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Following Korea, Japan's relationship with China also worsened. But the crisis had already passed its peak, and I have a good opportunity to review the history since the Meiji Restoration.

Japan, China and Korea's perspectives shown in their history textbooks

Japan, China and Korea share the Far East Asia regions for about one hundred years of modern history and through the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War and the Pacific War, Japan performed an assailant, and China and Korea were the victims. Therefore in Japan's school textbooks, Japan thins down the assailant role as much as possible with China and Korea emphasizing their roles as victims. I think the tension between the relationships of Japan and the countries are amplified because of such an artificial gap.

The history since the Meiji Restoration, of Japan becoming a modern state in a very short period of time and successfully preventing the country from being invaded by the great world powers, deserves our pride of the Japanese. Especially when Emperor Meiji's Five Clauses of the Charter Oath comprised of unbelievable modern and democratic spirits. Such thoughts were perhaps fomented after Imperialist and Pro-Shogunate patriots started killing each other and realized that such actions were futile.

Saigo, Mao, Pol Pot

Such religious or philosophic spirits were seen in the famous imperialist leader Takamori Saigo's sayings and deeds but it was sad that such a philosophic man of integrity became an exponent to conquer Korea. However such regrettable actions were not only seen in Japan. We had heard that the great Chinese leader, Mao Zedong, had sacrificed the lives of many people during the Great Leap Forward(1958-1960) and the Cultural Revolution(1966-1976). Mao is still being honored as a great leader in China but Cambodia's Red Revolution hero Pol Pot's fate was tragic.

　

Hideki Tojo and Hitler’s Leaven

To confess and repent from history does not mean to convict Hideki Tojo or Adolf Hitler of war criminals and to bury their names behind history. The yeast in their hearts may also exist in our hearts. If we do not find the reason that caused people of such geniuses, religious spirits and lofty ideas to commit such deadly sins, we may also repeat similar actions.

Yasukuni Shrine is a place to reflect on history

It is said that the Yasukuni Shrine was originally established to worship the spirits of the patriots who were sacrificed during the Meiji Restoration. If we Japanese review our own history since the Meiji Restoration and decide to inherit not only assets but also debits from our forefather, and swearing to redempt all debits to realize eternal peace in this world, China, together with Korea and other neighboring countries may understand.

True reflections aufheben territorial disputes in the world

If we really confess and repent from history and find the yeast which caused our sin, not only can we resolve the issues of dominium of Takeshima Island and Senkaku Islands, but also the relationship issues of North and South Korea, and Taiwan and mainland China. Even the Middle East Conflict may resolve. At least we can light a fire of that hope. (Eko-an-Hensho-koji 2005/04/27)

Reference:

　

Oath in Five Articles

　

1. Deliberative assemblies shall be established and all measures of government decided in accordance with public opinion.

　

2. All classes, high and low, shall unite in vigorously carrying out the affairs of State.

　

3. All common people, no less than the civil and military officials, shall be allowed to fulfill their just desires, so that there may not be any discontent among them.

　

4. All the absurd usages of old shall be broken through, and equity and justice to be found in the workings of nature shall serve as the basis of action.

　

5. Wisdom and knowledge shall be sought throughout the world for the purpose of promoting the welfare of the Empire.

　

　

Takamori Saigo (1827-1877)

Takamori Saigo was born the eldest son of a lower-ranking samurai family on Feb. 7, 1827, in Kagoshima, the castle town of the Satsuma domain. He is said to have shown determination, a warm heart and willingness to learn from others from an early age. As a youth, he showed much interest in both Wang Yang-ming Confucianism and Zen Buddhism, both of which stressed the importance of acting on individual conscience.

Saigo was one of the principal leaders responsible for the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate. He helped set in motion the forces that led to the Meiji Restoration, which restored direct imperial rule to Japan under the Meiji emperor, Mutsuhito.

In the new government he was an imperial adviser, and in 1873 he advocated war with Korea in order to relieve lower-ranking samurais who became poorer during the Meiji restoration. When his advice was rejected, he and a group of dissidents retired from the government. He eventually revolted against the Meiji government in 1877 but he and his followers were defeated by imperial troops, and Saigo committed suicide.

　

Hideki Tojo

Hideki Tojo, born in 1884 in Tokyo, was Prime Minister of Japan when the attack on Pearl Harbour took place plunging the Far East into a war which was to end with the destruction of Hiroshima in August 1945. For his part in leading Japan into World War Two, Tojo was executed as a war criminal. (http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/hideki_tojo.htm)

　

Yeast

How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.　(Matthew16-11)