Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating Murayama Statement said Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan have violated international law and severely damaged Japan-China relations.
"The Taiwan question is an internal affair of China. In 1972, the governments of Japan and China signed the Japan-China Joint Communiqué, which confirmed the fact that Taiwan belongs to China. Takaichi's remarks this time trampled on the historical process to date and ignore the fundamental principles of international law. They can only be described as extremely problematic and foolish remarks," said Fujita.
Fujita said the 1995 Murayama Statement expressed deep remorse for Japan's colonial rule and aggression to countries including China, while Takaichi's recent remarks run counter to the statement's spirit.
"[I believe] the Murayama Statement expressed deep reflection on the enormous harm Japan's war of aggression caused to the Chinese people and offered a solemn apology, pledging never to repeat such mistakes. Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan obviously deny the spirit of the Murayama Statement and are foolish comments tantamount to trampling on the Murayama Statement," he said.
Fujita added that Takaichi's actions have severely harmed the bilateral relations and undermined the interests of the Japanese public.
"Today, China and Japan have extremely close economic relations. Japan imports a large amount of daily necessities from China. Once relations deteriorate, it is the Japanese people who will suffer. For this reason, the consequences of Takaichi's words and actions are extremely serious. Any attempt to lead the country toward war, or any remarks with the intention of war, must never be allowed," Fujita said.
Takaichi's comments severely damage Japan-China relations: scholar
Takaichi's comments severely damage Japan-China relations: scholar
A public seminar held in Nagoya on Saturday gathered scholars and citizens critical of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on China's Taiwan region, calling them irresponsible and dangerous for regional stability.
At a Diet meeting in early November 2025, Takaichi claimed that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan and implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, drawing strong criticism nationwide.
Seminar participants said that Takaichi's wrongful remarks on Taiwan are leading Japan toward war, calling such thinking extremely dangerous.
"This is not just about the so-called 'Taiwan emergency'. Her words imply war. How can she not understand that? It's beyond belief," said one attendee.
Members of civil society and experts on China-Japan relations were especially alarmed about the geopolitical implications of Takaichi's stance.
"This is the first time since World War II that Japan has hinted at the possibility of war with China. It's a very serious matter, which sparks vigilance from China naturally and heightens tensions across East Asia. Takaichi must be held accountable for the consequence," said Noriyuki Kawamura, president of the Tokai Japan-China Relations Society.
Participants also criticized Takaichi's abrupt decision to dissolve the Japanese House of Representatives, branding it another rash move amid political instability.
Takaichi on Monday announced her plan to dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23, and her cabinet formally adopted the decision on Friday. Official campaigning for the snap general election is set to begin on January 27, with voting scheduled for February 8.
"What Japan truly needs is stability, both political and economic. Only through stability can we achieve economic development and social progress," said one participant.
"Japan's domestic situation is already dire. No matter who is in power, the government should focus on doing the basics right at home first," said another attendee.
Seminar attendees call Japan PM's remarks on China's Taiwan irresponsible, dangerous for peace
