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Japanese government apologizes to former POWs

Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki, spoke at the 64th reunion of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor and read an apology from the Japanese government to veterans and their families (click to view video clip):

Fujisaki got a standing ovation from half or so of the 400 to 500 attendees, which included relatives of the ex-POWs. He also shook hands with some of them, pausing for photos.

“Well, we finally got the apology that we wanted,” said retired Tech Sgt. Joe Alexander of San Antonio, a two-time former commander of ADBC. “They ask how do I feel? Just chills that go through your body. … Now we can rest at ease. We’re satisfied.”

But, it seems, some bitter survivors will never be satisfied:

Fujisaki got an earful from others, like former POW Hershel C. Boushey, who told the ambassador that he did not accept “your apology,” and that the atrocities and mistreatment many suffered was severe.

Some were critical because they believed the apology seemed to come from him instead of from the Japanese government as a whole, and it never was to Americans directly.

“It was long overdue, but he probably was 11 or so himself when it all happened,” said Abel Ortega, 89, who’s from San Antonio, but recently moved to Cibolo. “He didn’t know much about the real feeling when it all happened. But (the apology) had to come sooner or later.”

POW survivor Tony Montoya, a native of Santa Fe, N.M., who now lives in Woodland, Calif., thought the speech seemed canned.

“I don’t think it was sincere,” Montoya said. “This young man knows very little of the atrocities. They probably rehearsed him on it.”

Some former POWs felt that the Japanese government’s 1995 apology wasn’t specific enough when it used the the words “through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.” Fujisaki stated that this latest apology statement was a reaffirmation of the views already expressed in the 1995 apology, but this time American POWs were specifically mentioned.

[via Armchair Asia]

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24 comments - What do you think? Posted by James - June 1, 2009 at 6:42 am

Categories: General Japan Tags: bataan, japan, war crimes

http://www.hormel.com Vonskippy

On behalf of the human species, I sincerely apologize to all the extinct dinosaurs for the impact asteroid that drove them out of existence. We hope to evolve fast enough to prevent that from ever happening again. Once again, we’re sorry.
Brian

Dear PoWs, comfort women, and victims of the Japanese empire from around the world,

Nobody is trying to downplay the suffering and pain that occurred to you during WWII, but it’s been 70 years, and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

Sincerely,
Everyone that wishes people would just MOVE ON.
LB

Why do I get the feeling that even if the Japanese government offered a specific apology to US POWs, that there would be a “former Sergeant Joe Blow” somewhere who would refuse to accept the apology because it did not list all former POWs, including himself, individually by name.

Some people seem unable to ever forgive and move on, and for those people no apology will ever suffice for the pain they suffered. Unfortunate, but that is the way it always is. But what makes it worse is people who really don’t have a dog in the fight believing those people’s claims that “Japan never apologized”.
Mark

Not to disrespect any former POW’s, but do we really expect Japan to keep apologizing? No number of apologies will be enough for some people, understandably, and it will not come from the people responsible for the atrocities in the first place. We cannot expect people who come from a different era to apologize for their ancestors mistakes. Its time to put this movement to rest.
sliders_alpha

come on, why should they even apologize? it like if my neihbour’s sons were asking me to apologize because my father did something to their father
ダビ

Has the US officially apologised to the inmates at guantanamo, or the prisoners tortured by american soldiers in jails in Iraq, or civilians killed in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Just asking.

Rip

This is a great point.

We should hijack this post and take it off topic by talking about the United States. The US has never apologized about some things, and we should point out that Americans do bad things.

Furthermore,

Rocky

Problem is, Japan STARTED the war, with no friggin good reason. To compare the torture the prisoners experienced from American soldiers is… Wrong.

The real problem isn’t the amount of apologies, its the fact that quite a number of politicians still go to the Yasukuni Shrine – if you don’t know what this is then stop talking – and fail to recognize what their country has done.

Unlike America, Japan and a lot of other Asian countries have different cultures, and in their culture You’ve GOT to apologize for your countries wrongdoings, and if you can’t understand that, well you’re a foreigner.
Dr.Yu

Just give the proper apology and Japan will no longer need to give more apologies.
All the victims want is a formal apology issued in name of Japanese government, with the approval of Japanese Diet and stop deification of war criminals. Also Japan must acknowledge the crimes it committed in a frank and comprehensive way.
It isn’t that difficult. I’m sure it will hurt at the beginning but the relief Japan will feel afterwards it’s worthwhile.
Japan has the power to stop the crying.

Brian

Have you ever read this?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

It’s almost pitiful reading through it. I don’t know how many times I read that the Japanese people “feel deep remorse”. Because I know you’re too obstinate to go and actually read it, I’ll paste a dozen of such examples here, which, I might note, is only a sampling of the many, many apologies listed on that page.

