U.S. urges Japan, S Korea, China to overcome historical animosity

none of the problems, none of these tensions, can be solved by any one party alone

Very true. All three sides need to focus much more on taking conciliatory approaches. It's about time that China, Japan and South Korea put a stop to their countless thinly-veiled and petty attempts to provoke one another.

The way to resolve issues is by communicating. China and South Korea continue to refuse Japan's repeated requests for head of state meetings. It is obvious who is trying to "work together" and who isn't.

"Overcome historical animosity." It's never going to happen, at least not until everyone who can remember the atrocities involved finally die off. Then? Maybe...

Japanese politicians whose daddies and grand-daddies were directly involved in Imperialist war atrocities have a familial interest in whitewashing Imperial Japan's history. And it doesn't hut that right-wing politicians like Ishihara, Abe or Hashimoto who are doing the whitewashing regularly receive winning vote tallies from similarly-interested constituents. The victors of WWII had their chance to make the Japanese people come both face and confront the full horrific implications of what they enthusiastically did to other nations (as was successfully done in Germany), but failed to follow through. To think that the Japanese will now themselves turn the corner on their longstanding historical revisionist tendencies is a bit of a stretch...

Politicians in Korea and China, meanwhile, have a vested interest in re-directing popular resentment overseas to the "Other." As long as there are citizens in these countries who can remember the awful treatment their people suffered under Imperial Japanese military occupation, their domestic politicians will use such raw memories as a useful political stick with which to Japan in the public arena.

Time to behave like adults and sit down work out the issues that are bothering each other and move forward for mutual benefit, antagonism, spewing rhetoric, making allegations and petty claims is of no benefit to anyone of these countries or it's citizens.

Time for those in suits to act maturely and do the job they were employed to do, and that is to advance and benefit their citizens, not drag them into war.

Japan never learned their mistakes. China and South Korea is right not to cooperate with Japan. Japan not sincere. US also.

The way to resolve issues is by communicating. China and South Korea continue to refuse Japan's repeated requests for head of state meetings. It is obvious who is trying to "work together" and who isn't.

@Ossan - Why does Abe find himself in a position of having to plead for summit meetings with the 2 closest neighbours? Japanese PMs have been meeting regularly with Chinese and SK leaders for years without problems.

Abe's calls for meetings are disingenuous when you consider how much Japan's relations with China and SK have deteriorated since he came into power. He cannot continue to infuriate neighbours and call for meetings the next day.

Nice move from the US. No party is entirely blameless in the aftermath of the war, Japan for it's role as instigator, but China and South Korea don't strike one as being gracious victims...

The story the other day about the "terrorist" / "hero" who killed Ito Hirobumi stood out for me. In hindsight, all of those historical episodes between Japan Korea and China etc should have been cleaned up immediately after the war ended. But as it stands, this is a typical loose-end - with Japan calling Korea and China's "hero" a "terrorist". Both sides whinge at each other as a result...

It leaves one wondering what part of it's history Japan does feel regret for? While China and Korea are just pathetic in their own backwards looking actions as well.

It's never too late, but indeed until all sides agree to talk, nothing can be fixed...

It leaves one wondering what part of it's history Japan does feel regret for?

@fxgai - Why would Japan feel any regret at all?

If you believe the supporters of Japan, it is China and SK fabricating everything from Nanjing massacre, sex slaves, Unit 731 human experiments and so on, when Japan was only trying to selflessly and courageously liberate Asia.

It's not enough that Japan suffered the terrible injustice of the undeserved a-bomings, China and SK continue to accuse their liberator with fabricated stories of past wrongdoing, celebrating a terrorist who assassinated a Japanese PM, telling the whole world lies about sex slaves, and even claim parts of Japanese territory as theirs..

/sarcasm

If Japan was smart, they would own up to everything. Then they can start taking the moral high ground, and gain the respect of the whole world. Some people argue even this won't appease China and SK, but how do you know? Stop denying the past, so we can all move on.

Ossan: "China and South Korea continue to refuse Japan's repeated requests for head of state meetings."

I knew you'd jump on here and immediately blame everything under the sun on two out of the THREE parties involved in these disputes! It takes ALL THREE to solve these problems, and Japan only offers to go to the table after spitting in the faces of the other nation (and knowing they'll refuse), trying to look like the victim while it is every bit as much the aggressor. You ever notice, for example, the offers for talks ALWAYS come after Abe and Co. do something to exacerbate ties?

Let's declare the islands ours and buy them! followed by, "There's no issue, but let's talk about it!" Let's visit Yasukuni to spite (and that's the sole reason Abe did it; don't kid yourself. He said he would go six months before if China refused to talk) the other nations! followed by, "Let's have talks" Let's claim Nanjing never happened, there was no unit 731, and that comfort women is just propoganda! followed by, "Let's have talks" Let's change the history texts and make Japan the victim! followed by, "Let's have talks". Let's rescind apologies! followed by, "Let's have talks"

Those are but a mere few examples.

