This article examines debates in the United States over the atomic bombings and the issue of apologies, arguing that Japan should not seek moral superiority by demanding apologies or compensation. Such an approach, it contends, is incompatible with Japan’s historical consciousness and national pride.

May 13, 2016

What follows is a continuation of the previous chapter.

“History and Pride”

At present, it is said that public opinion in the United States strongly supports the justification of the atomic bombings.
However, at a deeper level of consciousness, there may well be an awareness of them as a negative chapter in the nation’s own history.

Even within the United States, opinions appear to be divided over whether an apology is necessary.

In reality, the Japanese government had already concluded from the outset that “an apology from the United States is one hundred percent impossible,” according to a senior official.
In any case, there is no need for Japan, as the side receiving President Obama, to demand an apology or compensation.

That is something for the United States to consider and decide on its own.

A style of seeking moral superiority by pressing another country for apologies or reparations does not suit Japan.

I am reminded of words spoken twenty years ago, in Heisei 8, when I was covering the local comfort women issue in Indonesia, by Jamal Ali, then 83 years old, chairman of the English-language newspaper The Indonesia Times.

“We have a history and a pride different from those of Korea and China.
We would never demand ‘Give us money’—not even from the Netherlands, which ruled our country for 360 years.”

To be continued.