Japan, however, has treated South Korea as somewhat of a weak counterpart and has cunningly evaded the issue. To the contrary, it has consistently revealed attempts to embellish and legitimize its historical wrongdoings. Recent remarks by former Foreign Minister Michio Watanabe of the Liberal Democratic Party represented Japanese leaders on the issues. He claims that Japanese colonial rule contributed much to the development of Korea. He also denies the historical fact of the colonial rule itself.
Blind nationalism seems to be the only explanation for the position of Japan's public figures.
The latest manifestation of this is the vehement opposition to proposals for an official resolution of Japan's determination not to wage war and for an apology for its past aggression. Many Japanese, including current Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, argue that Japan should apologize for its past militaristic deeds, but their voices are drowned out by the nationalists. For this reason, countries that want sincere cooperation and peace in Northeast Asia are expressing a worry over the future of and vigilance toward Japan. The United States and Germany have also criticized these Japanese attitudes. We want to pursue the future without being bogged down with the past.