Merkel visited Japan because Germany will host this year's G7 Summit and she should pay each member state a visit before the event. Thus, war history is not supposed to be the major theme of her Japan visit.
However, the international media did not agree, choosing to focus on what Merkel said about wartime issues in their reports.
In sharp contrast, Germany, a role model that atoned for its war crimes, has managed to reconcile with the victims of its invasion, while Japan, a headstrong denier trying to disavow its past atrocities, has engaged in a marathon wrangle with its neighboring victims.
Merkel did not evade historical issues in her speech in Tokyo. She reminded Japan of the need to squarely confront its wartime past, and also stressed that its neighbors must do their job to achieve reconciliation. Merkel has attached equal importance to Japan's attitude and its neighbors' generosity.
It needs to be noted that before Merkel's visit, Tokyo was quite nervous about whether she would mention the war.
However, in contrast, its wartime victims, notably China and South Korea, saw this visit in a carefree way. It signifies that Tokyo is self-conscious in historical issues.
Holding a grudge following the defeat in WWII and trying to whitewash its atrocities, the Japanese right wing is leading the country to an abyss. Japanese society is probably admiring what Germany has become after 70 years, which has long been relieved from heavy historical burdens.
Apology and redemption did not embarrass Germany. On the contrary, it helps Germany redeem its dignity. But the same problem has become a killer of Japan's reputation, which has become increasingly notorious due to its lack of heartfelt apologies and even denial of its crimes.
Therefore, China and South Korea are forced to be mired in this endless squabble over history with Japan. The entire Northeast Asia is stirred into a tempest, and it will cost Japan the most.
Merkel's statement and reminder to Japan, from another perspective are headline-grabbing. Each time the world draws attention to this, Japan's hypocrisy over historical issues will be exposed a bit more.
The unaddressed wartime past has become a negative asset for Japan. It distorts the values of some Japanese, who have waged a meaningless war to defend the delusion of national pride.
Neither China nor South Korea intends to stigmatize Japan for its past atrocities, and Japan had better stop being paranoid and bringing disgrace upon its own head. Northeast Asia needs to work together to settle the issue and move on.
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