“The Japanese side is keenly conscious of the responsibility for the serious damage that Japan caused in the past to the Chinese people through war, and deeply reproaches itself.” — Prime Minister Tanaka

“On June 6, 1945, when the UN Charter was signed in San Francisco, Japan was still fighting a senseless war with 40 nations. Since the end of the war, Japan has profoundly regretted the unleashing of rampant ultra nationalism and militarism and the war that brought great devastation to the people of many countries around the world and to our country as well.” — Prime Minister Nakasone

“Reflecting upon the suffering that your people underwent during this unfortunate period, which was brought about by our nation, I cannot but feel the deepest remorse.” — Emperor Akihito

“[Concerning the comfort women,] I apologize from the bottom of my heart and feel remorse for those people who suffered indescribable hardships.” — Prime Minister Miyazawa

“We the Japanese people, first and foremost, have to bear in our mind the fact that your people experienced unbearable suffering and sorrow during a certain period in the past because of our nation’s act, and never forget the feeling of remorse. I, as a prime minister, would like to once again express a heartfelt remorse and apology to the people of your nation.” — Prime Minister Miyazawa

“The year before last, former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama issued these words: ‘… through its colonial rule and aggression, [Japan] caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. … I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology.’ I am of the same mind as the former Prime Minister.” — Prime Minister Hashimoto

“We would like to take this opportunity to clearly express our remorse for the past and a new determination to the world. Firstly at this occasion, we would like to express our deep remorse and apology for the fact that invasion and colonial rule by our nation in the past brought to bear great sufferings and sorrow upon many people.” — Prime Minister Hosokawa

“I myself believe it was a war of aggression, a war that was wrong” — Prime Minister Hosokawa

“On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II, this House offers its sincere condolences to those who fell in action and victims of wars and similar actions all over the world. Solemnly reflecting upon many instances of colonial rule and acts of aggression in the modern history of the world, and recognizing that Japan carried out those acts in the past, inflicting pain and suffering upon the peoples of other countries, especially in Asia, the Members of this House express a sense of deep remorse.” — the NATIONAL DIET OF JAPAN

“During a certain period in the not-too-distant past, Japan, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly those of Asia. In the hope that no such mistake will be made in the future, I regard, in a spirit of humanity, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology.” — Prime Minister Murayama

“During the war, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. On behalf of the people of Japan, I hereby renew my feelings of profound remorse as I express my sincere mourning to the victims.” — Prime Minister Koizumi

“I express my sympathy toward the comfort women and apologize for the situation they found themselves in. I apologize here and now as prime minister.” — Prime Minister Abe

LB

It doesn’t matter, Brian. To people like Dr. Yu and Jason Black (strange how it is always them), no apology will ever suffice. Every one of those are “half hearted, ambiguously worded apologies”. It doesn’t matter whether those are contained in formal treaties signed by the Japanese government, or offered by the Prime Minister in his official capacity as the leader of the nation, or even by the Emperor in his capacity as ~~figurehead~~ symbol of the state. None of those are a “proper apology” or even a “formal apology issued in name of Japanese government” (so I guess even ratified treaties are just the personal whims of the heads of state who singed them?).

No Japanese has ever explicitly detailed Japanese war crimes, or written a book like this one:
http://tinyurl.com/lkff5w

NHK in its position as the national broadcaster has of course never created and broadcast a documentary on war crimes by Japanese.

Japanese school textbooks don’t even mention the war, aside from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, of course. Schoolchildren are never taught about Nanking, Pearl Harbor, or anything similar that would cast Japan in a bad light.

Sheesh…

Roger

Good on the Japanese Ambassador! Let’s hope US and Japan can maintain their good friendship since WW2. Which means among other things to stop borrowing money from Japan in order to buy Japanese goods and stop creating money from paper thin air. Back it up with something.
http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=10607 Asian

Has US apologies for dropping 2 nucklear bomb in Japan?…the pain and lost caused by that bombing is even worst. Japan’s willingness to apologies has shown their regret on all the pain which they have caused to others during WW2. Furthermore, POW is something that exist in all country during war, not noly japan would do that, other countries during WW2 would do the same as well. I have not seen US shows any apology to their POWs. It seems to me that, the lossing parties have to take all the blames and the wining parties don’t have to take any responsibility on their sins.

It is undeniable that during WW2, Japan has brought lots of bad memories and losses to other countries which could not be easily erased, these memories should not be used as an excuse for hatred. Instead, it should be used as a lesson which directed to everyone in present, indicating how hard the impact of war could be not only on japan but also to countries around the globe. Just like all of us know, forgiving is a way of moving forward.

Eventhough japan was hitted hard by US with 2 nucklear bombs during WW2, japan has moved on and did not demand any compensation from US. They have once again stood up and became strong in terms of economic,culture and technology.

