Japanese Peace Activist Stands by Statue of Peace: 'We Must Reflect on Victims' Pain'

Japanese peace activist Hisayama Naoko visited the "Statue of Peace" near the former Japanese Embassy in Seoul, stressing the importance of remembering the suffering of Asian victims of Japan's wartime aggression. She argued that Japan should refer to August 15th not as "End of War Memorial Day" but as "Defeat Day," asserting that calling it the "end of war" minimizes and glorifies Japan's history of invasion.

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August 15th is commemorated as 'End of War Memorial Day' in Japan, but it should be called 'Defeat Day.' We must not glorify Japan's history of invasion by reducing it to the 'end of war.'

Naoko, who co-represents "Rallies to Protect Article 9," an organization fighting against the Japanese government and right-wing attempts to revise the peace constitution, expressed concern about Japan's potential remilitarization. She stated, "Japanese conservatives claim China is trying to invade Japan and advocate for rearmament, but I am worried about a situation where Japan rearming threatens the world." She also offered a critical assessment of recent Japanese government overtures toward South Korea, viewing them as politically calculated moves driven by deteriorating relations with China rather than genuine remorse.

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'End of War Memorial Day' means 'The war is over, so let's celebrate,' but that phrase contains no mention of the suffering of Asian victims who died in the war in Korea, China, Mongolia, and Okinawa.

Naoko emphasized that true peace stems from citizen solidarity, not calculated government diplomacy. She praised the South Korean civic movement, particularly the "Candlelight Protests" that led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, calling the democratic achievements "astonishing." She has worked to bring these lessons to Japan, noting a growing sense of democracy and historical awareness among young people there, citing a recent constitutional defense rally of over 50,000 people in Tokyo.

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Japanese conservatives claim China is trying to invade Japan and advocate for rearmament, but I am worried about a situation where Japan rearming threatens the world.

Despite the challenges, including disruptive counter-protests by hate groups, Naoko remains hopeful. She observed that many Japanese people feel a close connection to Korea, with some even choosing Korean-style names for their children. While acknowledging this could be seen as a superficial engagement with history compared to the forced name changes during the Japanese colonial era, she views it as an opportunity to overcome historical barriers. Naoko believes that citizen diplomacy between Japan and South Korea will soon wield significant power.

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It's not just that they can't afford to ruin relations with South Korea when their relationship with China has worsened. It's an action based on political calculation, not an apology.