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25 U.S. lawmakers urge Abe to reaffirm war apologies

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'Twenty-five U.S. lawmakers are urging Japan’s prime minister “to formally reaffirm and validate” apologies made by his predecessors for Japanese wartime aggression.'

Interesting. The nationalists keep telling us it is only China and South Korea who are concerned about this issue. The foul stench of the right also reaches the nostrils of US and Germany to name two.

13 ( +23 / -10 )

"History of Foreign Dignitaries Appearing Before Congress" is an interesting read. Looks like you have to be a second time around for a JP PM to address both houses. What some congress members also say is: "We continue to emphasize the importance of approaching historical legacy issues in a way that promotes healing and reconciliation."

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I was wondering earlier this week why Germany is not being pushed for an apology yet Japan is every time, though both have committed horrendous atrocities. Here is an interesting read on that

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/64975/jennifer-lind/the-perils-of-apology

Also below a list of the amount of money Japan paid for their apologies:

Japan paid US$200 million for Burma (former nation of Myanmar) with the treaty on November 5 1951. To Phillipines, Japan paid US$550 million along with the compensation agreement on May 9 1956. To Indonesia, Japan paid US$223 million along with the compensation agreement on January 20 1958. To Vietnam, Japan paid US$3.9 million along with the compensation agreement on May 13 1959. At the Treaty on relations between Japan and S.Korea in 1965, Japan paid $500 million, and also provided $300 million loans.

In 1972, Japan hold the Joint Communique with China, and Japan started to issue apology statements for China.

There were no request or demand regarding compensation, because International legally, PRC (China) didn't exist when Japan was defeated in 1945. However Japan started to pay lots of money to China as the form of ODA (Official development assistance). The amount paid to China is over US$6,000 billion for last 20 years.

-8 ( +13 / -21 )

Jimizo: Every nation on the planet acknowledges Japan's past atrocities, as you know, except the Japanese nationalists you mention. They take offense to South Korea and China's arguments that Japan has not done enough to atone because, obviously, throughout history they have always looked down upon those nations in particular as inferior and so pay them no mind, whereas they have an inferiority complex when it comes to the US and some other Western nations. So, bears a lot more weight coming from the US, and is particularly (and likely intentional) good timing since it comes just ahead of Abe's visit and his speech to Congress, in which he will have to address Japan's past. So now he has to choose whether to ignore the calls by American politicians and stick to his ultra-nationalistic views, or address them and either flat out deny the truth or else backtrack and risk angering the wingers back home (and obviously flip-flopping for the American audience). I think most Abe supporters were just praying that the issue would not be brought up and that their vehement denials that anyone besides SK, NK, and China cares.

I hope this spreads, and more and more American politicians, particularly in Congress, demand Abe reiterate the apologies and admit historical fact.

5 ( +18 / -13 )

now the time has come when the prime minister of japan mr.shinzo abe should forget the history of second world war and both the nations japan and U.S.A should join their hands together to work together and improve their socio-economic relations.since both the nations are the superpowers of the world,their relations is significant for the entire world.if both of them start working together to promote science and technology,that would be great.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japan was wrong and until today, still denying the wrong...

13 ( +21 / -8 )

****Let the prime minister speak his mind. He knows better.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There were no request or demand regarding compensation, because International legally, PRC (China) didn't exist when Japan was defeated in 1945. However Japan started to pay lots of money to China as the form of ODA (Official development assistance). The amount paid to China is over US$6,000 billion for last 20 years.

You neglected to mention than in addition to the compensation money Germany paid - it also educated its people about what it did in the first place (which in turn necessitated the payment of compensation) All German people are fully aware of what the Nazis did. In Japan however, people know diddly-squat.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

Germany needed a lot of time to apologize too. It was not until the mid/late 60s under chancellor Brandt and his "Neue Ostpolitik" before it became really serious and honest. Germany even had a chancellor, (Kiesinger 1966 - 1969) who was a member of the NSDAP. Adenauer (chancellor from 1949 to 1963 was quite an antisemite and always defended the "good and brave german soldier". Interesting that Japan seems to have only problems about history with China and Korea. Korea has to do a lot soul searching about its complicity with Japan during the occupation time. Many Korean fought together with Japan and were often used as camp guards in SE Asia. They were often more brutal and sadistic towards the POWs. Many were sentenced and executed after the war by the Allies for that. And China, just look at their map. China became such a huge country because of invasion and war.

