Japan’s History Problem

Robert Dujarric examines the enduring shadow that history casts over Japan’s international relations, particularly with China and South Korea. He describes how unresolved issues from World War II – such as debates over the sincerity of Japan’s apologies, the content of history textbooks, and officials’ visits to Yasukuni Shrine – continually sour Tokyo’s ties with its neighbors. This “history problem” means that even in periods of positive diplomacy, a single provocative statement or action related to the war can reignite distrust and anger in Beijing or Seoul.

Dujarric notes that this is not only a bilateral issue but also affects the United States, which counts both Japan and South Korea as allies; friction between them complicates regional alliance coordination. He argues that Japan needs a more coherent and heartfelt approach to war memory: genuine acknowledgment of past wrongs and consistency in its leaders’ messages. However, he also alludes to the fact that Chinese and Korean politics play a role in keeping history alive as a point of contention. The article suggests that all sides must eventually depoliticize history – but especially that Japan’s attempts at addressing its past must be perceived as credible. Until then, the “history problem” will remain a stumbling block to Japan’s full diplomatic normalization in East Asia.