Never forget: Japan crown prince urges country to remember WWII history

Naruhito, the grandson of former Emperor Hirohito, is making a call to remember the wartime past and the horrors committed by the country, despite the Prime Minister’s insistence on recasting the country’s wartime history in a less apologetic tone. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made requests for changes in accounts of wartime history that it sees as incorrect and damaging to Japan’s image, sparking criticism from U.S. scholars. Abe’s statement — marking the 70th anniversary of the war’s end — will be closely watched by security ally the United States, and by China and South Korea where bitter wartime memories run deep, for any sign he is diluting past apologies.

I think that it is important today … to look back humbly on the past and correctly pass on the tragic experiences and history Japan pursued from the generation which experienced the war to those without direct knowledge.

Crown Prince Naruhito, who celebrated his 55th birthday Monday

Emperor Hirohito was once revered as divine but transformed after Japan’s defeat to promote peace and democracy. The royals have no political powers but the current emperor, Akihito, has played an important role in working to heal the wounds of a war waged across Asia in his own father’s name.

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