While Germany has decided recently to compensate survivors of the Nazi slave-labour system, Japan is busy distorting and glorifying its wartime history, a move that has sparked strong opposition from China and South Korea. In the writer‘s view, the contrasting attitudes by Germany and Japan have led to opposite results： the former has gained the respect and trust from the international community and the latter has drawn criticism and distrust.
Comparison is a good way to tell one thing from another. The attitudes of Germany and Japan towards history, for instance, demonstrate clearly the difference between honesty and hypocrisy as well as wisdom and stupidity.
This is further illustrated by a recent example. While the German government has decided to compensate survivors of the Nazi slave-labour system and assume other responsibilities, Japan has chosen to whitewash its infamous past.
After World War II, Germany and Japan have both made remarkable progress in various fields and won the admiration of many. But on the issue of history, the approaches that they have taken are poles apart. Germany has won bouquets for its courage and honesty in facing up to history. On the contrary, by resorting to ways and means to deny its responsibility, Japan has failed to win the trust of other countries.
The impression we get of Japan in our daily life is that of an admirable and fabulous country. Very few people, I think, will disagree with such a view.
Heart-warming and hopelessly romantic Japanese drama serials are all the rage now in Asian cities and even villages. The teenyboppers just never seem to get enough of their heart-throbs and may even yearn for the same romantic experience.
To many, buying and using Japanese products are also a joy. The attractive packaging, eye-catching style, modern design and dazzling innovations are all manifestations of the ingenuity and perseverance of the Japanese in their pursuit of material comfort.
Most Japanese whom we come into contact with would also leave us with a good impression - they are usually well-mannered and courteous. People who have been to Japan would have found them rather rule-abiding at public places. Commuters at Tokyo subway stations who are packed like sardines remain orderly - putting unruly passengers in many Asian cities to shame.
But when we cast our minds back to 50 years ago and start focusing on political and historical issues, we will probably promptly stop singing the praises of Japan.
Japan had invaded its many Asian neighbours and its military was notorious for its wartime atrocities. These countries have lagged behind in development for a long time as a result of the suffering brought upon them. Still, they are prepared to be forgiving and let bygones be bygones - so long as Japan admits to that part of the history.
Unfortunately, for Japan, the admission of guilt and repentance seems an impossible task. More than 50 years after the war, while it has proven its might in many fields, it simply does not have the wisdom and courage to face history and take responsibility.
Indeed, to say that the Japanese lack courage is being rather polite and generous. They are many instances to show that for Japanese leaders, it is not just a question of courage - even their sincerity and conscience are suspect.
The right-wingers in Japan are attempting to gloss over the country‘s ugly past with revised secondary textbook. Worse still, the Japanese government has ignored strong opposition and condemnation from its Asian neighbours and given the textbook the green light. It is clear that the Japanese have always have courage - what they lack is a sense of righteousness.
As in the case of the revised textbook, visits by Japanese political leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine for the war dead are also an act of glorifying the past. The more its Asian neighbours oppose such behaviour, the more determined the Japanese political leaders are in doing things their way. Japanese often complain that their neighbours cling on to historical baggage. In fact, it is the Japanese themselves who are guilty of this.
Japan loses more than it gains with its contemptible denial and distortion of history, which is in stark contrast to Germany‘s positive attitude. Germany’s courage to own up to its mistakes and be responsible for them is the reason why it has won the respect and acceptance of its European neighbours, and is able to live harmoniously with other members of the European Union.
There is nothing Japan can do to cover up its ugly past - using little tricks to try to hide it serves only to discredit itself.
