Japanese Anti-War Activist Says Tokyo Must Reckon With Its History of Aggression

Nahoko Hishiyama, a Japanese peace activist, asserts that Japan must directly confront its history of aggression and colonial rule, particularly in light of the upcoming August 15 National Liberation Day in Korea. This day marks Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, while in Japan, it is officially recognized as the "Memorial Day for the End of the War."

Hishiyama argues that Japan's official framing of August 15 "glosses over and downplays Japan's history of aggression." She stated, "Celebrating the end of a war is the same as celebrating one's 'freedom' that comes with an armistice. That phrase does not begin to cover the pain of the many Asian victims from Korea, China, Mongolia, Okinawa, and other regions, who passed away in anguish during the war."

Her activism centers on promoting peace without war or hatred, fostering empathy with victims across national borders, and building solidarity within civil society. Hishiyama is a co-head of a coalition actively opposing revisions to Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war. The group is campaigning against efforts by the Japanese government and far-right elements to remove or alter this pacifist clause.

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In Japan, Aug. 15 is officially celebrated as the ‘end of World War II,’ when in fact, it should be remembered as the day ‘Japan was defeated.’

Hishiyama participated in a joint forum for Korean and Japanese citizens focused on overcoming colonialism and achieving peace in East Asia. This event was organized by a coalition of groups dedicated to historical justice and peaceful relations between the two nations. She also attended the Butterfly Festival, a commemoration for the International Memorial Day for the Japanese Military "Comfort Women," and joined a rally organized by Korean civic groups on National Liberation Day.

Concerns are mounting for Hishiyama regarding the potential erosion of Japan's "pacifist constitution," largely anchored by Article 9. This article stipulates that Japan will not maintain armed forces with war potential and renounces war. However, with the conservative Liberal Democratic Party securing a significant majority in the House of Representatives election earlier this year, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has repeatedly indicated intentions to revise the constitution.

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Celebrating the end of a war is the same as celebrating one’s ‘freedom’ that comes with an armistice. That phrase does not begin to cover the pain of the many Asian victims from Korea, China, Mongolia, Okinawa, and other regions, who passed away in anguish during the war.