Japan’s War Memory Fades Amid Controversy Over Remorse and Revisionism

On the solemn occasion of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, a critical fissure remains in how this nation confronts its wartime past—a struggle that resonates far beyond Tokyo and into the heart of international security concerns vital to American interests.Can Japan Truly Face Its Past Without Distorting History?Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s rare use of the word “remorse” in his August 15 address signals a momentary reawakening to acknowledge the mistakes of militarism. Yet, this gesture contrasts sharply with a disturbing pattern of denial and revisionism resurfacing in Japanese politics. Rightwing politicians continue to honor war criminals...