Japan's regret by Jiro Okuyama

Japan's regret

The editorial "Shinzo Abe's Asian challenge" (Sept. 28) overlooks Japan's repeated statements of regret and apology for World War II.

Japan has not, as the editorial claims, "deliberately glorified this history."

Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stated on Aug. 15, 2005 that "In the past, Japan, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations."

Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed the same sentiments in 1995, as did Prime Minister Abe in Parliament in October of this year.

Regarding Japan's textbook issue, 26 of the nation's junior and senior high school textbooks - all of the country's relevant and government-approved history textbooks - contain descriptions of the "Nanjing incident" or "Nanjing Massacre." The official course of study guide for teachers also directs that teaching of World War II address the damage and suffering caused by Japan to all peoples of the world.

Jiro Okuyama, New York Director, Japan Information Center

NY Times Editorial: Shinzo Abe’s Asian Challenge