In a moving gesture at the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Yukio Hatoyama, former prime minister of Japan, attended the commemoration in Beijing with a spirit of reflection and apology 🙇.
Despite some criticism back home in Japan, Hatoyama stressed it’s crucial to confront the darker chapters of history and learn from them. He said he came 'with a heart of apology' and believed Japan must acknowledge its past honestly before building a better future 🌱.
He praised President Xi Jinping’s remarks, which drew a clear line between the militarist invaders and the general Japanese people. Xi highlighted that the wrongdoers were the militarists, not ordinary citizens — a point Hatoyama warmly welcomed 🤝.
Looking ahead, Hatoyama called for continued dialogue and mutual respect between Japan and China. By facing history together, he said both nations can foster trust and cooperation for generations to come.
What do you think about this historic step? Share your thoughts below! 💬
Reference(s):
Former Japanese PM: I attended memorial with a heart of apology
cgtn.com