（The writer is a Specialist Writer of Lianhe Zaobao.Translated by Yap Gee Poh）
前事不忘,后事之師
杜平
近日,德國決定為納粹時期的受害者作出賠償,而日本卻在竄改和美化侵略歷史,并引起了中韓兩國的強烈反對。作者認為,德日兩國截然不同的態(tài)度導(dǎo)致了完全不同的結(jié)果：前者贏得了世人的尊重和信任,而后者恰恰相反。
南京*紀念館。
常言道,有比較才有鑒別。只要把德國和日本對待歷史的態(tài)度比較一下,人們便很容易發(fā)現(xiàn)誠實與虛偽之分,智慧與愚昧之別。
以最近的事情為例,當?shù)聡疄榧{粹時期的外國勞工作出賠償并承擔其他責任的時候,日本*卻在歷史問題上文過飾非,掩耳盜鈴。
自從二戰(zhàn)結(jié)束以來,德日兩國在很多領(lǐng)域都取得了卓越的成就,贏得了世人的欽佩。但盡管如此,由于兩國對歷史問題采取截然不同的態(tài)度,人們對它們的整體看法也就受到很大影響。因為勇于和誠實地面對歷史,所以德國的國際形象得到提高；因為千方百計逃避歷史責任,所以日本在政治上一直難以贏得別國的信任。
大概沒有多少人會懷疑,我們在日常生活中所感受到的日本,其實是一個賞心悅目和令人生羨的國度。
在亞洲的城市和鄉(xiāng)村,充滿溫情和纏綿悱惻的日本電視劇到處都受歡迎。尤其是那些情竇初開的少男少女,更容易癡迷于美麗的愛情故事,甚至對那種浪漫的生活產(chǎn)生憧憬之情。
對很多人來說,購買和使用日本商品,也是一種生活情趣的享受。精美的包裝、溫馨的風格、符合現(xiàn)代時尚的設(shè)計和令人眼花繚亂的花樣翻新,還有許多許多,無一不體現(xiàn)出日本人的聰明才智和對物質(zhì)文明的不懈追求。
我們所接觸的日本人,也大多印象良好。他們謙讓恭敬,彬彬有禮。而到過日本的人,也會發(fā)現(xiàn)他們在公共場所很守規(guī)矩。東京地鐵雖然擁擠,但秩序井然。相比之下,亞洲其他城市恐怕都要自慚形*。
然而,在談?wù)撊毡镜臅r候,時空概念必須適可而止。如果把時間往前延伸50年,把話題擴展到政治和歷史領(lǐng)域,那么,日本就不再那么可愛了。
日本曾經(jīng)侵略過亞洲許多鄰國,在戰(zhàn)爭期間有過非常殘忍的不人道行徑,并最終導(dǎo)致這些鄰國的發(fā)展進程長期滯后。但是,過去畢竟都已經(jīng)過去,只要日本承認那段歷史,所有受害國都愿意敞開寬恕的胸懷。
可是,對日本來說,像德國那樣認錯和懺悔是如此之艱難。在戰(zhàn)爭結(jié)束50多年之后,日本人雖然在很多高難領(lǐng)域無堅不摧,但唯獨在歷史問題上,缺乏承擔責任的智慧和勇氣。
老實說,批評日本人缺乏勇氣,只是一種非?？酥坪蛯捜莸脑u斷。很多事件都在說明,日本政治家和當權(quán)者何止是缺乏勇氣,他們連起碼的政治誠意和道德良心都受到懷疑。
日本右翼勢力企圖通過修改中學(xué)教材,來竄改和美化那段骯臟的歷史。不僅如此,在亞洲鄰國強烈的反對和譴責聲中,日本政府竟然充耳不聞,堅持為那種臭名昭著的教材大開綠燈。由此可見,日本人從來就不缺乏勇氣,他們?nèi)鄙俚闹皇钦龤狻?BR> 與修改教材一樣,日本政治領(lǐng)袖參拜靖國神社,同樣是一種美化歷史的行徑。但是,亞洲鄰國越是反對,他們就越是一意孤行。日本人經(jīng)常抱怨自己的鄰國死抱歷史不放,其實,舍不得拋開歷史包袱的人,恰恰是日本人自己。
看看德國的態(tài)度,人們就更加覺得日本否認和竄改歷史是何其齷齪,何其得不償失。德國之所以受到歐洲鄰國的尊重和接納,之所以能夠與歐盟其他國家和諧地融為一體,原因就在于他們勇于承認錯誤,敢于為自己的行為負責。
再來看看日本,他們在歷史問題上耍小聰明,玩弄伎倆,為不光彩的過去涂脂抹粉,結(jié)果反而是在給自己抹黑。這是日本所無法掩蓋的丑陋之處。
Comparison is a good way to tell one thing from another. The attitudes of Germany and Japan towards history, for instance, demonstrate clearly the difference between honesty and hypocrisy as well as wisdom and stupidity.
