Even as fellow nationalist Hashimoto Toru is creating an international storm about remarks regarding comfort women, prime minister Abe shows that Japan has a way of honouring its dead without insulting other nations. One might think the lesson would be learnt, but nationalists are notoriously bull-headed and thrive on provocation… In the words of one commentator on the article:
“Given Chidorigafuchi’s lack of extremist undertones, unlike Yasukuni, I hope that this cemetery does increasingly come to replace Yasukuni as Japan’s Arlington National Cemetery, acting as a sacred place for Japanese government officials and others to honor those who have died for their country. Much healthier for the Japanese people, its economy, and the country’s relations with its neighbors.”
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In memory of WWII victims
MAY. 28, 2013 Japan Today
Abe shows there is a straightforward way to honour Japan's war dead (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prepares to offer a flower during a ceremony commemorating Japanese World War II victims who died overseas, at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo on Monday. The newly-repatriated remains of 1,628 unknown Japanese soldiers and civilians were buried in the facility on Monday.
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