CanadianExpat comments

Japanese are quick to give an ersatz apology at the slightest offense, such as a bump on the subway or other little thing, but when it really matters they dig their heels in and refuse to sincerely apologize and atone for the wrong they have done.

So much wretched harm was done by imperial Japan to the (helped by prime minister Shinzo Abe's grandfather, no less), though the average Japanese person knows little of this because their school history books whitewash the matter.

Just apologize substantially and compensate your victims properly, Japan, and then people like the South Koreans will stop complaining.

Otherwise the trade backlash against you will continue and, at best, it will be a pyrrhic victory for you. At worst, you may realize that the sun can set again in Japan as China overshadows you (something nobody but the Chinese wants).

Alienating South Korea and it's people amid rising threats from North Korea and China, and as America becomes relatively weak an inward looking, is foolish pride at it's dangerous worst.