This is further illustrated by a recent example. While the German government has decided to compensate survivors of the Nazi slave-labour system and assume other responsibilities, Japan has chosen to whitewash its infamous past.
After World War II, Germany and Japan have both made remarkable progress in various fields and won the admiration of many. But on the issue of history, the approaches that they have taken are poles apart. Germany has won bouquets for its courage and honesty in facing up to history. On the contrary, by resorting to ways and means to deny its responsibility, Japan has failed to win the trust of other countries.
The impression we get of Japan in our daily life is that of an admirable and fabulous country. Very few people, I think, will disagree with such a view.
Heart-warming and hopelessly romantic Japanese drama serials are all the rage now in Asian cities and even villages. The teenyboppers just never seem to get enough of their heart-throbs and may even yearn for the same romantic experience.
To many, buying and using Japanese products are also a joy. The attractive packaging, eye-catching style, modern design and dazzling innovations are all manifestations of the ingenuity and perseverance of the Japanese in their pursuit of material comfort.
Most Japanese whom we come into contact with would also leave us with a good impression - they are usually well-mannered and courteous. People who have been to Japan would have found them rather rule-abiding at public places. Commuters at Tokyo subway stations who are packed like sardines remain orderly - putting unruly passengers in many Asian cities to shame.
But when we cast our minds back to 50 years ago and start focusing on political and historical issues, we will probably promptly stop singing the praises of Japan.
Japan had invaded its many Asian neighbours and its military was notorious for its wartime atrocities. These countries have lagged behind in development for a long time as a result of the suffering brought upon them. Still, they are prepared to be forgiving and let bygones be bygones - so long as Japan admits to that part of the history.
Unfortunately, for Japan, the admission of guilt and repentance seems an impossible task. More than 50 years after the war, while it has proven its might in many fields, it simply does not have the wisdom and courage to face history and take responsibility.
Indeed, to say that the Japanese lack courage is being rather polite and generous. They are many instances to show that for Japanese leaders, it is not just a question of courage - even their sincerity and conscience are suspect.
The right-wingers in Japan are attempting to gloss over the country‘s ugly past with revised secondary textbook. Worse still, the Japanese government has ignored strong opposition and condemnation from its Asian neighbours and given the textbook the green light. It is clear that the Japanese have always have courage - what they lack is a sense of righteousness.
As in the case of the revised textbook, visits by Japanese political leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine for the war dead are also an act of glorifying the past. The more its Asian neighbours oppose such behaviour, the more determined the Japanese political leaders are in doing things their way. Japanese often complain that their neighbours cling on to historical baggage. In fact, it is the Japanese themselves who are guilty of this.
Japan loses more than it gains with its contemptible denial and distortion of history, which is in stark contrast to Germany‘s positive attitude. Germany’s courage to own up to its mistakes and be responsible for them is the reason why it has won the respect and acceptance of its European neighbours, and is able to live harmoniously with other members of the European Union.
There is nothing Japan can do to cover up its ugly past - using little tricks to try to hide it serves only to discredit itself.