My point is that the POWs who still don’t accept apology from Japanese gorvement should know that they are not the only victims of war.

Dr.Yu

Oh no, not the victim card again.
When will Japan be mature enough to accept the responsibility for the war without blaming others?
It’s regrettable that thousands of Japanese died because of the nukes, but it wouldn’t happen if Japan didn’t provoke the USA.
Could someone explain me if Japanese emperor and the military leaders ever apologized to Japanese people for dragging the country to this disgrace? They are the real ones to be blamed.

nigelboy

I don’t think “Asian” there is playing the victim card. He’s merely pointing out the fact that Japan has moved on without seeking apologies or compensations.

All bereavement funds for Japanese citizens are paid by government of Japan, something which is completely foreign to some nationals.

http://fsn.typepad.com/blog/ ob

we have posted a radio interview on this story to our blog at http://fsn.typepad.com/blog/

it seems to attracting a good deal of attention so we’d love to hear your thoughts on it too.

olly at feature story news
Dr.Yu

Niegelbo,

In my point of view it was more that just the desire to move on that stopped the Japanese people from seeking compensations from the USA. It’s the historical perspective.

As you are aware of, the USA defeated Japan in WWII so had legitimacy to do whatever they wanted with Japan, including turning Japan to a USA territory or a colony. However, the USA didn’t seek revenge and wisely gave back Japan’s sovereignty, keeping just the legal authority to interfere in Japan’s policy as stated in Japan’s constitution.

Of course, being defeated by USA was a shame and disgrace for Japan, but looking at the big frame, it wasn’t bad at all, because Japan got the right to keep existing as an independent nation, keeping and preserving their own identity and culture, and thanks to American investments Japan is today the second richest country in the world.

As I said before, it’s regrettable that thousand of people died because of the nukes, but American soldiers also died during the war but they didn’t seek revenge or asked compensation from Japan, but on the contrary, they developed your country shielding you from foreign threat also protecting from criticisms from other Asian nations seeking for apology and compensation.

So, based on the facts I presented you, it’s my opinion that Japan simply had no fair reason to demand apology or compensation to the USA because in the end, you profited more with them under their protection than you could have, should the USA implemented the usual type of treatment the winners reserve to the defeated as observed along the human history.

nigelboy

You got it, Dr. Yu.

The ex-POW should be thanking Japan for not shooting them at point blank when they had the chance according to your logic.

ponta

what nigelboy is saying is that Japan is not playing the victim card in the first place.
As for whether there are good reasons to demand apology

it’s my opinion that Japan simply had no fair reason to demand apology or compensation to the USA because in the end, you profited more with them under their protection than you could have,

So is it your opinion that though it is regrettable that many Koreans were victimized and it was disgrace that many Koreans worked with Japan to annex Korea to Japan and worked for Japan and Japanese Imperial army , since in the end Korea profited more with them under Japan’s protection than she could have, it is disgrace that Korea got compensation and has been demanding endless apology from Japan?
And is that why you don’t demand apology and compensation from U.S for the comfort women under Korean and U.S army because Korea profited more that she could ?

Dr.Yu

“So is it your opinion that though it is regrettable that many Koreans ….”
No Ponta, That’s not my opinion. That’s your opinion.

ponta

That’s not my opinion.

Hmmm,That’s sounds illogical. Following your logic, that’s supposed to be your opinion, isn’t it?

That’s your opinion.

Hmmm, This sounds illogical too. Where did I say that it is my opinion?

LB

“does this mean that the japanese right wingers should get over the fact they lost the war, and stop driving black vans around, and stop pressuring the LDP to go to yasakuni?”
Yes.

And I thought you weren’t posting here anymore because you were tired of “Japanophiles” directing “ad hominem attacks” against you? You know, things like “…LB (strange how its always you)”. Pot…kettle… fill in the rest yourself.
LB

Thank you for showing your true colors.

Yes, I remember the discussion about the F-35. But the “F-22 deal” did not “fall through”, there was never any deal to start with. The whole idea was a non-starter, the US is not about to sell the Raptor to anyone. Everyone who knew anything about aviation knew that from Day One. Just as they know the JASDF is, well, shall we say “less than thrilled” with the idea of buying the F-35. They are looking for an interceptor to replace the F-15J, not another strike fighter. The F-35 does not fill the JASDF’s requirement. I would look to see Typhoons or Superhornets with Hinomaru on them long before F-35s. But I recall you said you wrote a defense white paper on the issue? I would really like to see that. Honestly. Is it online anywhere?
LB

Apologies, indeed you didn’t:
Comment by jason black
2009-03-23 00:07:59

LB, please read the Ministry of Defence report I wrote in 2003, where I highlighted this issue.

So, is this report online? I would be interested in reading it.

Japanese government apologizes to former POWs

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