politics

Abe to visit Anne Frank House in Amsterdam on Sunday

26 Comments
By MARI YAMAGUCHI

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26 Comments
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Seriously? Is that a priority for the prime minister? You have to be kidding me! What a huge waste of tax payer's money! Enjoy your trip to Amsterdam Abe! While Rome burned Nero fiddled and Abe racked off to Amsterdam!

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

Seriously? Is that a priority for the prime minister?

Couldn't agree more. He could've helped more victims from Fukushima earthquake by investing more money into the cause. Rather than sympathising with the international victims, there are people closer who need real help. Then again most politicians have priorities backwards and he's no different.

-9 ( +6 / -15 )

Anybody read the article, he does so while in a trip to the Hague and do thank them for donating books.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

He was going to Holland anyway. Still, not sure why he needs to express regret over the actions of some nutjob.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Well Abe seems to have come to his senses. Good for him and good for Japan! When this library thing was happening, there were people in this forum who were insinuating that the vandal was probably Chinese. These people have so far not apologized. Looks like Abe is a better man. Good for him. I hope now he takes all the right steps to lead Japan to a better future.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

I doubt most Japanese had even heard of Anne Frank one month ago, Abe included.

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

I doubt most Japanese had even heard of Anne Frank one month ago, Abe included.

A rather uninformed observation, it would seem. The general figure thrown about for copies of her diary sold in Japanese translation by Bungeishunju-sha since 1952 is approximately 5 million, but that does not include spin-off works such as books for younger children, manga, etc.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

Good on Abe. Nice gesture. The last paragraph was a little unnecessary.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

So what's the deal with the guy they questioned over this all??

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Abe's visit to Anne Frank House is something politicians of all stripes do. It's part of the job description. And this particular act of respect is a no-brainer, so get off his case.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

At last some real diplomacy. See that wasn't hard, was it?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Like his visit is really showing respect...please. If he really wants to show respect, he knows what he needs to do...but he is obviously trying to get the liking and attention of another crowd.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

This is called diplomacy. Sincere or not he is engaging his function in a sensitive matter which is in my opinion a good move. Even though I do not like him I appreciate the gesture. If he would do the same with the sex slaves I might start to like him…

0 ( +3 / -3 )

" This is called diplomacy."

Perhaps more would consider it BS.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

@It"S MEMAR. 21, 2014 - 04:07PM JST Anybody read the article, he does so while in a trip to the Hague and do thank them for donating books.

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You are realistic ! To others who blame Abe wasting tax payers money, Don't think all Japanese people do not know how to read any books or watch any movies. Old Wonder Woman TV series (by Linda Carter) (and anti-Nazi) were hit in Japan, too. Japan is not wasting tax payer.s money as he is in Europe anyway. From my viewpoint, Japan is cheapskate. Instead of sending someone to Israel or House, it waited Abe in Europe to thank.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

He is going to the Hague to lick his master's boots.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

John Galt: you are definitely not diplomatic!

Diplomacy is a subtle game in adjusting your own perception to the other's one. I admit it can be empty speech or sometimes BS, but the objective is to maintain dialogue with counterpart and seek mutual understanding vs. escalation. Then and only then progresses can happen.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Good gesture by Abe.

Good for him.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

bilderberg_2015Mar. 21, 2014 - 05:40PM JST

I doubt most Japanese had even heard of Anne Frank one month ago, Abe included.

I am deeply regret that Japanese schools are FAILING to teach the biggest crime of humanity in history ; a genocide by German Nazis. The most advanced and developed countries understand this except Japan. Maybe Japan is not civilized in humanity? Sad. If humanity is not important, what else is important to you?

Is your school teaching about MONEY but not HUMANITY?

DisillusionedMar. 21, 2014 - 03:52PM JST

Seriously? Is that a priority for the prime minister? You have to be kidding me! What a huge waste of tax payer's money! Enjoy your trip to Amsterdam Abe! While Rome burned Nero fiddled and Abe racked off to Amsterdam!

Respect in diplomacy is the most important element.

VincehwrMar. 21, 2014 - 04:04PM JST

Seriously? Is that a priority for the prime minister?

Couldn't agree more. He could've helped more victims from Fukushima earthquake by investing more money into the cause. Rather than sympathising with the international victims, there are people closer who need real help. Then again most politicians have priorities backwards and he's no different.

Agree, I am frustrated as well as you are.

It is very important to let the world audience know that Japanese share the same value condemning a genocide in humanity.

AKBfanMar. 21, 2014 - 04:32PM JST

He was going to Holland anyway. Still, not sure why he needs to express regret over the actions of some nutjo

It is not a nutjob. Please educate yourself before making a stupid post. This is a global site.

Here is a famous quote you can read.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

globalwatcherMar. 22, 2014 - 12:56AM JST I am deeply regret that Japanese schools are FAILING to teach the biggest crime of humanity in history ; a genocide by German Nazis. The most advanced and developed countries understand this except Japan.

The most advanced and developed countries understand this except Japan? Huh? Why don't you talk to high school students in the U.S. and give them a simple test regarding the German Nazi's involvement during the WWII. I bet majority are clueless in what happened during that time.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Beside history (rekishi), there is Social Study (shaka0ka) in Japanese schoossand So, students use sanko-sho. (many( Then Hyakka Jiten kids dig around. USA? kids learn Nazi from reruns of Wonder Woman.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Why oh why can't he/Tokyo show the same compassion and support for victims of Japan's wartime aggression? Relations would improve overnight if he were to visit Nanking or go to a comfort woman memorial and express compassion and remorse.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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sfjp330Mar. 22, 2014 - 03:53AM JST

globalwatcherMar. 22, 2014 - 12:56AM JST I am deeply regret that Japanese schools are FAILING to teach the biggest crime of humanity in history ; a genocide by German Nazis. The most advanced and developed countries understand this except Japan.

The most advanced and developed countries understand this except Japan? Huh? Why don't you talk to high school students in the U.S. and give them a simple test regarding the German Nazi's involvement during the WWII. I bet majority are clueless in what happened during that time.

One thing you are incorrect is that US education has a mandatory curriculum in humanity unlike Japan. Unlike Japan, US is a nation of melting pot, therefore, we treat this problem very differently and seriously in class room. Kids learn a hate crime, a racial discrimination, a civil rights movement, a genocide, and a bullying all based on hate. You are absolutely wrong on that.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

@globalwatcher:

One thing you are incorrect is that US education has a mandatory curriculum in humanity unlike Japan. Unlike Japan, US is a nation of melting pot, therefore, we treat this problem very differently and seriously in class room. Kids learn a hate crime, a racial discrimination, a civil rights movement, a genocide, and a bullying all based on hate. You are absolutely wrong on that.'

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Japan has mandatory curriculim that include 5 hours a week foreign language that USA do not have.''

Check which countries students are super in tests. Korea, China way down Japan. Way down USA. [You brag USA educatuon system instead of talking about above article. Is that the result of USA education system?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

toshikoMar. 22, 2014 - 07:09AM JST

Language has nothing to do with this issue while humanity is.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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