Of course, Japan still has to a lot about its history, it needs to show really remorse for what it has done to other nations. But which country does not have to do this? The USA never apologized for Vietnam, Laos, Chile, Iran (the 1953 Coup) etc. They still don't have a "Slavery memorial" anywhere in the US, the bridge in Selma still bears the name of a KKK leader. And the UK, France. Belgium, etc. still need to apologize for the colonial time crimes.

And now 25 US lawmakers wants Abe to apologize, they are hypocrites.

-7 ( +9 / -16 )

US goverment never apologized to Korean comfort women after WW2. Or never even recognized the fact these poor korean women were exploited sexually, and some of them were even killed by occupasion army.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/11/us-southkorea-usa-military-idUSKBN0FG0VV20140711

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jlfAqR8uBc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhqhLwptwp0

Build the statues in US to show remorse, and write this in american high school text book as a shame. Never try to whitewash the history!

-12 ( +5 / -17 )

The strong ones don't apologize. They were right! They changed the world.

How strange does the colonial concept feel now. Just a few dozen years in this country. still glorify?

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Thank you USA. This is why USA is such a wonderful leader. Even though USA and Japan are ally, USA still have the guts to tell Japan to do the right thing and in this case, it is urging Abe to reaffirm war apologies.

For those of you who wonder why USA or the world don't urge Germany to reaffirm apologize, it because Germany don't deny their atrocities. Yes, there is apologize from Japan before but for every apologize, there is another politicians in Japan who try to deny it or play down it making the apologize null.

Even Germany themselves urge Japan to face wartime past.

Merkel reminds Japan to confront wartime past

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/merkel-reminds-japan-to-confront-wartime-past

Unfortunately, the article has expired in Japan Today.

2 ( +12 / -10 )

The USA never apologized for Vietnam, Laos, Chile, Iran (the 1953 Coup) etc

Well, people they certainly teach about these events in their history classes - and that is where things differ with Japan. Japan doesn't. Germany may have taken a while to make "official apologies", but they made them - and haven't looked back or revised a single word

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

Even if PM Abe's going to send apologies to China and South Korea, the inevitable will never change, that is, for China and South Korea to hate Japan for eternity. First, because of severe brainwashing by the CCP media. Even the most stupid and most idiot Chinese will hate Japan these days. This was seen in the previous riot attacks on Japanese and foreign companies in China. Second, South Korea had brainwashed children in schools to hate Japan. Pretty sickening. Not to mention the real cause of all of these, the Takeshima and the Senkaku islands.

None of those 25 U.S. lawmaker have any clue!

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

And one more point; you should remember what happened in Japan after the war. The purges against the liberal and left, people removed from offices (teachers, journalists, union members) It was done (1949-1950) by the U.S. armed forces. MacArthur put the old powers back in force. It was because of the Cold War, but it had fatal consequences for Japan which are mainly responsible for why Japan has such a problem to apologize. After the war Japan was on a good way, in literature, art (movies) they dealt with their responsibilty. Their was even an atempt by Japan to hold its own trial against japanese war criminals, even the emperor. All blocked by MacArthur. It's easy to critizise Japan but you should know who was responsible for it. If you release people like Nobusuke Kishi from prison and let him run the country again, what do you expect?

1 ( +6 / -5 )

'None of those 25 U.S. lawmaker have any clue!'

I see. Is the current German Chancellor or anyone else who opposes Abe's attempts at revision also clueless? Merkel, the Chancellor of a country with a bit of experience in these matters, doesn't strike me as a stupid or clueless woman. Quite the opposite in fact.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

Some of the comments above seem to suggest that other countries (like the USA in Korea) have done something similar during wartime so why pick on Japan? This is a typical reasoning of irresponsible children--- "I'm not the only one, why pick on me?" In the world of responsible adults when you do a bad thing, you have to sincerely apologize again and again and try to make amends no matter if there are others who have done something similar.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

I just imagined a news like "25 Japanese lawmakers urge Obama to issue apologies for US crimes during the Vietnam war"....