As to the US saying this, easy for them to do as they sit on the sidelines and profit from arms sales. The three parties will never get along as long as one claims to be the victim of it all and refuses to acknowledge its part in the problems.

Mutual ignorance and distrust is the historic enemy of mutual understanding. What's needed is mutual understanding and mutual concessions as well among the three countries.

multiple perspectives, but one thing is certain—none of the problems, none of these tensions, can be solved by any one party alone

Among the three head of states, one is the loose canon making the trouble for entertaining his political fans. Most of the tension were caused by one party alone.

Abe and his apologists has downplayed comfort women as professional prostitutes. It is the major source of tension between ROK and Japan. Only Abe and his revisionists can be solved the that problem for admitting their fabrication, lies and dishonesty. There is only one party alone can solve that problem.

It is also true for Abe denial of Nanking Massacre and other atrocities related with PRC. Many SE Asians nation including my homeland are very weak for offending Japan as white washer of history. It does not mean SE Asians have to shut up for pleasing Japan. Japan is rich enough to change the true color of history. It is also one party alone can solve that problem.

A nation can not be honest about the past have no self respect at present and there will be no hope of better future with neighbors.

The US needs to lead by example on this one. An apology for Hiroshima and Nagasaki might be a start

WWII has been over for 68 years. Peace treaties were signed, reparations paid and endless apologies made. Japan has been about the most peaceful country in the world since then but it makes not a bit of difference to China and Korea; reading their propaganda which they dispense by the ton you would think it is still being fought. The present generation of Japanese had exactly nothing to do with WWII. As long as China and Korea can make political hay at home by constantly dwelling in the past, they will. Or is all just jealousy and an excuse for being losers?

Peace treaties were signed, reparations paid and endless apologies made

Yes, indeed, peace treaties were signed, reparations were paid, apologies were made. Yet statements by Ishihara, Kawamura, Hashimoto, Abe, Tamogami, and NHK staff have rendered those apologies meaningless.

US is just pointing this to Japan as well so to not make it look all too obvious that the source of the tensions is indeed China, with SK jumping on the train while there is the opportunity. Of course it's highly hypocrisy of the US to do so but in politics hypocrisy unfortunately is a requirement.

but in politics hypocrisy unfortunately is a requirement.

On this I find myself in agreement

Did Russel actually say that they need to overcome history? Those words don't appear in quotes anywhere in the article, just the title. The quotes that do appear are pretty run of the mill...not a great article. It would be interesting if a U.S. spokesman really did take a stand on the history issue, and hint that Koreans and Chinese need to move on.

BNlightenedFeb. 05, 2014 - 12:43PM JST

"Overcome historical animosity." It's never going to happen, at least not until everyone who can remember the atrocities involved finally die off. Then? Maybe...

Why do not we do some REAL political analysis? Who gains and who loses by bringing up WW2 things?

In Korea, "if something is going wrong, blame Japan" is the golden rule. Politicians get automatic approval rate surge just by blaming Japan. They will never give up their political candy.

In China, anti Japan is the foundation of the legitimacy of Chinese Communist Party. They have to maintain all the propaganda during WW2 such as it was CCP, not the US nor Nationalist Party, defeated Japan, even though propaganda is propaganda.

In Japan, WW2 things just lead to drop in approval rating. Japanese politicians do not bring up WW2 issues unless someone insists their answer to the issues.

@Mitch Cohen

I cannot believe that you still believe such propaganda like Nanjin massacre or Unit 731 human experiments as China says unconditionally.

The US report says that Unit 731 was just an epidemic prevention unit and they could not find any convincing evidence that the said human experiments had been carried out. Although you may believe a myth that the US is hiding it intentionally.

Also, doctors say that the experiments said to be done by Unit 731 cannot be realized even by the modern medical science. All started from a novel based on rumors.

It can be easily imagined that, to the eyes of uneducated local people, the treatment implemented by the Japanese army looked so cruel and barbarous. (The medical treatmen is sometimes very barbarous these days too. In fact, I thought I was dying when I had to swallow a gastric camera. And I saw recently a tough guy who was so frightened as his damaged toenail had to be torn off for quick cure in the treatment.)

Needless to say, Nanjing masacre story is full of fakes, although I'm not going to say there was no casualty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fesxeTNfKTo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7tP3ncMntc

http://www2.biglobe.ne.jp/remnant/nankingm.htm

Japanese people are now fed up with the lies of Chinese and Koreans. We apologize if we have to, but if it is a false accusation to disgrace us, we will definitely fight back. We should have done so earlier.

