Boy, the LDP really knows how to pick a leader. First the unapologetic dick Koizumi, now a man with even greater levels of dick-ishness, Shinzo Abe surprises no one by winning the leadership of Japan's ruling party.
The article is coy, saying it's "unclear" whether this will affect South Korean and Chinese relations. I'd say it'll become pretty clear the next time Abe opens his mouth about history texts, or goes to Yasukuni.
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For all of the things that I greatly about about Japan, its people and its culture, this issue in particular greatly disappoints me. Pity nobody in power over there has the courage to simply admit a mistake was made and to fully apologize.
Part of it may be reluctance to publicly admit guilt, for there would be a flurry of demands for financial compensation throughout eastern Asia.
Well, Japan has apologized and made reparations for the war in China and South Korea, so they'd be on pretty solid ground to avoid future reparations.
It would just be nice if they could stop re-writing their history books - literally - with old Imperial propaganda.
Japan has made some reparations, but my understanding is that it is nowhere near what Germany repaid to its victims, and not even in the same LEAGUE as what countries like China and South Korea have demanded.
Could someone give me some more insight into this guy. I've heard him described as "right wing" and "militaristic" but also as "pragmatic" and likely to improve relations with neighbours. Both obviously can't be true, and I'm sure, as always, the truth is in the middle, but I'd like to hear some perspectives from people who know more than I about him (which means anyone really!).
I'm actually *mildly* optimistic about Abe and the Yakusuni shrine. Because while Koizumi's been totally open about visiting the shrine, Abe's only been rumoured to and has been careful not to confirm that rumour. Also, Abe has listed improving relations with China as one of his top priorities.
Hopefully, he will continue this pattern of keeping his visits private meditations instead of the defiant show that Koizumi put on.
It's weird that Japan has so many nationalist leaders when the ordinary Japanese people I've met seemed all peacenik and anti-military. :?
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