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Even if PM Abe's going to send apologies to China and South Korea, the inevitable will never change, that is, for China and South Korea to hate Japan for eternity

While Mr Abe and his friends are in power..........absolutely!

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

A Japanese PM like Abe wont really apologize, and the Chinese/Koreans won't accept it anyway. Let them have their endless bickering while the grown-ups move on with our lives.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

"I apologise for the apologies made by previous Prime Ministers, especially Murayama's."

S. Abe

0 ( +6 / -6 )

A Japanese PM like Abe wont really apologize, and the Chinese/Koreans won't accept it anyway.

How do you know that? You fail to grasp this simple fact: If Japan issues an unequivocal apology, backed with anti-denial laws, China and South Korea have the moral high ground snatched from them - and Japan's 70 years of pacifism then comes up trumps.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

JimizoApr. 24, 2015 - 02:54PM JST 'Twenty-five U.S. lawmakers are urging Japan’s prime minister “to formally reaffirm and validate” apologies made by his predecessors for Japanese wartime aggression.' Interesting. The nationalists keep telling us it is only China and South Korea who are concerned about this issue. The >foul stench of the right also reaches the nostrils of US and Germany to name two.

Your kidding yourself. These few US politicians are infuenced (vote bought) by the Korean American Lobby in the US. They don't dare act for Chinese interests for fear of political fallout and the fact that Chinese Amerians are to a great extent not pro-CCP. If you recall Germany had and still has zero interest in theChina lead anti-JP agenda.

-5 ( +8 / -13 )

'Your kidding yourself. These few US politicians are infuenced (vote bought) by the Korean American Lobby in the US. They don't dare act for Chinese interests for fear of political fallout and the fact that Chinese Amerians are to a great extent not pro-CCP.

What am I kidding myself about? I just said the stench has reached the U.S. and Germany. I'd like to see your evidence of these politicians being bought by the Korean American Lobby ( I'm not saying it isn't true but I think you need to provide evidence of this ).

'If you recall Germany had and still has zero interest in the China lead anti-JP agenda'

Sorry, you've completely lost me there. I don't have any idea what you're trying to say. Does it have anything to do with Merkel's thinly-veiled swipe at the Japanese rightists?

2 ( +8 / -6 )

At this point, with pressure and or comments from Asia, Europe, the US, if Abe does not make an apology it's over for him to make good relations with anyone.

He has this opportunity to shatter historically cold relations, to do something monumental. Can he really be this tone deaf, this ignorant, this arrogant to let it go by without seizing it? If he wants to be remembered, making a sweeping apology will help his name be etched in stone, instead of being just another name on a long list of those who ignored the past.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Your kidding yourself. These few US politicians are infuenced (vote bought) by the Korean American Lobby in the US. They don't dare act for Chinese interests for fear of political fallout and the fact that Chinese Amerians are to a great extent not pro-CCP. If you recall Germany had and still has zero interest in theChina lead anti-JP agenda.

No, Ossan, but, as usual, you are trying to fool us. For example, since they do not even list the lawmakers, how did you conclude they are "bought" by anyone, let alone the "Korean American Lobby" in the U.S? Second, exactly what is the Korean American lobby, that you refer to, and how come no one has ever heard about it but you?

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

Actually Jerseyboy - the South Korean Embassy does enlist the services of several lobby groups to push their agenda- every once in a while they get named if the contract is high- or if the change is frequent- such as in 2010 . all lobby groups must be reported to the Justice Department.

so no Ossan is not pulling the wool over our eyes- it is just something that no one reports in the news,

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Japan doesn't need to apologize again and again. All it has to do is to teach their young and the public, what happened truthfully. All it has to do is for the Japanese politicians to stop with arrogant comments that they constantly make, and stop the constant poking of the wounds by visiting a facility that honors Japan's behaviour in WWII. If any one of those politicians get out of line, Japanese Diet and public should make him apologize for the comments and/or drum them out of office in humiliation. That's what happens in decent countries like the USA and Germany, whom are not perfect either, but they at least strive to right the past's wrong. However in Japan?... well.... the rot is so blended into society, there is just no hope in hell that Japan will ever get it.

At the Treaty on relations between Japan and S.Korea in 1965, Japan paid $500 million, and also provided $300 million loans.

