Regret and Forgiveness

In a surprise move, the current Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan and members of his cabinet shunned visiting the controversial Yasukuni shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Japan's war dead, including those considered to be Class A war criminals like Japan's wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo. The shrine also houses a museum that glorifies Kamikaze pilots.

The reason for it being controversial is obvious. Japan practically invaded all of Asia and committed horrible atrocities which were eventually considered war crimes. Tojo himself was executed in 1948.

Most Japanese have always seen themselves as the victim rather than the oppressor in the last great war. Whether this was actually how they were taught and informed or not, the general consensus is that they had a valid reason for attacking and invading its neighbors.

This move to avoid a visit to the shrine, along with a statement of regret and an apology for its actions during the war, breaks off from decades of tradition wherein a visit to the shrine in commemoration of the war's end is done by government officials every year. In a culture where honor is paramount, that is nothing less than astonishing!

Time does heal all wounds, even the deepest ones. The Philippines bore the brunt of the massive Japanese onslaught when hostilities broke out on Dec. 8, 1941. We were strategically located, and the presence of American bases here made us a prime target. It took on a little over four months before the country fell on its knees to the Japanese banzai. And the start of the atrocities began.

The infamous "Death March" capitulates the treatment Filipino and American soldiers received at the hands of the Japanese occupation forces. Which is why those who lived and experienced first hand what it was like in the years of 1942-1945, still cannot forgive and forget.

Notwithstanding that the Philippines was a recipient of the pointed and cutting edges of the samurai, we certainly have embraced many Japanese products and lifestyles today.

What city does not have the tune of "My Way" blasting on Karaoke machines on the street? How many Japanese restaurants can you count in one mall? We drive predominantly Japanese vehicles on our streets. And electronics? Take your pick!

I would think that Japan has come a long way since the days of Hirohito's regime. With Prime Minister Naoto Kan's regret and apology, perhaps those who still harbor ill will towards the land of the rising sun can also forgive, and most importantly, forget.