Even when initially rejected by emotional barriers, facts inevitably begin to speak for themselves. This article emphasizes Japan’s duty to strengthen public and private information efforts in confronting historical issues, inspired by the integrity of Yoshiko Sakurai and the resolve of the Abe administration.

2016-02-06

The following is a continuation of the previous chapter.

(All emphases within the text, other than the heading, are mine.)

As Japanese living in the same era, we should feel a deep sense of gratitude for having Yoshiko Sakurai among us.

We should be profoundly thankful that a genuine and authentic figure existed in Japan—standing in complete opposition to the vulgar people who, with minds brainwashed by the Asahi Shimbun and represented by figures such as Kenzaburō Ōe, have long believed themselves to be the finest intellects and paragons of righteousness.

Facts Begin to Speak for Themselves

The international community—and even the United Nations—will listen if Japan transmits information properly.

Even if facts are initially rejected, blocked by emotional barriers, they will inevitably begin to speak for themselves.

That is precisely why, in order to prevail in historical issues, Japan must strengthen its information dissemination efforts through both government and private sectors.

We must never give up.

The Liberal Democratic Party has already established the “Headquarters for Learning from History and Thinking about the Future” directly under the party president, and held its first meeting at the end of the year.

The tasks entrusted to this body are immense, as it will examine not only the comfort women issue, but also the Nanjing Incident and the Tokyo Trials.

However, this alone is not sufficient.

There is a need to further intensify efforts—more than ever before—to present documents and data unearthed and collected by historians, researchers, and journalists, and to disseminate facts both domestically and internationally.

With this agreement, Japan has achieved a short-term national interest by improving its security environment.

The attitude of the United States—Japan’s sole ally—toward Japan has also improved.

Prime Minister Abe can now conduct diplomacy without being ensnared by historical issues.

Conditions have been created in which Japan can calmly and confidently demand that China adhere to sound values such as democracy and the rule of law.

To be continued.