You got it backwards. $300 million in grants, and $500 million in ODA low interest loans. However, the money Japan made off of the Korean War is what started Japan's economic miracle. Not to mention Japan's tremendous profit that they made, to the tune of over $1 trillions worth of annual trade surpluses with South Korea since 1965, which in essence meant that Japan profited tremendously off of South Korea's economic development. Not bad for the $300 million that they gave S.Korea. Japan also calls it was "economic aid" one day, then says it was "war reparations settlement" another day, and then comes back and says it was "token of apology", then comes back and says it was "funds for normalization treaty". Japan really should make up their minds what that money was for, but they can't continue to use that for every excuse for every rude comments that Abe and his politicians make, and expect warm and pleasant feelings from S.Korea towards Japan.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

How many times does a country or person have to apologize for the same offense? This is more like punishment to the people of Japan forever. Japan has tried to change their ways but the USA has put Japan back into being a militarized nation. They pushed the creation of the national police, then the self defense force and now collective defense. I wonder if the United States is grooming Japan to be another enemy o fight. Just look Iraq, Taliban, ISIS, etc.

Japan has already apologized enough. How about the United States issue one for the millions of civilians it killed during WWII? Again and again this issue is not about doing what is right but about punishing Japan and turning them into a future foe to fight. How many Japanese will be murdered in the next war? Perhaps One hundred and thirty million?

We need to look forward to the future and not keep holding a nation and people who were not even alive accountable to their ancestors crimes.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

Christopher GlenAPR. 24, 2015 - 08:31PM JST While Mr Abe and his friends are in power..........absolutely!

Wow! A heavy PM Abe hater? Who were the prime ministers before him and how was Korea and China doing those days?

jerseyboyAPR. 24, 2015 - 09:04PM JST No, Ossan, but, as usual, you are trying to fool us. For example, since they do not even list the lawmakers, how did you conclude they are "bought" by anyone, let alone the "Korean American Lobby" in the U.S? Second, exactly what is the Korean American lobby, that you refer to, and how come no one has ever heard about it but you?

Truth hurts! Anybody can buy any American politician these days as long as you got the $$$ and the influence. Remember New York and Virginia on the "Sea of Japan" ?

HansaramAPR. 24, 2015 - 06:08PM JST Thank you USA. This is why USA is such a wonderful leader. Even though USA and Japan are ally, USA still have the guts to tell Japan to do the right thing and in this case, it is urging Abe to reaffirm war apologies....

Geez!!THE NAIVETY!!! You are not aware that the U.S. is the biggest bully in the world? Such a shame!

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

Who's lobbying Merkel in Germany? Does anyone know about a Chinese/Korean Lobby group in Germany?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Can't Abe cancel the address as Koizumi did?

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

@jerseyboy There is no pressure group in USA that openly named their groups with Lobby, In large cities, there are Asian American Associations but they are not pressure groups. The majority of members speak only English. I figured they are only interested in monthly buffets to eat Asian food.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

In any case, for all of the poor befuddled people that don't understand, let me spell it out. Japan raped, tortured, murdered and stole from tens of millions of its fellow Asians. What is so hard for your people to understand? The Japanese love to complain about the slightest little thing, like some foreign textbook accurately reporting what Japan did in the war, but then they act as if the tens of millions murdered by the IJA never even happened. This is completely perverse.

Japan will never be taken seriously, or even recognized as a member of the international community in good standing until it comes clean about the mountain of crimes it committed against humanity in the 1930's and 1940's. People that try and deny this will have as much success as someone bashing their head against a concrete wall will in getting rid of their headache.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Interesting. It seems the US politicians have been written off by some as stooges of a Korean or possibly Chinese lobby with no names and no evidence for these claims. Nobody has proved or disproved this. Fair enough. I'm just wondering why you get thumbed down for asking why Merkel made the statement she did. Can anyone offer an explanation?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Your kidding yourself. These few US politicians are infuenced (vote bought) by the Korean American Lobby in the US. They don't dare act for Chinese interests for fear of political fallout and the fact that Chinese Amerians are to a great extent not pro-CCP. If you recall Germany had and still has zero interest in theChina lead anti-JP agenda.