Chinese and Koreans have crossed the line and they are underestimating Japanese anger these days.

We apologize if we have to

Ah, so you feel that by imprisoning and mistreating POWs, raping and killing Chinese civilians in Nanking, forcibly recruiting sex slaves, and performing medical experiments on humans in Manchuria, Japan did nothing wrong in World War 2? I think it is Japan that is underestimating the level of anger and disgust among the west because of her repeated statements of denial and revisionist views. Even those like myself who were once pro-Japanese are becoming disgusted

1,2,3,...all together now, "Never!".

Its too soon and the political acrimony is contentious on all sides. Unfortunately, this will probably won't recede in the near future, but will need to be addressed in a generation or 2. America will just have to be satisfied with status quo.

Stopm supplying them both with arms and then send John Kerry to use his vast intellect and charm to make them forget over 1000 years of intermittent hostility and colonisation.....

Mitch Cohen,

Stop denying the past, so we can all move on.

In the case of the terrorist / hero, what we know is that the Japanese PM was killed, this was well before WWII. Japan regards it as terrorism, Korea and China claim otherwise.

So it's like Japan is sorry for WWII, OK, but views about events in the lead up to WWII obviously differ. It would have helped had all this been prosecuted 65 years ago, when there were people still alive who might have had a better clue about it! These days it's all just he said she said, and patriotism probably blinds both sides to a good extent.

As for the Senkaku islands, it would help if the Chinese could actually show some evidence to back up their assertion that Japan stole the islands in 1895, because as it stands it appears very much as if the Chinese are trying to get something for nothing, just because Japan got dealt to 50 years later in the end of WWII. It's not a good look for them these days with various nations concerned about their present day might-is-right attitude.

heynong,

Only Abe and his revisionists can be solved the that problem for admitting their fabrication, lies and dishonesty.

Problem is that in 2014 everyone is just relying on whatever historical records they have left. Both sides today weren't alive at the time, and suspect the other of fabricating stuff for their own purposes. Hell I have no idea but I'd not be surprised if the truth is actually some point in between what both sides say, rather than exactly, precisely, as one side or the other says, but how can this be resolved now in 2014 anyway?

This is what these three should sit down and frankly discuss. First thing is for all sides to agree that they currently disagree, and just accept that much. At the moment both sides just think the other is a dirty liar!

@Mitch Cohen "gain the respect of the whole world"

Koreans always say things like Japan's "respect" or "reputation", but you don't know Japanese DON'T care about those respect things. So you don't need to worry about that.

In Korea, "if something is going wrong, blame Japan" is the golden rule.

@CH3CHO - Interesting theory. Would love it if you provide some examples to back up your claim.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is just about the only ones criticising Japan's stance on historical issues. How does the Korean Ministry of Land and Transport blame Japan for Korea's traffic problems? Does the Korea Ministry of Health blame Japan for rising obesity? Does the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism blame Japan in any way? Ministry of Science? Your claim is baseless.

In Japan, WW2 things just lead to drop in approval rating.

What world do you live in? For years, the likes of Abe, Ishihara, Hashimoto have been milking support from the voting public by dredging up WW2 issues and appealing to the right-wing faction of society that sees Japan as the victims of WW2.

Mitch CohenFeb. 05, 2014 - 03:36PM

Let us see how it works in South Korea.

In December 2013, Korean Peace Keeping Force in South Sudan asked Japanese Peace Keeping Force to send them ammunition because they were low on ammunition. Japan sent them ammunition. Korean government blamed Japan because Japan utilized the situation for its political gain and Korea was never low on ammunition.

On January 22, 2014, Japanese PM Abe went to the World Economic Forum in Davos, and listened to the speech by Korean President Ms Pak. His attendance was not preplanned. Korean Government blamed Japan that PM Abe is a stalker.

Korean Government arm Sadanbobin Miju Hanin eui Sori "The Voice of Koreans in America, Association Incorporated" is working hard to pressure US local governments to use "East Sea" instead of "Sea of Japan" based on the false claim that the sea was called "East Sea" in Korea since more than 2000 years ago, even though it has been called "Dong Hae" in Korea and never "East Sea".

"If something is going wrong, Blame Japan." Korea will never change, whatever Japan does.

What world do you live in? For years, the likes of Abe, Ishihara, Hashimoto have been milking support from the voting public by dredging up WW2 issues and appealing to the right-wing faction of society that sees Japan as the victims of WW2.

Same to you. What world do you live in?

Korea will never change, whatever Japan does.

Hmm, persistent denials of history by Ishihara, Tamogami, Kawamura, Abe, Hashimoto etc aren't exactly helping matters

CH3CHO: where's your link to this 'stalker' thing you claim? And don't bother if it's 2-channel.

