The coincidence of Meiji 150 and the final year of the Heisei era makes 2018 a symbolic turning point for Japan’s diplomacy and security policy.
As Japan continues to address historical issues from the Showa era, its stance toward recurring historical disputes with neighboring countries has grown increasingly firm.

Neighboring countries will continue to raise historical issues, but Japan’s readiness 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 era is that it was a period in which much diplomatic energy was often consumed in dealing with historical recognition issues related to the Showa-era war against the Western powers and China.
However, through His Majesty the Emperor’s activities to慰霊 the war dead, and through the Abe Statement of 2015 marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the war, our spiritual and psychological reconciliation with the Showa-era war has progressed considerably.
Neighboring countries will continue to bring up historical issues, but our readiness to respond has become much more solid.
In that sense as well, 2018 will be a fitting milestone year for us to reexamine our diplomacy and national security.