@Ossan

Agree with Jimizo and that is you need to show your evidence.

The burden of proof lies upon claimant. If Ossan claim that these US politicians are influenced by Korean American Lobby, then he need to show proof.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I would like Japan get in peace with its past for good.

I do not like US guys making moral while they still make the mess everywhere to keep WW oil control!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@praack

Actually Jerseyboy - the South Korean Embassy does enlist the services of several lobby groups to push their agenda- every once in a while they get named if the contract is high- or if the change is frequent- such as in 2010 . all lobby groups must be reported to the Justice Department.

so no Ossan is not pulling the wool over our eyes- it is just something that no one reports in the news,

Can show me your evidence? Citation? Even if it's true, I would like to see prove that these 25 lawmakers are in fact being lobby by these South Korean lobby groups.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

25 congressmen whom media have to find who are they, which states? So it will take time to learn about these 25 congressmen/women. Hope all of them know the names of Asian countries and what kind of atrocrities Japan caused; Also which years. I also hope they will not say comfort women as massage specialists.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@Hansaram Don't bother. This is the most bizarre exchange I've seen for a long time. The US politicians haven't been named let alone any evidence offered that they are in the pocket of a lobby group. Nobody is prepared to offer an explanation for the words of a politician from another country clearly not involved in the alleged situation. Astonishing.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Again the crimes were done by our ancestors for me great grandparents (though mine were farmers and fishermen) and for more Japanese great great grandparents. While we need to learn from their mistakes it is their mistakes not ours. What is being asked is for the children of criminals to take criminal responsibility for their parents crimes. I say the call for more apologies is an attack on Japan.

Step one Japan should take is to make the self defense force a self defense force. Only responsible for the defense of Japan. Step 2 would be to cast off all warmongers that can influence our great nation. Step 3 would be to tell the Americans military to leave Japan.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

If the following is true what can you expect? "Education minister Hakubun Shimomura, the secretary general of the Discussion Group of Nippon Kaigi Diet Members (Nippon Kaigi kokkai giin kondankai - 日本会議国会議員懇談会), argues for patriotic education and opposes a "masochistic view of history". Nippon Kaigi believes that Japan should be applauded for liberating much of East Asia from Western colonial powers, that the 1946-1948 Tokyo War Crimes tribunals were illegitimate", and that "the killings by Imperial Japanese troops during the 1937 Nanjing massacre were exaggerated or fabricated. The group vigorously defends Japan's claim in its territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands with China, and denies that Japan forced the "comfort women" into sexual slavery during World War II. Nippon Kaigi also fights against feminism, LGBT rights, and the 1999 Gender Equality Law. Thirteen ministers of Shinzo Abe' s Cabinet are members of the Discussion Group of the Nippon Kaigi Diet Members. In 2013, the Tokyo branch of the lobby threw a party to celebrate the Shinzō Abe cabinet, where the Imperial Rising Sun Flag was flown, the "Kimigayo" sung, and the pledge to "break away from the post-war regime" renewed.

Following the 2014 reshuffle of Abe's cabinet, this openly revisionist lobby claimed 15 people out of 18 cabinet members, including the Prime Minister himself. Most of them (63% of the extended 97-member Abe administration and nearly 90% of its 18 cabinet ministers) also belong to the Shinto Association of Spiritual Leadership Diet Members' Caucus advocating State Shinto.

289 of the 480 members of the Diet are affiliated to the lobby."

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Again same subject and distorted facts about "WHAT" japan should actually apologize!

Japan as Germany has to acknowledge what Nazional Sozialismus and the emperor cult did to their soldiers, so that they went on rampage committing crimes against humanity one after another.

Germany has pretty much brought to light all facts about the war crimes and the genocide against jews. While the Uebermensch (Over classs human) cult certainly pushed most SS and Wehrmacht to shoot civilians at point blanc or machine gun them in the millions, women and children alike . . . or SS and Wehrmacht running death camps. . . . or burning families in their farms . . . . .the very brutal acts of raping, then mutilating women in front of their children by cutting out genitals, followed by torturing the children in front of their fathers by poping out their eyes and crushing their skulls with a hammer was mainly done by proxies from eastern territories, people so mean, free of feelings and full of hate for anything that came under their fingers. What I want to say is that even the cruel SS was not putting spikes in to children or women and wash`t mutilating them for fun either . . . . the most swift death methode was mostly chosen.