"what world do you live in?"

The real one, where I know resolution is a two (or three) way street. You guys denying history than claiming Japan is great and all that for seeking 'dialogue' are nearly as funny as Abe. Oh, and BTW, the legislation to call the East/Japan Sea by boh names passed. Try not to implode.

In December 2013, Korean Peace Keeping Force in South Sudan asked Japanese Peace Keeping Force to send them ammunition because they were low on ammunition. Japan sent them ammunition. Korean government blamed Japan because Japan utilized the situation for its political gain and Korea was never low on ammunition.

Baseless claim. Provide a link to prove that Korean government claimed the troops were never low on ammo. I think you'll find you have nothing.

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140111000041

If you read this article, it says the Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated they had returned 10,000 rounds of ammo they borrowed from Japanese troops.

On January 22, 2014, Japanese PM Abe went to the World Economic Forum in Davos, and listened to the speech by Korean President Ms Pak. His attendance was not preplanned. Korean Government blamed Japan that PM Abe is a stalker.

Baseless claim. Provide a link.

Korean Government arm Sadanbobin Miju Hanin eui Sori "The Voice of Koreans in America, Association Incorporated" is working hard to pressure US local governments to use "East Sea" instead of "Sea of Japan" based on the false claim that the sea was called "East Sea" in Korea since more than 2000 years ago, even though it has been called "Dong Hae" in Korea and never "East Sea".

In Korean, "Dong" = "East", "Hae" = "Sea". Nobody argued Koreans used the English term for the sea.

Korea will never change, whatever Japan does.

You don't know that. Prior to the provocations of Abe's government, Korea-Japan relations were relatively smooth sailing. Remember when Koreans ran a month-long campaign to raise money to help tsunami victims in 2011?

"U.S. urges Japan, S Korea, China to overcome historical animosity" is like telling Jewish to get along with Germans when Angela Merkel denies their war crimes that they had committed against Jewish.

I cannot believe that you still believe such propaganda like Nanjin massacre or Unit 731 human experiments as China says unconditionally.

The US report says that Unit 731 was just an epidemic prevention unit and they could not find any convincing evidence that the said human experiments had been carried out. Although you may believe a myth that the US is hiding it intentionally.

@virgo98 - I've come across hundreds of posters on the internet denying coercion of 'comfort women' and just as many denying the Nanjing Massacre. But denying the Unit 731 human experiments is something else.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2007/10/24/reference/vivisectionist-recalls-his-day-of-reckoning/

Let's face it. If you can deny the Unit 731 human experiments in the face of overwhelming evidence, nothing in the world would be enough evidence for you. You're in denial of reality.

Still hoards of Chinese in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. Come and see for yourself. They seem not to care about any of this. Why are these government officials ruining everything for everybody.

Can't we all just get along?!

Mitch CohenFeb. 05, 2014 - 04:07PM JST

Provide a link to prove that Korean government claimed the troops were never low on ammo.

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/perspectives/news/20131225p2a00m0na004000c.html

However, a spokesman for the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Dec. 24, "We borrowed the bullets to secure spares. The troops aren't in short supply of bullets," contradicting the explanation provided by the Japanese government.

If you can read Korean, "Stalker Diplomacy". http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/01/24/2014012400627.html

Nobody argued Koreans used the English term for the sea.

You agree that the sea was never called "East Sea". Yet, Korean government claims it was called "East Sea" for more than 2000 years. That is the problem. http://www.mofat.go.kr/english/political/images/res/east_sea.pdf

Historically, the sea area between the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese Archipelago has been called "East Sea" in Korea for the past 2000 years.

@Ch3cho IF the representative of SKorea is being unreasonable and immature one, shouldn't the prime minister who represents the country of Japan be mature about it especially given Japan has reputations at stakes? But he is doing just as bad as the rest. He knows more than anybody SKorea and China will never get off his case with the simple mere apology, yet all he does is beating around the bush and thinking of excuses to avoid confronting these issues.

I hope the US is sincere and serious about this and will act. In any criminal case, the victims are usually willing to tell the facts. The criminal on the other hand will find ways to deny or present excuses.

“There are multiple perspectives, but one thing is certain—none of the problems, none of these tensions, can be solved by any one party alone,” Russel told reporters. What? Does it mean that only if America intervene solution can come? Japan, Korea and China haves brain what the American do not possessed, they can definitely settle it. There are no permanent friends and permanent enemy is diplomacy. What is impossible today may be possible tomorrow and what is possible today may be impossible tomorrow. Didn't you see how the West and east Germany got united? It was considered impossible in the past but now we know it is. Just look back at how USSR, the super power got disintegrated. Can one imagine it? It has happened. It was considered impossible to break USSR into pieces unless otherwise by foreign intervention.

