Yukio Hatoyama, former Prime Minister of Japan, marked the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression with a rare public gesture of reflection. Speaking at the memorial event, Hatoyama emphasized the need for Japan to confront its wartime history, stating he attended with "a heart of apology" despite facing domestic criticism.
Hatoyama praised Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent remarks distinguishing Japan's wartime militarist leaders from its civilian population. "President Xi rightly noted that the wrongdoers were the militarist invaders, not ordinary Japanese people," he said. The former leader stressed that acknowledging historical truths is essential for fostering mutual respect and stabilizing Japan-China relations amid rising regional tensions.
His comments come as East Asia navigates complex geopolitical shifts, with analysts noting growing interest from global investors and policymakers in historical reconciliation's role in economic cooperation. The memorial event drew representatives from over 20 countries and regions, underscoring its significance in contemporary Asian diplomacy.
