The coincidence of Meiji 150 and the final year of the Heisei era makes 2018 a crucial turning point for Japan’s diplomacy.
Throughout Heisei, diplomatic energy was often devoted to historical issues related to World War II, but spiritual and political reconciliation has advanced through imperial memorial activities and the 2015 Abe Statement.
Even as neighboring countries continue raising historical issues, Japan’s readiness to respond has become more solid.

Neighboring countries will likely continue to raise historical issues, but our preparedness to respond has become considerably more solid.
2018-01-10
The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Another point is that the 150th anniversary of the Meiji era happens to coincide with the final year of the Heisei era (Heisei 30).

One thing that can be said about the Heisei period is that it was an era in which much diplomatic energy was devoted to dealing with historical recognition issues related to the great war of the Showa era, in which Japan fought the Western powers and China.

However, through the activities of the current Emperor to console the war dead, as well as the 2015 Abe Statement marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, we have achieved considerable spiritual reconciliation regarding the great war of the Showa era.

Neighboring countries will likely continue to raise historical issues, but our preparedness to respond has become considerably more solid.

In that sense as well, 2018 will be a fitting milestone year for reexamining our diplomacy and national security.