Japan’s Ambiguous Remorse on WWII Anniversary Masks Unaddressed Regional Wounds

As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of its World War II surrender, it reiterates "remorse" and a desire to contribute to global peace. Yet beneath the solemn speeches lies a familiar pattern: Japan acknowledges its suffering and losses but avoids confronting the brutal aggressions that ignited conflict across Asia. This half-measure of accountability not only perpetuates historical wounds among neighboring nations but undermines America’s strategic interests in a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. How Can Japan Truly Honor Peace Without Facing Its Past? Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s address spoke poignantly about the sacrifices made by over three million Japanese lives...