MahongnaoFeb. 05, 2014 - 06:25PM JST

"There are multiple perspectives, but one thing is certain- none of the problems, none of these tensions, can be solved by any one party alone," Russel told reporters. What? Does it mean that only if America intervene solution can come?

How did you get that impression? I do not think he is talking about the US.

CH3CHOFeb. 05, 2014 - 06:29PM JST Judging by the way America conduct its diplomacy, as they fish in murky water, I came to that conclusion. It may be right or wrong, its just a personal perspective. Nobody can be certain of his intention, but one thing is clear; not all good intention leads to good result or yes otherwise sometime, bad hidden intentions may lead to good result as well.

I have an awesome idea.

Instead of trying to solve it the way it is being done, with politicians, why don't the three countries open a channel of communication with intelectuals (from university) and people from the entertainment sector (famous people from TV).

People of the three countries should oficially meet to talk about this, and release this weight from the politicians.

It is a thing that I don't understand. In the West it would be automatically happening, with lots of famous people trying to positively influence the results. But in asia, only the politicians talk (and they do it in a negative way).

To me, this is one of the reasons why the western society is so strong and asian is weak.

Typical U.S. stance of not studying the issues, except on the surface, and ignorantly considering all three countries "childish" for holding onto old grudges for "no good reason".

"Let's face it. If you can deny the Unit 731 human experiments in the face of overwhelming evidence, nothing in the world would be enough evidence for you. You're in denial of reality."

Never a truer word said.

Yep. It's pretty baffling isn't it. Especially considering the Unit 731 staff have been very clear about what they did.

It would be okay if people denying the undeniable were in psychiatrist hospitals or homeless alcoholics, but in Japan that isn't the case.

It's getting so bad that I wouldn't be surprised if some NHK guy said that Unit 731 is a hoax. But then again, it would be his "private opinion".

Come on Japan.

why don't the three countries open a channel of communication with intelectuals (from university) and people from the entertainment sector (famous people from TV).

That sounds all good, but Japanese intellectuals and celebrities would never dare to differ from mainstream "thinking". Suddenly all those invitations to conferences would dry up, there would be anonymous threats, non-renewal of contracts. Japan can't say it is truly democratic. Scratch the surface and it is still somewhat feudal

The US should shut up or put out. They're the ones who let off all the war criminals off the hook by pardoning them all by 1957, including Abe's war criminal dad. They're the ones who put these same Japanese guys in power, the power which hasn't changed since the end of WWII. It's the US who can easily fix this. All they have to do is say directly to Japan, "smarten up and stop provoking your neighbours, and stop spreading BS history". One comment from the foreign minister or the President himself will turn Japan's face white ash, and they'll stop with the provocations that are causing all these problems. In other words, the US should end the neutral stance and its unconditional support for Japan in their effort to counter China. Come down hard on Japan before it's too late. Japan's attempts to turn the clock back and their transformation to right wing will cause a war in Asia one day. They need trade and approval from the world to survive.

The more ridiculous Shinzo Abe and his cronies' actions gets the more difficult it is for a resolution short of a war. All it takes to get back to peace is for Japan to recognise its war crimes and honestly apologise for it. However, this is understandably difficult for a people who is totally dishonest, dis-honourable and soulless.

So Chucky3176 what your'e saying is that the US should directly threaten the 3rd largest economy in the world (Japan) in order for it to fall in line and maintain a newly developed status quo. That mentality will give China the go ahead to begin writing their revisionist history and practically sever the American ties in Asia. The American exit would then create a power struggle in which ASEAN now has decide to fight China with out the US, fight Japan with guaranteed Chinese economic and social subjugation, or fight for the US with even more economic and social subjugation And the American geopolitical status, well that becomes crap which means the dollar becomes crap, which means economic recession. And recessions lead to grabs for resources, which is often reason for war..... Do you like war? Do you like world war? This is an extreme result, but what you are suggesting is equally extreme.

No that's not what I'm saying isoducky. I'm saying the US stop the neutral stance and speak up. So friends can't say to other friends, you're being a jerk, stop being a jerk?

highly doubt the u.s. wants good relations b/w japan, s. korea and china. the u.s. has a lot to gain from tension/animosity among the three nations. one of which is it's military-industrial complex...a money maker.

The U.S. should be telling their masters in China and South Korea that for it is they who continue to cause the problems.

Poor Danny Russel, talking about his fed-up frustration after his time-wasting Asia trip.

The so called candid-talks with these three counties yielded almost nothing, except that bitter bickering, acute attention-seeking and undented assertiveness will continue if not tone one or two notches higher before Obama’s April trip.

