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Referring to the July 21 letters “Japan’s history” and “War crimes,” I would like to draw attention to a statement issued by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in August 1995 at the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. In this statement, Japan acknowledged that it caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations, through its colonial rule and aggression, and expressed its deep remorse and heartfelt apology.
Succeeding prime ministers have repeated this sentiment of apology and remorse, and this basic recognition remains unchanged among the members of the current cabinet.
