Shinzo Abe has signalled he wants his forthcoming statement marking the 70th anniversary of the second world war to look to the future, in a move that threatens to reignite regional tensions among neighbours who say Japan has failed to atone for its militaristic past.
In remarks opening an advisory panel on the declaration this week, the prime minister hinted at the kind of statement he may want to make in August.
“Based on its remorse regarding the second world war, Japan has built up a free and democratic nation that upholds human rights and respects the rule of law,” Mr Abe said. “Japan has also been contributing to the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region throughout these 70 years since the end of the war, as a peace-loving nation and as an ally of the United States.”