Japan is approaching its 80th anniversary of surrendering in World War II, and the world is waiting for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s declaration on the country’s past mistakes. The statement, made by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decade ago, acknowledged Japan’s past errors and set out its future goals.
Abe’s 2015 speech was a significant moment, following previous leaders’ apologies at the 50th and 60th anniversaries of Japan’s involvement in World War II. Expectations were high, but tensions with China and South Korea ran high as well. The international community was eager to know if Abe would use specific phrases like “invasion” or avoid them.
Abe’s declaration was seen as a crucial moment, especially given his reputation for being often misunderstood as “revisionist” or “ultra-nationalist.” However, his speech emphasized the need to learn from Japan’s past and move forward. Today, this message remains relevant, and it is imperative that Kishida understands its significance in shaping Japan’s future relationship with its neighbors.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-08-14/abe-made-the-perfect-war-statement-it-should-stand