Time to put an end to Japanese ‘ghost worship' (2)

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History cannot be separated from contemporary reality, and a distorted view of history will lead to a warped view of contemporary reality. As deviant right-wing views grow stronger, all sorts of words and deeds involving blatant denial, beautifying aggression, and condoning abuses of human rights manifest themselves in Japan. It is hardly surprising that they cause concern in the international community, especially in Asia.

How can this distorted view of history help Japan to follow the path of peaceful development and promote its growth with its regional neighbors? During his visit to America after he took office, Abe stated that Japan would never again be a "second-class country", and asserted that "a powerful Japan is back". But he seems to struggle to understand that what is holding Japan back from becoming a "normal country" is not the actions of other countries, but its own erroneous choices - in particular its distorted view of history. It is hardly surprising that the rest of the world should be concerned about Japan's relations with its neighbors, and even with the wider international community.

Japan’s current policy is to repeatedly accuse China of setting preconditions for the leadership dialogue between China and Japan. But the fault lies with Japan and its refusal to acknowledge historical truth and contemporary reality; with its addiction to illusion and distortion. It cleaves to its sloganeering, while producing no worthwhile proposals to reduce the obstacles to developing a positive relationship between the two countries. It offers no answers to the critical question - how to create the necessary environment and atmosphere for bilateral dialogue.

August 15 is the anniversary of the day on which the people of Asia finally succeeded in freeing themselves from the ravaging effects of Japanese militarism. We wish that right-wing Japanese politicians would amend their view of history, and stop stirring up trouble and anger. Japan needs to adopt a policy of integrating its own interests with those of other Asian countries. It needs to put a stop to its blatant denial of its past. It needs to stop celebrating its historical aggression and its abuse of human rights. Only then will Japan find its way to a happier future.

Edited and translated by Zhang Qian, People's Daily Online

Read the Chinese version: 日本“拜鬼”闹剧当休矣；source: People's Daily; author: Zhong Sheng

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