But for them, sorry seems to be the hardest word. Without Japan's commercial and industrial patronage, Asia would hardly be the economic power it is today. Whether that partnership evolves into a bigger role for Japan as a regional military power is a topic frequently discussed, with little consensus. Indonesia welcomes that possibility. It has staunchly supported Japan's quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and top officers of Japan's Self-Defense Forces are making frequent courtesy calls on Defense Minister Edi Sudradjat in Jakarta.
China has quite the opposite view.
When Japan signed a new security treaty with the U.S. last year, editorials screamed about Japan's regional military ambitions. Last December, Japan announced it would help China destroy 700,000 mustard, pepper and leucite bombs left behind. Beijing accepted the offer, pointing out that an additional 2 million bombs were still scattered around in the country. Japan's role in Asia mixes modern-day commerce with explosive memories of the past.