（The writer is a Specialist Writer of Lianhe Zaobao.Translated by Yap Gee Poh）
前事不忘,后事之師
杜平
近日,德國決定為納粹時期的受害者作出賠償,而日本卻在竄改和美化侵略歷史,并引起了中韓兩國的強烈反對。作者認為,德日兩國截然不同的態(tài)度導(dǎo)致了完全不同的結(jié)果：前者贏得了世人的尊重和信任,而后者恰恰相反。
南京*紀念館。
常言道,有比較才有鑒別。只要把德國和日本對待歷史的態(tài)度比較一下,人們便很容易發(fā)現(xiàn)誠實與虛偽之分,智慧與愚昧之別。
以最近的事情為例,當?shù)聡疄榧{粹時期的外國勞工作出賠償并承擔其他責任的時候,日本*卻在歷史問題上文過飾非,掩耳盜鈴。
自從二戰(zhàn)結(jié)束以來,德日兩國在很多領(lǐng)域都取得了卓越的成就,贏得了世人的欽佩。但盡管如此,由于兩國對歷史問題采取截然不同的態(tài)度,人們對它們的整體看法也就受到很大影響。因為勇于和誠實地面對歷史,所以德國的國際形象得到提高；因為千方百計逃避歷史責任,所以日本在政治上一直難以贏得別國的信任。
大概沒有多少人會懷疑,我們在日常生活中所感受到的日本,其實是一個賞心悅目和令人生羨的國度。
在亞洲的城市和鄉(xiāng)村,充滿溫情和纏綿悱惻的日本電視劇到處都受歡迎。尤其是那些情竇初開的少男少女,更容易癡迷于美麗的愛情故事,甚至對那種浪漫的生活產(chǎn)生憧憬之情。
對很多人來說,購買和使用日本商品,也是一種生活情趣的享受。精美的包裝、溫馨的風格、符合現(xiàn)代時尚的設(shè)計和令人眼花繚亂的花樣翻新,還有許多許多,無一不體現(xiàn)出日本人的聰明才智和對物質(zhì)文明的不懈追求。
我們所接觸的日本人,也大多印象良好。他們謙讓恭敬,彬彬有禮。而到過日本的人,也會發(fā)現(xiàn)他們在公共場所很守規(guī)矩。東京地鐵雖然擁擠,但秩序井然。相比之下,亞洲其他城市恐怕都要自慚形*。
然而,在談?wù)撊毡镜臅r候,時空概念必須適可而止。如果把時間往前延伸50年,把話題擴展到政治和歷史領(lǐng)域,那么,日本就不再那么可愛了。
日本曾經(jīng)侵略過亞洲許多鄰國,在戰(zhàn)爭期間有過非常殘忍的不人道行徑,并最終導(dǎo)致這些鄰國的發(fā)展進程長期滯后。但是,過去畢竟都已經(jīng)過去,只要日本承認那段歷史,所有受害國都愿意敞開寬恕的胸懷。
可是,對日本來說,像德國那樣認錯和懺悔是如此之艱難。在戰(zhàn)爭結(jié)束50多年之后,日本人雖然在很多高難領(lǐng)域無堅不摧,但唯獨在歷史問題上,缺乏承擔責任的智慧和勇氣。
老實說,批評日本人缺乏勇氣,只是一種非?？酥坪蛯捜莸脑u斷。很多事件都在說明,日本政治家和當權(quán)者何止是缺乏勇氣,他們連起碼的政治誠意和道德良心都受到懷疑。
日本右翼勢力企圖通過修改中學(xué)教材,來竄改和美化那段骯臟的歷史。不僅如此,在亞洲鄰國強烈的反對和譴責聲中,日本政府竟然充耳不聞,堅持為那種臭名昭著的教材大開綠燈。由此可見,日本人從來就不缺乏勇氣,他們?nèi)鄙俚闹皇钦龤狻?BR> 與修改教材一樣,日本政治領(lǐng)袖參拜靖國神社,同樣是一種美化歷史的行徑。但是,亞洲鄰國越是反對,他們就越是一意孤行。日本人經(jīng)常抱怨自己的鄰國死抱歷史不放,其實,舍不得拋開歷史包袱的人,恰恰是日本人自己。
看看德國的態(tài)度,人們就更加覺得日本否認和竄改歷史是何其齷齪,何其得不償失。德國之所以受到歐洲鄰國的尊重和接納,之所以能夠與歐盟其他國家和諧地融為一體,原因就在于他們勇于承認錯誤,敢于為自己的行為負責。
再來看看日本,他們在歷史問題上耍小聰明,玩弄伎倆,為不光彩的過去涂脂抹粉,結(jié)果反而是在給自己抹黑。這是日本所無法掩蓋的丑陋之處。