Post by corsair67 on Jun 9, 2006 12:27:02 GMT 12
This was in yesterday's The Australian and I thought it was very apt considering there seems to be a great many Japanese who don't seem to know or understand what actually happened in WW2.
Lest we forget.
Remember war's horror, says Emperor
June 08, 2006.
TOKYO: Emperor Akihito said Japan was forgetting the horrors of World War II and warned against a return to the right-wing violence and militarist oppression that hit the country in the 1930s.
In frank comments delivered on the eve of a visit to Asian countries once invaded by Japan, the emperor said it was the job of royal families around the world to promote peace.
While right-wing politicians are lobbying for patriotism to be promoted in schools, he spoke of the importance of education in driving home a pacifist message. "Education is important for the development of our nation as well as for social stability," he said. "The six years from 1930 to 1936 were an extraordinary period.
"There were many violent attacks against leading politicians ... during this period, and it was extremely difficult for politicians and ordinary citizens to speak out freely."
When asked about the patriotism push in schools, he said: "I would like to refrain from giving any comment on the content of the Basic Law of Education. I always hope that our people respect the nation, while at the same time considering the wellbeing of the people worldwide."
The emperor and Empress Michiko will visit three Southeast Asian countries that have vivid memories of Japan during the war.
In Singapore and Malaysia, British and Commonwealth forces suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Imperial Army. Thailand remained technically independent, but 100,000 Asian slave labourers and 16,000 Allied prisoners of war died in brutal conditions on the infamous Thai-Burma railway.
"During World War II, many people died in Asia, including Japan," he said. "This has always pained my heart. We should not forget this history, and countries must co-operate with each other for the sake of a peaceful world."
As the "symbol of the state and of the unity of the people", under Japan's post-war, US-drafted constitution, Emperor Akihito is barred from direct political utterances. But over the years, between the lines of official speeches, the 72-year-old emperor has shown himself to be of liberal disposition.
The Times
Lest we forget.
Remember war's horror, says Emperor
June 08, 2006.
TOKYO: Emperor Akihito said Japan was forgetting the horrors of World War II and warned against a return to the right-wing violence and militarist oppression that hit the country in the 1930s.
In frank comments delivered on the eve of a visit to Asian countries once invaded by Japan, the emperor said it was the job of royal families around the world to promote peace.
While right-wing politicians are lobbying for patriotism to be promoted in schools, he spoke of the importance of education in driving home a pacifist message. "Education is important for the development of our nation as well as for social stability," he said. "The six years from 1930 to 1936 were an extraordinary period.
"There were many violent attacks against leading politicians ... during this period, and it was extremely difficult for politicians and ordinary citizens to speak out freely."
When asked about the patriotism push in schools, he said: "I would like to refrain from giving any comment on the content of the Basic Law of Education. I always hope that our people respect the nation, while at the same time considering the wellbeing of the people worldwide."
The emperor and Empress Michiko will visit three Southeast Asian countries that have vivid memories of Japan during the war.
In Singapore and Malaysia, British and Commonwealth forces suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Imperial Army. Thailand remained technically independent, but 100,000 Asian slave labourers and 16,000 Allied prisoners of war died in brutal conditions on the infamous Thai-Burma railway.
"During World War II, many people died in Asia, including Japan," he said. "This has always pained my heart. We should not forget this history, and countries must co-operate with each other for the sake of a peaceful world."
As the "symbol of the state and of the unity of the people", under Japan's post-war, US-drafted constitution, Emperor Akihito is barred from direct political utterances. But over the years, between the lines of official speeches, the 72-year-old emperor has shown himself to be of liberal disposition.
The Times
