Japan should face up to historical facts and seriously reflect on its history of aggression, with both the government and civil society playing vital roles in this effort, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said at the 13th World Peace Forum (WPF) on Thursday in Beijing.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Themed "advancing global peace and prosperity: shared responsibility, benefit and achievement," the forum, which runs from Wednesday to Friday, brings together leading strategists, senior policymakers and former political leaders.
"It is highly regrettable that Japan has not fully faced up to that part of its history. One clear example of this is the issue with the textbooks. It is important to have the history of aggression and the wrongdoings committed by Japan written into textbooks in a serious and reflective manner so that the children can learn from it," said the former Japanese prime minister.
Hatoyama prioritized developing relations with China during his tenure as prime minister. After leaving office, he has focused on fostering Japan-China friendship and cooperation.
He said that the attitude of acknowledging and repenting for the history of aggression should gradually spread in Japan, and he himself is committed to promoting that.
Japan should seriously reflect on its history of aggression: former Japanese prime minister
