Former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama attended the 80th anniversary commemoration of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with a heart full of reflection and apology. Facing criticism at home, Hatoyama emphasized the importance of confronting Japan's wartime actions and learning from past mistakes.
During the memorial, he expressed respect for President Xi Jinping's remarks, which distinguished between Japan's militarist aggressors and the general Japanese people. Hatoyama noted that Xi Jinping underscored that the wrongdoers were the militarists, not ordinary citizens, and welcomed this nuanced perspective.
Looking ahead, Hatoyama reaffirmed Japan's need to face its past openly and foster mutual respect in future relations. His gesture underlines a growing trend among young leaders and global citizens to engage in honest dialogue about history, shaping a more connected and understanding world.
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Former Japanese PM: I attended memorial with a heart of apology
cgtn.com