The internal dynamics inside of C.J.SK, plus changes underway in the geopolitical order make it extremely difficult for these three countries to respond cooperatively to the repeated urge from US.

Take Japan for example, while Hawkish Abe’s admin has a strong support from its domestic constituents, but at the same time, Japan’s special relationship with the US no longer carries the same weight as it used to. On top of that, S.K takes any opportunities given to remind the world of Japan’s war-time atrocity which makes right-leaning Japan look sinister in front of international community. That is not all; here comes the assertive Chinese regime which is increasingly prepared to provoke, for instance, it is starting tightening its ADIZ in Eastern China Sea, and Japan found it out that it has limited capacity to put a break on Chinese action since the US does not want to head on an armed collision over there. then there is another kicker, Japan’s investments dollars in China are losing potency as it has no longer depended on Japanese technologies as it can get much the same technologies from South Korea and Taiwan with cheaper costs.

Putting all these ingredients together, does anyone have a winning solution for Japan? I guess probably, not. The best outcome for Japan would be that it does not become a structure loser of the shifting dynamics in years.

BTW, nationalists of C.J.S.K, please don’t get excited, and don’t waste your time to rebut. I am entitled to have freedom of speech. Okay ? take it easy. :)

Yeah China - get serious and grow up.

That sounds all good, but Japanese intellectuals and celebrities would never dare to differ from mainstream "thinking". Suddenly all those invitations to conferences would dry up, there would be anonymous threats, non-renewal of contracts. Japan can't say it is truly democratic. Scratch the surface and it is still somewhat feudal

Spoken like a true expert.

Mitch CohenFeb. 05, 2014 - 12:52PM JST "The way to resolve issues is by communicating. China and South Korea continue to refuse Japan's repeated requests for head of state meetings. It is obvious who is trying to "work together" and who isn't.

@Ossan - Why does Abe find himself in a position of having to plead for summit meetings with the 2 closest >neighbours? Japanese PMs have been meeting regularly with Chinese and SK leaders for years without problems.

Having to plead? He is the only head of state of the 3 countries who is actually making an effort to "communicate" and work together. China and South Korea refuse to communicate and you find fault with Abe? China is behaving as it is because it has failed miserably in intimidating Japan into giving them the Senkakus. South Korea is doing so because it is a tributary state of China, relying on it almost entirely for it's trade while pretending to e a US ally.

Abe's calls for meetings are disingenuous when you consider how much Japan's relations with China and SK have >deteriorated since he came into power. He cannot continue to infuriate neighbours and call for meetings the next day.

Going to a shrine in your own country shouldn't "infuriate" anybody. The only counties that would react that way are those who already have an anti-Japan agenda to start with.

Two headlines today =

NHK manager's Nanjing denial no problem, gov't says U.S. urges Japan, S Korea, China to overcome historical animosity Guess that which country is responsible for the historical animosity...

Russel reiterated US warnings to China not to create a similar zone in the South China Sea, where Beijing has disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other countries.

So what they US is saying OK China you can have what you have already taken now sit down with the others and overcome your historical animosity.

It's rather sad how China and Korea keep on banging on about WWII when the issues are in the hear and now and have little to do with 70 years ago. On the other hand Abe has done a poor job of maintaining perspective, putting a visit to Yasukuni above serious conversations.

Wonder why neigbors of Germany stays calm. Well, do you see German Chancellor and 168 representatives of German goverment go and pray for the remains of Class A Nazi's and their millions of German soldiers? You can't say the same for Japan. Japan is a different story of being the victim. Why did Abe visited Yasukuni shrine last year and 168 representives of Japan goverment went to pray for 14 Class A and 2 million Imperial Soldiers? Every year, and for many decades, visit by top Japanese goverment officials to Yasukuni has not changed.

And now Japan wants to register the Kamikaze's as world heritage at UNESCO. You heard that righ. lol..

chucky3176Feb. 06, 2014 - 06:11AM JST And now Japan wants to register the Kamikaze's as world heritage at UNESCO. You heard that righ. lol..

Your post typically makes no sense. What are you suggesting that Japan wants to register dead bodies? What is being proposed by ONE city in Japan is to register the letters written by Kamikaze pilots, written before their certain death. Frankly I think it has more value to UNERSCO than kimchee.

VincehwrFeb. 05, 2014 - 05:57PM JST

@Ch3cho IF the representative of SKorea is being unreasonable and immature one, shouldn't the prime minister who represents the country of Japan be mature about it especially given Japan has reputations at stakes? But he is doing just as bad as the rest. He knows more than anybody SKorea and China will never get off his case with the simple mere apology, yet all he does is beating around the bush and thinking of excuses to avoid confronting these issues.

I do not understand what you are hinting at. Why do not you speak straight rather than beat around the bush?