Japanese however were trained from day one to smell, feel and be OK to meat grind human flesh, starting with bayoneting POWs or civilians. The looting was done like the SS by either shelling entire villages, or burring people in their houses . . . . however were point blanc shootings rare and even more rare were machine gun commandos mowing down women and children like the Nazis did. . . . . No . . . that would have been a waste of bullets and too easy, the IJA forced most of the soldiers to kill people in medieval style, by stabbing them or cutting their throats. And thats where it got nasty, because once you are fine of playing the butcher with your own bare hands, tasting blood (not at distance behind a machine gun), you won`t refrain from torturing the victims in front of their family members in most barbaric practices. The japanese bayonet was mostly used to cut out genitals and intestinals of women and children, probably up to 2.000.000 in the scorched earth policy.

When the outlook for victory faded away, the more the chinese population had to endure this unimaginable period . . . getting shot point blanc was like chirstmas for most in the face of torture

How can anyone formulate an apology for that?? You can`t and will never find words! . . . however can a country be ashamed of their fathers and tag them as traitors of japan and humanity, that would also be the end of Yaskuni!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

These 25 congressmen are not interested in what Japan is doing recently. They want Abe to apologize for Japan's atrocity (before 8/15 1945 ) to Asian countries as Abe declines to apology as Murayama and Kono already apologized/

3 ( +7 / -4 )

OK, so then is this guy being bought as well?

Japanese American congressman Michael Honda, who's campaigned relentlessly to pressure Japan to redress the Comfort Women.

http://honda.house.gov/

At least Japan has managed to buy "Texas Daddy" Tony Marano and Michael Yon.

http://www.reddit.com/r/badhistory/comments/2rvc3p/this_document_claims_the_korean_comfort_women

Above is a very interesting read that completely destroys CHC3CO's and other's rightwing Japanese theory that the US military documents supposedly proved the Comfort Women were prostitutes. The document in question, Report No.49, issued by the Office of War Information (OWI), actually is the opposite of what the Japanese rightwingers say, and instead proves that the women were deceived and forced.

http://texas-daddy.com/comfortwomen.htm

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Let see what we have so far.

We have Merkel remind Japan to confront WW2. http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/merkel-reminds-japan-to-confront-wartime-past

We have US historians who says no to Abe history revisionist. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/02/09/national/u-s-historians-slam-abe-effort-to-change-textbook-dealing-with-comfort-women/#.VTpZ5tKqqko

We also have U.S. Congressional Research Service who branded Abe as nationalist.

It wasn’t until the U.S. Congressional Research Service issued a report in early May branding Abe a “nationalist” and warning that the controversy over historical issues could damage U.S. interests that Abe and the LDP went into serious damage control. Abe now says he fully accepts the apologies issued by previous administrations. http://nation.time.com/2013/05/20/sorry-but-japan-still-cant-get-the-war-right/

Ok, with so many different group outside China and south Korea such as German politician, US historians and US Congress are clearly against Abe's policy on WW2 history, why is it a surprise if we found ourselves 25 lawmakers from US who are also against Abe's policy on WW2? Unless you are telling me German, US historians and US Congress have been lobby by Korea which I think is unlikely. I guess Japanese right wing are in denial that even the people who are not Chinese and Korean are against them.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

@papigiulio

The article concludes:

If it wants to repair its relations with its neighbors, Japan should

First, acknowledge its past violence, and stop going to Yasukuni.

@Ossan

The letter was drafted by Honda, and co-signed by 25 Members of the House from both parties. You can see it here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/262869083/Letter-to-Japanese-Ambassador-Kenichiro-Sasae

Facts are stubborn things. Try to use them, rather than spout out your standard anti-Korean, anti-Chinese palavar.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

If Ossan claim that these US politicians are influenced by Korean American Lobby, then he need to show proof.

If you read Korean newpapers, they are writing about it many times saying that SK has to influence US congress to make Abe apology. Obviously you don't read them. Abe's address seems a big issue for Koreans. If you can read Japanese, please read Korean newspapers (Japanese version) such as 朝鮮日報、中央日報 

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

I think Japanese think Koreans bought out the American congress, is only natural. Because that's what Japan money lobby does all the time in the US, and they think that's what Koreans are doing as well.

