Kono urges Abe to stop being coy over Yasukuni Shrine

IRobin: Check how much Japanese wartime assets were confisticated and paid to Korea and China, Also, check which year Burma, Phillippine, Indonesia and Vietnam recd compensation,. If you think those many billion dollars are not enough and feel you should be compensated, sue Japan. Kprea and China accepted these compensation. Other countries, too. Abe was not PM during these times. Ishihara and Hashimoto are not LDP members. Just Kono who is proChinese all the time.

@OssanAmerica.

Shall I raise some instances that can prove that the people consider the criminal as herio? I mean definetly politicisions.

Can you raise an instance that who is an politicision and not been punished in Germany ? And how many have been punished in Japan?

Japan delayed to compensate in many way until China and korea had to give up the main compensation, I am not pointing to other small compensation, this is the truth, shall I find the material prove this?

Japan also signed The Potsdam Proclamation, did Japan keep hand off Okinawa? is this the civilized world action?

I did said Japan appologiesd but now look at Abe, look at Shintaro Ishihara，Hashimoto Tōru， Aso, and more than a half of the current government members' actions, please tell me what kind of appologies is that?

my question is if you are from Korea or China, your parent or gradfather were killed by Japanese or mother or grandmother were riped , would you accept this?

actually I doubt your Charactors.

I forgot to mention Abe's both parents ancesters are from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Even so, Abe did not go to Yasukuni. Keeping mouth shut is better than following proChina Kono's wish. Kono apologized and apologized. I don;t think his apologizes are fake as he is the one opened up Japanese sins of military before China and Korea began to know.

IRobinSep. 04, 2013 - 12:19PM JST @OssanAmerica, 1.Japanese apologies are fake. They apologied now but another person or the same person denied the apology soon. >When they said sorry actually they are not. because they consider the crimial as the herio, by doing this, what kind of >appology is that? Germen never did this. This why China and Korea can't accept.

No that is incorrect. The Japanese government in a meeting of PM Tanaka and Mao Tse Tung and Chou En Lai apologized. China accepted.If the Japanese government ot their PM declares that they "retract the apology they gave to China" then yes, the apology would be "fake" as you call it. Or technically it would be null and void. No Japanese other than a sprinkling for far right extremists consider the War Criminals to be "heroes". Only one person ever shot Hideki Tojo, and it was a Japanese civilian. When two sovereign governments reach an agreement, only a retraction at that level can negate it. The opinions or actins of lesser politicians and individuals in a democratic society where one is free to express his own opinion does not affect the official state position. Germany never did what? There are hundreds of neo-Nazi groups in Germany today that honor Adolph Hitler. How has that evre been used by anyone as a pathetic argument that Germany's apologies aren't sincere? China and South Korea CAN accept Japan's apologies if they want to, They certainly had no problems accepting reparations and technology and economic assistance for decades.

2 Because of upper reason and Japan refused to compensate for the war crime, all the hatred accumulate, that is the >result as now.

Do you really think that the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1972 and reaffirmed in 1978, and the Treaty between Japan and South Korea was signed in 1965 without any compensation? In both cases there was compensation. Is keeping hate alive worth distorting historical facts?

3.please stop using the "In the civilized world", almost all the nations in your mind as the "civilized world" had once >cruelly invade other nations maybe in your mind as "the uncivilized world", don't you think this is crazy and rediculous?

No, I use the term "civilized world" as in countries that respect the Treaties that they signed with other Sovereign States and abide by them. China and South Korea both are acting as if the Treaties they signed, or the reparations they agreed to, or the apology from Japan they accepted, do not exist at all. I call that that "uncivilized" and so does the rest of this world.