What do you mean by "to avoid confronting these issues"? Do you understand Korea Japan Basic Treaty of 1965 and China Japan Joint Communique of 1972?

The title ought to be "U.S. urges S Korea, China to overcome historical animosity toward Japan"

@CH3CHO

What do you mean by "to avoid confronting these issues"? Do you understand Korea Japan Basic Treaty of 1965 and China Japan Joint Communique of 1972?

Quit dodging the questions with bringing up the treaty that is probably outdated and act like an adult. Abe is basically bringing up religion and miscommunication on translator part to say he did nothing wrong. Acts like Japan is the only one innocent and peaceful nation.

i know US is in tight spot but you can't tell China & Korea to just buck up and take the insult despite denial of history and praising the war criminals who instigated brutal attacks.

tokyodoumoFeb. 07, 2014 - 04:21AM JST i know US is in tight spot but you can't tell China & Korea to just buck up and take the insult despite denial of history and praising the war criminals who instigated brutal attacks.

So, when did Japan attack and brutalize those nations? Last week, last month, last year, the last 10 years, the last 20 years, the last 30 years, the last 60 years or was it nearly 68 years ago?

Wow, 68 years and it's still being used to promote hate.

If a Government keeps it's people angry at a another nation the Government will not have to worry about being overthrown. Also when the Government is ready to go to war it's people will died with a smile on their faces.

These are classic Totalitarian/Authoritarian tactics.

JoeBigsFEB. 07, 2014 - 05:45AM JST If a Government keeps it's people angry at a another nation the Government will not have to worry about being overthrown. Also when the Government is ready to go to war it's people will died with a smile on their faces.

So Japan is no longer mad about US dropping 2 nuclear bombs any more?

I'd hate it too if somebody who had done wrong act like nothing happened because it happened long time ago. I guess it's too much to ask for old foggies to look at it from the different perspective.

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 07:27AM JST So Japan is no longer mad about US dropping 2 nuclear bombs any more? I'd hate it too if somebody who had done wrong act like nothing happened because it happened long time ago. I guess it's too much to ask for old foggies to look at it from the different perspective.

BTW, I live here and guess what, no one is mad about the bombs that were dropped. They are saddened for the lose of life, but not mad.

They even work well with the U.S., hell they work so well together that most if not all Japanese I know and met think the U.S. is a great nation.

See, the difference is Japan isn't in need of someone else's money, Japan has learned to move on and have lived in peace for the last 68 years. But, sadly their aggressive neighbor's have been threatening Japan because they know that Japan has a pacifist Constitution and would never attack them first.

So they wag their fingers, rip live animals apart, display served heads on poor animals, cut off their own fingers in mass and then have the gall to call Japan uncivilized.

Japan has apologized over 50 times paid untold amount of money, hell even the Emperor apologized more than once. But, still these people wont even come to the table unless Japan pays more and apologizes more.

Enough is enough, it is time to move on, yes feel sorrow for all those that died and suffered through war, but accept that that was the past.

But, Communist China and the Korea's wont do that because if they did they wouldn't have a boogeyman anymore. Then they would have to look at the own ills that their own nations have committed in the past and then they would have to come to terms with what they did.

But, the Governments of Korea and Communist China wont do that, because then the real boogeyman would be exposed, and that boogeyman has three names Communist China, Communist Korea and South Korea.

Better to keep your people angry at someone else than have them angry at you.

That is why the Korea's and Communist China indoctrinate and brainwash their people at an early age.

VincehwrFeb. 06, 2014 - 06:19PM JST Quit dodging the questions with bringing up the treaty that is probably outdated and act like an adult.

Someone really needs to take his own advice.

So, treaties between nations can become outdated? One second, it looks like you need to look up Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.

Treaties between nation can't become outdated just because you wish them or think they are. That is just plain rhetoric, those treaties stated are still in effect nullifying your position.

VincehwrFeb. 06, 2014 - 06:19PM JST Abe is basically bringing up religion and miscommunication on translator part to say he did nothing wrong. Acts like Japan is the only one innocent and peaceful nation.

Calling you out on this one, so tell us, in the last 67 years how many wars has Japan started, fought in, committed war crimes, committed crimes against humanity or taken territories from it neighbors?

Now can you say the same thing for the Korea's or Communist China?

I don't expect an answer, because we all know the truth.

BTW, I live here and guess what, no one is mad about the bombs that were dropped. They are saddened for the lose of life, but not mad.

This link explains why http://www.japantimes.co.jp/community/2014/02/05/voices/u-s-and-japanese-apologies-for-war-crimes-could-pave-way-for-nuclear-disarmament/#.UvRoeM6ZaSo

JoeBigsFEB. 07, 2014 - 09:54AM JST BTW, I live here and guess what, no one is mad about the bombs that were dropped. They are saddened for the lose of life, but not mad.