Didn't Japan bought out Congressman Dr.Robert Shapiro recently? He's a well known Japan friendly lobbyist who also hold a big investment in Japanese company.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

I'm off to bed. Merkel? Anyone?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Twenty-five U.S. lawmakers are urging Japan's prime ministe to formally reaffirm and validate apologies made by his predecessors for Japanese wartime aggression.

They are not requesting new apology. Just want to hear Abe says he agrees with Murayama and Kono

This will not be difficult. USA is giving opportunity for Abe as he reaffirm in US congress, Other griping counties can not say Abe ( meaning Japan? ) never admitted Japan's past sin.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

tinawatanabe, where's your proof that Michael Honda was bought out?

http://honda.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-honda-leads-bipartisan-letter-calling-on-japanese-prime-minister-to

Michael Honda's parents were interned as Japanese Americans during WWII. The US in the 1980's issued a Congressional endorsed and signed official apology on the behalf of the American government to the Japanese American people who were interned in the internment camps. The US government also issued a generous compensation package to the Japanese Americans who were interned. But much more importantly, this fact (the internment of Japanese Americans) is taught in US history books, as unjust and embarrassing moment of US history. They don't try to cover it up, they don't neglect it, and any American who claims all that didn't happen, would be laughed off the face of the earth, and/or, lose their jobs and social standings.

Can Japan ever do these? Have they even tried? No.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

If Japan wants to be next Iran then pressing Abe for apologies would be must issue but nothing indicate so far Japan possesses or plan to build own nuclear arsenal. In this case any apology should be voluntary and not effect of foreign manipulations.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

China doesnt need an apology. China needs an scape goat. Japan is a country that believes in laws and peace.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

Hotmail did the US apologize for not taking all Japanese prisoners or the deliberate killing of civilians? NO! Because to them it did not happen even though there is proof it happened.

What about the "Featherston prisoner of war camp" in which the head of the camp shot a Japanese prisoner for refusing to work which lead to a riot and massacre of Japanese POW's. Japanese lives matter! What about the fact that American troops collected the skulls of Japanese dead? This includes the skull of men, women and children. http://www.duffelblog.com/2012/06/man-unsure-grandfathers-wwii-japanese-skull-collection/

Hey where is the apology?

What the Republic of Korea, Peoples Republic of China and the United States wants is to continue to bash Japan by demanding apologies even though we the current population of Japan has done nothing wrong. How about living in the present and not the past. About textbooks most American children have never heard about Pearl Harbor. The Americans no longer teach it in their schools. Is this about keeping the hate alive vs forgiveness and reconciliation?

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

What the Republic of Korea, Peoples Republic of China and the United States wants is to continue to bash Japan by demanding apologies even though we the current population of Japan has done nothing wrong. How about living in the present and not the past.

Bash Japan,?Don't think too highly of yourselves Japan. The main reason Japan got bash is because Japan allow people to do so when Japan decided to deny or downplay their war crime. Unlike Germany, Japan has history of denying their war crimes. Living in the present and not the past? Sure no problem but first and foremost, need to sincerely apologize first. People are doubting sincerity of Japanese apologize because for every Japanese that apologize, there will be another Japanese that deny it making the apologize null. Here is what I think. Abe should visit Rape of Nanking memorial and apologize there and at the same time, admit Japan wrong and atrocities. Then hopefully, no one from Japan deny it or try to downplay it. From that point, we can move on.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

Definitely lobbying by KoreAms, but moreso policitians keeping the KoreAm vote in their areas:

Mike Honda - just Google the guy enough said. Steve Israel Sheila Jackson Lee, and Grace Meng - Reps. from Queens, NY - a big Korean population there. Ed Royce and Judy Chu - rep from Los Angeles, a big Korean population there. Don Beyer, Barbara Comstock and Gerry Connolly - rep from Fairfax County, VA - a big Korean population there. Loretta Sanchez and Linda Sanchez - reps from Cali, a big Korean population there. Rob Woodall - rep from Georgia, a big Korean population there. Albio Sires - rep from New Jersey, a big Korean population there.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

papigiulioApr. 24, 2015 - 03:19PM JSTI was wondering earlier this week why Germany is not being pushed for an apology yet Japan is every time, though both have committed horrendous atrocities.

