The Yasukuni Shrine houses the remains of Japan's war dead since the Meiji Reform (1868-1912), including Tojo Hideki and other leading Japanese war criminals condemned to hanging by the International Tribunal after the end of World War II. Whether or not to visit the shrine, therefore, has become a touchstone for Japanese politicians' attitude toward Japan's war past.
Those respecting history never pay visits to the shrine, while others who refuse to recognize Japan's history of aggression and insist on rewriting history, see the shrine as a perfect venue for expressing their political wishes. Every year several government officials go there and make a show. Due to strong opposition from Asian peoples and international opinions, however, few cabinet members dare to visit the shrine in their official capacity.
In 1985, the then Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone paid a visit in his official capacity, arousing harsh censure from both inside and outside Japan. In the following 11 years, no other prime minister dared to follow suit. Hashimoto's visit, therefore, represents an unusual move and a serious development.
In January 1996, shortly after he took office as prime minister, Hashimoto, in answer to questions posed by Diet members, admitted in clear terms that Japan had "a history of colonial rule and aggression" and "inflicted untold losses and suffering" to many countries in the Asia-Pacific region. He promised to seriously repent history and contribute to world peace and prosperity. Asian nations responded positively to his remarks.
Not long ago, Hashimoto indicated again that out of consideration of foreign relations with neighboring countries, he would not visit the shrine in his official capacity this year on August 15, the day of Japan's defeat in World War II. These assuring words left the impression that Hashimoto was more serious than his predecessors toward history.
It turned out, however, that hardly had Hashimoto's words faded when the Japanese prime minister went to the shrine in advance of August 15 and in his official capacity as prime minister. This is a shocking, deplorable and outrageous act. People had reason to question the integrity and honesty of the prime minister on such an issue of major political proportions.
It is by no means accidental for the occurrence of such incidents from time to time. There are complicated background and root causes to it. In recent years, Japan has been rocked by political instability, in particular frequent reshakeups of political parties. As a result, right-wing politicians have become very active and the general political climate is growing increasingly rightist. In international affairs, Japan is zealous about playing the role of a major political power. To facilitate such a goal, various theories have been proposed concerning constitutional amendments. Some suggest that the strategy of "exclusive defense" be renounced and troops be dispatched overseas to participate in settlement of international disputes. Others call for support for US naval actions in order to safeguard Japan's sea route of energy supply, a vital line for Japan's economic powerhouse.
Under the circumstances, Japan reinforced its security alliance with the United States earlier this year, which has been berated by and aroused vigilance in Asian neighbors. Hashimoto's visit to Yasukuni Shrine came as a result of such a rightist atmosphere.
Over the past 50 years since the end of World War II, Japan has failed to repent that period of history and settle its war crimes. Last year, on the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan, under strong international pressure, drafted a so-called "no-war resolution" that fell short of addressing the key points. Japan lost a good opportunity to seek reconciliation with the world's nations. The root cause for distorting history and justifying aggression remains intact.
It seems Japanese politicians need to make up for a missed lesson in history as soon as possible. Only by passing the lesson can Japan convince Asian nations and the international community at large that it will embark on a road of peace and development. Only by so doing can it play a role in international affairs compatible with its national strength.