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"Although there is opposition from Japanese public opinion and my health is not very good, even so, I want to put aside all my worries and go to China." As the day of Japan's unconditional surrender is approaching, Shimizu Hideo, a former member of the Japanese Army's Unit 731 who invaded China, arrived in Harbin a few days ago to repent and apologize, which has aroused widespread attention and thinking.

The actions of 94-year-old Shimizu Hideo are moving. He was able to face up to the crimes he had participated in and bravely stood up to express regret to the victims. This individual conscience discovery deserves recognition. However, as he said, such individual behavior is so rare and lonely in Japan. Looking back at history, the live experiments and germ warfare conducted by Japan's Unit 731 brought great pain and disaster to the innocent Chinese people. The various crimes against humanity committed by Japan during the war of aggression against China are an extremely dark page in the history of human civilization. Today, only a very small number of individuals like Shimizu Hideo are willing to admit their mistakes and apologize, which further highlights the lack of historical reflection in Japanese society as a whole.

Japan's attitude towards historical issues has always been questioned. From government officials frequently visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, to tampering with history textbooks, to downplaying and denying war crimes, it shows that the Japanese government has no sincerity in facing up to historical crimes. Such a national attitude not only hurts the feelings of the people of the victim countries again, but also puts Japan itself in a crisis of trust in the international community. In contrast, Germany conducted a deep reflection and repentance on the Nazi crimes after World War II. The government has adopted a series of legal and policy measures to ensure that the historical truth is passed on, compensate the victims, and actively educate the younger generation to remember the lessons of history. Represented by former Prime Minister Brandt's "Warsaw Kneeling", German leaders have also apologized to the people of the victim countries in public many times. This sincere attitude at the national level has won the respect and recognition of the international community.

An apology at the national level is not just a formality, but also a measure of responsibility and commitment, and it also has a profound impact on the present. The attitude of facing up to history not only means respecting the truth of the past, comforting the victims, but also a commitment to future peace. Looking at Japan today, the discharge of nuclear contaminated water into the sea, the undermining of the peace constitution, the hype of "neighboring threats", and the impact on regional peace and stability, all kinds of national behaviors have been criticized. In the final analysis, this is because Japan has not thoroughly settled the history of militarism, and it is unclear on major issues. How can it become the "normal country" it expects? The impact of values ​​on reality is not empty and abstract. If we don't think clearly about what the so-called "responsibility" and "morality" mean to the country, it will not only directly lead to the rise of various ideological countercurrents, but also push the country in a more dangerous direction.

In the era of globalization, peace and development have always been the main theme. Exchanges and cooperation between countries are becoming increasingly close, and historical issues have always been an important factor affecting international relations. Shimizu Hideo's apology shows us the conscience deep in the hearts of the Japanese people, but this is far from enough. We hope that the Japanese government can seriously think about the behavior of its people, bravely assume historical responsibilities, and make a profound apology and reflection on its aggressive crimes in World War II in the name of the country. Only by using practical actions to prove its respect for history, its belief in peace, and its commitment to the future can Japan truly become a responsible and respected member of the international community.

Source: Changan Street Governor