Japan’s direct compensation payments both to war victims and their heirs have totaled only $1 billion. This contrasts remarkably with Germany’s record. The compensation figures from a decade ago, Germany’s payments to victims and their heirs had exceeded $70 billion. The contrast is all the more remarkable for the fact that Imperial Japan’s victims outnumbered those of the Nazis by at least three to one. The truth is that most of Japan’s victims, including millions in China, have not received a penny. And in the small minority of cases in which compensation has been paid, the sums have been laughable.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

even though we the current population of Japan has done nothing wrong.

So, you speak for the 'current population of Japan?" I thought it was the elected officials who can do that. And you know what they do wrong? I'll tell you:

First, they allow bulls&*^% to be taught about the war.

Second, they elect asshats who insist on going to Yasukuni, which support War Criminals.

And finally, the rest don't make a stink about these outrages.

Oh, sure, Murakami does. And....who else?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

This is just 25 congressmen's plan to urge Abe to tell he agree with Kono and Murayama apology. Nothing to do with Germany which did not abuse Korea and China,

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

If the US believe current Japan is militaristic and dangerous, I don't get because it's still their main ally in the Pacific area. O_o Just break up the alliance, if you are really afraid, don't push Japan rearmament! Where is the coherence?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

This nonsense is getting rather annoying. Even if Abe and his right-wing mongrels reaffirm war apologies (they must, but they won't), China and Korea won't accept them, they need a scapegoat for opressing their own population.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Japan’s direct compensation payments both to war victims and their heirs have totaled only $1 billion. This contrasts remarkably with Germany’s record. The compensation figures from a decade ago, Germany’s payments to victims and their heirs had exceeded $70 billion.

Exactly. And only just recently Germany put one of the surviving Auschwitz book keepers on trial for war crimes (aged 93) Japan on the other hand pardoned all its war criminals. One of them, Nobusuke Kishi, went on to become PM (Abe's granddad) Others founded pharmaceutical companies and industry. The difference in Germany's and Japan's attitudes is as clear as crystal. So on that note, it's time to keep piling on the pressure on Mr Abe. He needs to learn that making a revisionist speech on August 15th is going to isolate Japan further

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Definitely lobbying by KoreAms, but moreso policitians keeping the KoreAm vote in their areas:

Mike Honda - just Google the guy enough said. Steve Israel Sheila Jackson Lee, and Grace Meng - Reps. from Queens, NY - a big Korean population there. Ed Royce and Judy Chu - rep from Los Angeles, a big Korean population there. Don Beyer, Barbara Comstock and Gerry Connolly - rep from Fairfax County, VA - a big Korean population there. Loretta Sanchez and Linda Sanchez - reps from Cali, a big Korean population there. Rob Woodall - rep from Georgia, a big Korean population there. Albio Sires - rep from New Jersey, a big Korean population there.

Definitely NOT lobbying by Korean.

Queens, NY = Korean, 2.9 % population = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queens#Ethnic_groups

Los Angeles = Korean, 2.9 % population = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles#Race_and_ethnicity

Fairfax County = Korean, 3.8 % population = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfax_County,_Virginia#Demographics

California = Korean, 1.58 % population(have to do mathematics calculation here yourself) = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California#Racial_and_ancestral_makeup

Georgia = 0.51% Korean speakers = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_(U.S._state)#Languages

New Jersey = 0.89% Korean speakers = small minority Korean population http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey#Languages

Japanese right winger are in denial that there are non Chinese and Korean who also think Japan is wrong and want to put the blame on Korean. Enough of the lies Japanese right winger.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@HansarqamL I don;t have % but the state I live, there is Japanese American Association but no Korean organization, Japanese American Association members are English speaking people. Here people are more interested in DEM or GOP.'

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Definitely NOT lobbying by Korean.

@hansaram

Haha you dont live in America, do you? Run those same %s for JPAms and yep youll get a way smaller %. Fact of the matter is they are trying to keep their KoreAm votes plain and simple. More KoreAms living in America than JPAms. Know your facts.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

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