Just because they don't bringing it up doesn't mean they are feeling neutral even grateful towards US. And I'm not talking about the younger generation, I'm talking about the foggies in NHK network and LDP politicians. They are just listening to every whims of US mostly because they don't know how US will react if they do it as they please.

JoeBigsFEB. 07, 2014 - 09:54AM JST Calling you out on this one, so tell us, in the last 67 years how many wars has Japan started, fought in, committed war crimes, committed crimes against humanity or taken territories from it neighbors?

Remember the man who was in Phillippines killing 30 local men because he thought he was still in duty? How convenient to forget that and technically that's war crime, but I'll leave it out for further discussion. And the reason Japan stopped war is because they had to agree to article 9.

And as for Korea, do you really think South Korea and North Korea are the same? If not, you know damn well Korea's just being stupid with pulling propaganda bullcrap but never invaded territories unless you have to be stingy to count Takeshima Island as one. China's most likely killing their own countrymen. So quit pulling the same freaking, "They apologised 50 times and paid the fees."

Without the US involvement, I'm sure Article 9 would have been recorrected long time ago and won't be pretty sight.

“There are multiple perspectives, but one thing is certain—none of the problems, none of these tensions, can be solved by any one party alone,” Russel told reporters.

Japan's ally has just told the world that they stand with it's ally. These worlds have sent a clear message to the PLA. The question isn't if they understood, the real question is do they respect it.

In my opinion Communist China and the PLA have been itching for a war. They tried to split the U.S. Japan alliance. But they couldn't and now they will have to contend with the U.S. when they start this shin-ding. But they don't care, the PLA thinks it can take on the world and luckily for the world they are mistaken and highly under trained.

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:16PM JST Just because they don't bringing it up doesn't mean they are feeling neutral even grateful towards US. And I'm not talking about the younger generation, I'm talking about the foggies in NHK network and LDP politicians. They are just listening to every whims of US mostly because they don't know how US will react if they do it as they please.

That's where we certainly differ, I have spoken with many, and I do mean many of these foggies of yours and let me tell you, they are not just listening to the U.S. They are siding with their real ally and with a nation they can trust.

The U.S. has just told Japan that they are with them and believe me Japan respects that.

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:16PM JST Remember the man who was in Phillippines killing 30 local men because he thought he was still in duty?

I haven't forgotten that one at all. You're blaming the action of a man who was still fighting a war on Japan?

Now the question is, what did he do when he found out the truth that the war was truly over?

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:16PM JST And as for Korea, do you really think South Korea and North Korea are the same? If not, you know damn well Korea's just being stupid with pulling propaganda bullcrap but never invaded territories unless you have to be stingy to count Takeshima Island as one.

No, I don't think they are the same nation, but what you may not know were the crimes they committed during the Korean War and the Vietnam war. Look them up South Korea did committed them not North Korea.

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:16PM JST China's most likely killing their own countrymen. So quit pulling the same freaking, "They apologised 50 times and paid the fees."

The killing of your own countrymen is a crime against humanity and Communist China has done this with impunity.

As with most Communist regimes the only way they can stay in power is if they hold all the weapons. Communist China uses violence and tyranny to hold power. If they allow any freedoms the CPC elites would have to make a mad dash for Cuba. Because they and their elite family member's lives days would be counting down.

VincehwrFeb. 07, 2014 - 02:16PM JST Without the US involvement, I'm sure Article 9 would have been recorrected long time ago and won't be pretty sight.

The biggest reason today that Article 9 is about to go out the window is that Communist China has been threatening Japan. Japan has to have a larger Military to face the coming war properly and Communist China doesn't want that. That is why they have been trying so hard to split the alliance.

They were doing real well at it when the DPJ was in power. But, then the plan went awry when the DPPJ got the giant boot. Now they have to hurry it all up before Japan rids itself of that old anchor.

But now that the US has made it's commitment clear the PLA will have to face two foes maybe more. But, guess what, they don't care, the PLA wants this coming war.

When Article 9 goes out the window and it will it will be all because of Communist China and North Korea.

VincehwrFeb. 06, 2014 - 06:19PM JST

Quit dodging the questions with bringing up the treaty that is probably outdated

Peace treaties do not get outdated. Read Article 14(b) and 26 of San Francisco Peace Treaty. http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Treaty_of_San_Francisco#Chapter_V._Claims_and_Property

Japan is under treaty obligation not to pay war compensation.

So Japan is no longer mad about US dropping 2 nuclear bombs any more?

No, it is not. Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki make speeches every year. The content is always the same, but Americans do not listen and most Americans misunderstand their message.

The message is, unless people ban nuclear weapon, this can happen to anyone including YOU at any moment.