Petitie #220: “Rewriting war history”

Excellency,

Senior politicians of the American House of Representative and the European Parliament made it clear that Japan’s denial of its war time issues would have grave implications for the relationships with both the United States and Europe. Senator Honda commented that “It will ignite unnecessary tensions and provocations with neighboring countries. Government is a living, breathing organism that is responsible for its past, present and future.” It is apparent that one cannot rewrite history and as a nation one has to accept and take responsibility for the consequences of military misconduct and political opportunism. These strong political and international statements were made before you visited the United States of America.

As Prime Minister you must deal with this and cannot hide behind Japanese culture, which for its military misconduct and political opportunism carries no respect in the rest of the world.

Prime Minister

As a result of your discussions in the United States the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts recognizes the political position you and your party are in. You are faced with the choice: do you seek future economic wellbeing for Japan or do you remain conservative and preserve the past by continuing to deny any redress of war victims. Despite diplomatic utterances of Japan’s important role in the world, Japan undoubtedly realizes that there is little respect for Japan’s attitude towards its war victims. The Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts is not alone in this observation. It expressed its views together with other NGO’s in a resolution as a result of the 11th Asian Solidarity Conference for the Issue of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. It submitted the resolution as a written statement to the Human Rights Council 22nd session agenda item 6 as part of the Universal Periodic Review of Japan due to be issued on 14th of March 2013.

Prime Minister

You spoke with President Obama of the United States of America on 22nd February 2013. According to the media you reiterated the role of Japan in the world and your resolve to calm manner and diplomacy. A number of important issues such as “rewriting war history” were not mentioned in the media, but assumed to be discussed. On the international stage of politics you do not negotiate via the media, but with the parties directly involved. Your resolve must therefore include our suggestions and deal with the redress swiftly and in a calm manner directly with the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts.

We did not receive acknowledgement to our previous petitions.

On behalf of the Foundation of Japanese Honorary Debts,

 

J.F. van Wagtendonk

President