"South Korean Leader Accepts Japanese Emperor's Apology AP Published: May 27, 1990 President Roh Tae Woo said today that Japan's expressions of regret for its brutal colonization of Korea were the basis for a new relationship.Mr. Roh returned today from a three-day trip to Japan, during which Emperor Akihito expressed regret for the occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945. Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu of Japan extended ''honest apologies.''Mr. Roh said, ''Even if we may feel that the Japanese apologies do not fully live up to our expectations, we should accept them with magnanimity and generosity, now that Japan has forthrightly admitted its mistakes.''

yes, Abe could say he will visit Yaskuni more than any politicians in Japan. After all,Hagi of Yamagushi Prefecture people have so many people who have ancestors names in Yasukuni when they died at Boshin War. Masujiro Omura even have his Statue In Yasukuni. He has descendants' relatives a village next o Hofu City. About all people in Yamaguchi Prefecture are related to Boshin War died soldiers He can concentrate to visit Yaxsukuni every day if he has to.

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For once I agree with Kono! This must be the first time ever!

He is correct. Abe must say clearly and forcefully that he WILL visit Yasukuni.

I'm tired of weak-kneed Japanese politicians that listen to other countries. Japanese politicians must stand up, be PROUD and make a good example for Japanese people as we ramp up our military capability. Abe should say:

I will visit Yasukuni I will visit Yasukuni in my official capacity of Prime Minister of Japan We will never listen to criticism from overseas. Japan will never be bullied again The Emperor MUST visit Yasukuni. We will pass a law if necessary.

Don't be coy!!!

Just go and prostrate yourself in front of the names of mass murdering enshrined Gods!!!!

Nothing to it......

@OssanAmerica,

Japanese apologies are fake. They apologied now but another person or the same person denied the apology soon. When they said sorry actually they are not. because they consider the crimial as the herio, by doing this, what kind of appology is that? Germen never did this. This why China and Korea can't accept.

Because of upper reason and Japan refused to compensate for the war crime, all the hatred accumulate, that is the result as now.

please stop using the "In the civilized world", almost all the nations in your mind as the "civilized world" had once cruelly invade other nations maybe in your mind as "the uncivilized world", don't you think this is crazy and rediculous?

Ossan: Another one of your excellent comment with you well informed knowledge. Japan should get over and focus on more important issues now. This time, Kono is making Yasukuni as an issue.

gokai_wo_manekuSep. 03, 2013 - 03:01PM JST What continues to drive the crazy rightists is not only their misplaced pride in a past Japan. But also they do not >understand why Japan is judged so severely by the world/Asia, when the Europeans were doing the same thing all >around the world for 100 years.

Hold on there. Japan is indeed judged by Asia and the whole world but basically everyone has moved on. They also are realistic and accept that Japan has been a model peaceful democracy for nearly 70 years in sharp contrast to it's WWII history as a militant fascist empire. While there are some WWII veterans who can not let go of the past, past enemy nations like the US, UK, Australia are all allies of Japan today. In Asia, it is only China and disgracefully South Korea which continues it's "severe judgment" of Japan to the extent of allowing anti-Japan sentiment to dictate politics and diplomacy.

Nobody criticises the Europeans and no European country has ever apoligized or been asked to apologize for >Imperialism. There is a global double standard, and until you answer this question, the rightists will always have a >reason to exist. Many Asians hold the view of White History, where China and the European Imperialists were having >a big party which was ruined by evil Japan. (Yes, I know the Chinese call it the "century of humiliation", but that >century was mostly European, which many of them conveniently forget.)

European former colonial masters have apologized on numerous instances. The difference is that former colonial states do not reject the apologies as "insincere" for the purpose of continuing the hatred. What's more, Japan has apologized numerous times. Both China and South Korea accepted Japan's apologies and signed treaties and received reparations in the form they wanted. In the civilized world, the issue is over.

Yasukuni enshrines a variety of people. Including Karafuto natives who fought against then Japanese Govt. Also Okinawan children There are statues and Monuments. Widow, Kamikaze Pilots, Dog, horse, carrier pidgeon, Omori Masujiro, Justice of the Country of India. How to give respect to kami there, bow twice, clap twice, then bos once. There is an earthquake building behind of Honden that was donated by private fund of emperor Hirohito. It is only 6.25 hectare ground.

