly condemned aspects of the Japanese military's policies toward China and cruelties such as using prisoners for bayonet practice.

25 ( +25 / -0 )

The prince is right. However, there are more important things than something that happened in the past. How about continuing to make the economy more better after the country is finally out of a recession.

-23 ( +3 / -25 )

Wise prince; good for Japan and Japanese.

32 ( +32 / -0 )

And proof yet again that the Imperial Family is still very relevant and necessary to the nation, in stark contrast to politicians like Abe who want Japan's past atrocities forgotten and lies remembered in their place. I love it when the Imperial Family make statements like this and are very serious about remembering history, including their own place in it. And added bonus is that it makes the right-wingers heads explode because the Uyoku still blast old pre-WWII music saying the Emperor is god, and some would love to see him take power again, and then when the family says something like this they go ballistic because their living god has suddenly 'stabbed them in the back'. Abe's probably screaming and his head exploding as well.

What this man says is absolutely correct, and there's good reason why the Imperial Family is still respected and loved when politicians are not.

43 ( +48 / -5 )

Why is it that the royal family has more common sense than politicians in power? Hopefully this might keep him in check.

38 ( +39 / -1 )

“This definitely contains a warning against Shinzo Abe, doesn’t it?” tweeted @Kirokuro.

“It is a regular recognition (of history), but these comments by the crown prince stand out because Prime Minister Abe’s views on the constitution and history are outrageous,” said @kazu_w50

I object, I object, I object! Reporting anonymous tweets as news is unacceptable. AFP's reporter deserves a hard kick in the pants for this.

15 ( +22 / -7 )

Good!

29 ( +29 / -1 )

I like this guy. I also like his parents, but the Crown Prince really seems like a decent man.

35 ( +36 / -2 )

Wouldn't it be sweet to see the Emperor replace abe in this year of the 70th anniversary of WWII!!!

Come to think of it this would be a GREAT IDEA!

I applaud the Crown Prince Naruhito for stepping up, if abe keeps up his fool ways please remind him again & again as needed

THANK YOU!

38 ( +41 / -3 )

Like this guy very much.

45 ( +46 / -2 )

Good for him.

51 ( +52 / -2 )

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