Japan reiterates apologies for WWII atrocities

The Japanese government on Tuesday reiterated its apologies for the “hardships and pain” they inflicted on many Filipinos 70 years ago during the World War II.                    “Seventy years have passed since those cruel days. I wish to pay my greatest tribute to those who endured hardships and pain. I solemnly pray for those souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe said in his speech during the Philippines’ commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Mt. Samat, Bataan.   “I also hereby express our heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse for the tragedy,” he added.   He said the Japanese today are a far cry from the Japanese of past generations as they are now “solidly behind the peace constitution.”   Urabe also thanked Filipinos for helping the Japanese people during trying times, particularly after last year’s earthquake and the ensuing tsunami and nuclear accident.                                                           He said that despite all the suffering during the war, Filipinos chose to stay with the Japanese in Fukushima even after the nuclear accident that resulted from the earthquake and tsunami.   He also expressed appreciation for the statement of President Benigno Aquino III last year that the Philippines has had no greater friends than the United States and Japan.   Urabe said the US is now their closest ally as he cited the 15 naval vessels, 140 aircraft and 16,000 personnel deployed by the latter to help them after the disaster last year.   “They were hand in hand with the Japanese clearing the debris and transporting relief goods. It was a moment when many ordinary Japanese recognized that a friend in need is a real friend,” he said.   He also thanked past Philippine leaders for having the wisdom to overcome the bitterness and choosing the strong alliance they enjoy today.   “It is the responsibility of our generation and those who follow us to continue on this path by sharing fundamental values such as democracy, freedom, respect for human rights, and rule of law,” the Japanese envoy said.   “We have… common ground. Peace and prosperity for all is what we seek. Sa pagkakaisa tayo ay malakas, sa pagkawatak-watak tayo ay babagsak,” he added.   Japan has expressed apologies for the atrocities of World War II since 2009 in the US.   In his speech, Aquino noted the alliance between the Philippines and Japan, saying history teaches that violence brings nothing.   “Ang bansang dating kalaban ay isa nang kaibigan. Ngayon, nabubuhay na tayo nang mapayapa, at natutuhan ang aral ng kasaysayan: walang naidudulot ang karahasan; hindi matatamo ang kaunlaran kung hindi makikipag-ugnayan sa mga karatig-bansa; nasa interes ng lahat ang pakikipagtulungan,” he said.   “Matagal nang natuyo ang dugong dumanak sa ating mga lupain; tinangay na ng hangin ang amoy ng pulbura; at naibsan na ang hapdi sa pagbabalik-tanaw,” Aquino added. — KBK/HS, GMA News