Because of his position, PM Abe should be clear in intention and avoid Yasukuni. Please quit wasting time on this. This is such an opppurtunity for diplomacy. Simple, and effective.

@ Michael Erickson: Oshioki is fine. Everytime I read or hear a non-Japanese person whip out a word like oshioki, I personally am thankful (hope you pick up more). And the idea (about that corner), the thought is great.

@gaihonjin: Thanks.

What continues to drive the crazy rightists is not only their misplaced pride in a past Japan. But also they do not understand why Japan is judged so severely by the world/Asia, when the Europeans were doing the same thing all around the world for 100 years. Nobody criticises the Europeans and no European country has ever apoligized or been asked to apologize for Imperialism. There is a global double standard, and until you answer this question, the rightists will always have a reason to exist. Many Asians hold the view of White History, where China and the European Imperialists were having a big party which was ruined by evil Japan. (Yes, I know the Chinese call it the "century of humiliation", but that century was mostly European, which many of them conveniently forget.)

gokaiomaneku: Oh, I forgot, but I recall Pope's strong comment. Thanks for writing.

If you see the characteristic of three races, then you can clearly see what difference between them is. Their ethnic background, religion, and educational policy is totally different, that is why to reconcile and resolve their relations exist as almost impossible task to deal with. Just keeping this current situation and finding a point of compromise may be better.

Abe or anyone else can visit Yasukuni. In reality, the visit to a place with more than a dozen sticks with the names of evil war criminals is hurting Japan more so than any nation opposing the act. Many other nations, like mine are just watching as we are no match for Japan. We leave it to China and SK. Call us cowards if you like. And when it comes to shove or to push, we are surely NOT on Japan's side.

One other poing: McArthur wanted to make Yasukuni into a dog racing track. However, the representative of the Pope in Tokyo (called a "prelate"? I'm not sure about the English) objected, and said all countries have the right to pay respects to their war dead. So we have Yasukuni thanks to the Pope. So go talk to him about it.

Disagreeing with the visits does not equal believing people do not have the right to visit.

You can speak or sing laudly in public place liek library, maybe you think this is your right, you can say "you can speak loudly too! why you blame me on this?".

This is the same with those that think the Yasukuni visits are their rights and have nothing to do with others.

Still believe you are right ?

Kono used to be the Prime Minister. I think he wanted to become PM again. So, he has to discredit Abe who has been too busy visiting many places. Kono likes to apologize and apologize whenever he has a chance. So, if he becomes the PM again, he will concentrate on apologizing all the time. Then he will let Aso talk other things. It must be handy that Aso is talkative with his notorious big mouth to help Kono.

I'm sure he'll at least pledge and vow to think about making a decision.

If Abe visit Yasukuni, h iwill be criticized. If he does not, he is criticized. Kono obstructs people to asset Abe's actions.

I am tired of the Japan bashing that continues to be used for political gains by others who just won't do their own work at home.

What do you think the Yasukuni visits are really for?

Kono is awfully nosy. He is trying to obstruct Abe to think,important issues such as ta x. economy, and many problems.

I'd bet Kono is planning to replace Abe as Japan's PM with Aso's big mouth help because Abe does not have big mouth like Aso.

Kono San is out of touch with reality. It was a time when Japan had to follow the lead of others but that time is past. Japan can stand on its own, and should. Sorry but it is any Japanese person's right to honour ancestors and the leader of a nation to honour the war dead, any nation can, may and should. China and Korea need to pay attention to their own business and respect others just as they want respect themselves. It is a two way street with honour on both sides. I am tired of the Japan bashing that continues to be used for political gains by others who just won't do their own work at home. Well done, Abe and time for you to retire your posturing Kono San but with thanks and respect.

Michael: Not Oshioki. Shioki. BTW, Shioki punishments in feudal era was using stick to hit a sinner;s buttock 3 times; Just commoners get that kind of puhishment. Such that O is not used because O is used to display respect. Punishment is not respectable. Death Penalty? Uchikubi. Commoners. Samurai got Seppuku ceremony i

The solders family received Hinomaru flag (army) or Asahi flag (Navy) when their soldier famly did not come back. So, wives, chidlren, parents and other family members prayed to souls along with the flag placed in front of Butsudan and Kamidana. Thus, if they can afford, they go to Yasukuni Shrine to pray. So many empty So-shiki all over in Japan after the war.

