Japan’s government has publicly and frequently apologized for the evils of the Showa Era. Unfortunately, frequent statements…minimizing the extent of war crimes seriously undermined the credibility of its apologies.

Without a more globally adept workforce, Japan risks falling behind — yet the path to ‘globalize’ its insular labor pool will not come cheap or easy.

Japan’s handling of the ‘history issue’ is relevant to American interests in Asia… Anti-Japanese feelings, inflamed every time a politician denies the comfort women, make it harder for the U.S. to manage its alliances.

Abe’s strong alliance stance makes him a valuable U.S. partner, but his nationalist agenda sometimes complicates Washington’s diplomacy in Asia.

History shows that emotional issues like abductions are best resolved through hard bargaining and incentives, not just rhetoric or sanctions.