From: mtachiba@rkna50.riken.go.jp (Masahiko Tachibana)
Subject: Re: For those of you that HATE japaneses
Organization: Institute of Physical & Chemical Research (RIKEN) Saitama,Japan
Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1992 09:20:11 GMT

I've been reading this thread, though not very eager, and noticed
there are lack of information.  Bad aspects of Japanese government
and economic activities are well known.  But the present efforts for
the change of their attitudes by Japanese citizens are not known. 

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

In Aug. 1991, International Forum on Post-War Compensation were held
in Tokyo.
According to a book based on the proceedings of this forum published
in late July, nealy a thousand people attended the two day event.

Non-Japanese victims of what Japan did in WWII having survived 
over 46 years from Japan, Korea, China and Singapore, told their
experiences one after another on the first day.  Some reports from
Japanese citizens acting for the persuit of the victims forced to
labor in factories or mines were also given.  On the second day
a panel discussion was held to find out what we should do afterwards.

Let me quote the ending remarks of the main-event.
Takagi Ko^ichi, chairman of the executing comittee:

    It became to our common recognition that reparation and compensation
    are differnt and Japanese government still don't give any compensation
    to the victims, therefore they have to do it sincerely.

(In this thread or in "An Open Letter", Mr Nishimura clearly described
the attitude of Japanese government.  But what they have paid, for instance
to Korean Government at the treaty in 1965, should be interpreted as the
reparation to the damage of buildings, roads, and so on.  Compensation, or
continuing supports to on-going suffer, are another thing)
(For the one in 1965, I think it was not even a reparation; the basis of 
calculation was not clear.  The two governments at that time seem to have
hardly any people in their sights)

And one more from the book.
The testimonees said in common that;

  1) We appreciate this kind of forum.  We hope it will be held again.

  2) We want apology and compensation while we are alive.  It is the
    keypoint whether it is done in this three or four years.

  3) This issue cannot be settled without making law in the Diet. 

  4) We want some organization that will follow up our voices and help
    us.

The executing committee, a non-government activity, seems to keep working
as that kind of organization.  Some of you would know that representative 
of Korean women, arrested and forced to "consolate Imperial soldiers"
in WWII, came to Japan this spring to negotiate Japanese Government, and 
some assembly were held where many Japanese citizens were shocked listening 
to their horrible experiences.  I understand these are supported by the 
people gathering to the committee, though I'm not sure.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Of course, as in many countries, there are some chauvinists.  They tend
to believe Japan was right and won't look at victims simply saying 
"No one cannot avoid that kind of things because it was war".

But I think most Japanese people, though not aggressively, are not 
against compensation to the victims.  TV's' and Newspapers' reports 
on this issue are increasing in both quantity and quality (in my view)
and it reflects the common recognition of us Japanese that we did not
make our government the right thing.

However, in Germany, who has been most eager in compensation due to
WWII, the government did not start until the voice of the citizens
became big, as the book tells.  It's not an easy task for our Government.

Still, I do have hope that the people's voices will move our government 
for the compensation.  Or, any word spoken by the Emperor Akihito at 
his trip to China will not reach the heart of the people holding injuries
for nearly 50 years.  

--
 Masahiko Tachibana	          E-mail:  mtachiba@rkna50.riken.go.jp
 Lab. of Organometallic Chemistry,   Tel:  +81-48-462-1111 ext.3513
 The Institute of Physical and       Fax:  +81-48-462-4665
 Chemical Research (RIKEN), Wako-shi, 351-01 Japan.    

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