Let's face it, whatever your thoughts on the war, a lot of boys got it pretty bad in the most miserable conditions in places like the malarial swamps of Guadalcanal or the jungle rot of Papua New Guinea. It was pretty bad everywhere for the ones who never came back. Politics aside, I can understand the need to honor the sacrifice of the countless sons who died in battle.

It is only the usurpation by extremists of the right of the people to peacefully mourn and reflect that makes this such a controversial matter.

Harry: it is true GHQ wanted to create a dog race after demolishing Yasukuni, Then GHQ got a problem. Japanese Govt could not demolish a private property. so, GHQ did not. Also, there are many things Truman wanted Gen ,MacArthur to do but Gen, Mac did not. Also, it is true there is no burial ground in Yasukubi shrine property. .

I have to agree with OssanAmerica. Overall, Kono, who is probably best known for that apology, probably misread Korea, and his own country at the same time. Korea because he really probably thought his apology would work, and his own country because he probably assumed his countrymen would take a pride hit for "relations". Neither is true, as it turns out. I don't see the guy being any better on China.

Kono is an idiot. He wants to legitimize China's use of the Yasukuni visits. Whether the J-PM goes or not is a domestic political matter. He's also an idiot for thinking that "diplomacy" with China will work. Look at what 41 years of diplomacy has produced. Not to mention that China isn't even willing to talk now.

Kono is a man who understands that the best principle is common sense. Unfortunately, there are not enough powerful statesmen like him.

It may have been a better idea to implement McArthur's original plan to turn the site into a dog racing track (it's true!).

Never heard that before and I really do hope it's true.

Asking a savvy politician to stop being coy is like asking anyone else to stop breathing...

@Michael Remember that nobody is burried at Yasukuni. There is only a stick with someone's name. And in theory, the spirit is at Yasukuni whether there is a stick or not. People go there to say HI to the spirit of someone lost at war but whose remains have never been recovered because they know the spirit is there. Nowadays, people mainly go there to apologize to the spirits. The only remains are those of Korean soldiers who fought with Japan (and according to rumor, some Chinese), and these remains have never been claimed. So a bad boy corner won't work. It may have been a better idea to implement McArthur's original plan to turn the site into a dog racing track (it's true!).

Michael.

Again J-Gov has ZERO control over the Shrine since WWII. Easy and easier checked, people truly need to check facts before posting.

What I do not understand is why the diplomatically-inept Japanese Prime Ministers and Parliamentarians don't just get a bit wiser. They should separate a portion of Yasukuni Shrine burial grounds (e.g. NW corner 1-acre) with a low fence around it for those Japanese War Soldiers of 'questionable' virture (e.g. War Criminals). Then name that section of Cemetary something like...Oshioki-Corner (or Bad-Boys Annex). Then move the War Criminals to that Annex. The Families of these genocidal maniacs can be happy because their relatives were not kicked-out of the Yasukuni cemetary completely. And when Abe-san or other Parliamentarians are scolded by foreign Diplomats for visiting Yasukuni Shrine, they can have plausable deniability by saying that "they did not actually visit to the Oshioki-Corner". If Japan government puts a mailbox with separate address in Oshioki-Corner, then he can send his Offerings directly there by Kuro-neko Transport and no one would be the wiser.

Who is to say that the Americans' and the British armies did not commit war crimes, get over it for Gods sake, This bringing up old war wounds is nothing but vitriolic, and will never end, as long as these other nations do not look forward instead of backwards.

Sad to say, Kono will be ignored... It is very clear and simple what is needed to be done to please our neighbors. Making it clear that Abe will/will not go to visit the shrine should be done so we can further our relationships with China/SK. Changing past statements on history because of grandpa's position is ignorant.

Vote Kono for PM!