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Renowned scholars in Japan urge Abe to recognize "invasion" in his upcoming statement

Xinhua, July 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Some 74 famous scholars in Japan on Friday released a joint statement, urging Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to inherit the spirit of Murayama Statement and keep using key phrases such as "aggressive war" and "colonial rule" in his statement due next month.

"The war launched by Japan from 1931 to 1945, its colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula and Taiwan as well as tremendous damage and suffering Japan brought to China and other countries are irrefutable historical truth," according to the joint statement.

"If Abe drops key phrases such as 'aggressive war' in his statement which marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the WWII, neighboring countries will doubt Japan's reflection of history in post war era. Since Abe repeatedly stated that he will inherit Murayama statement in general, he should explain clearly in specific words to win trust," said the statement.

Abe used to argue in Diet that "the definition of aggression has yet to be established either among academics or by the international community."

Regarding this, Yasuaki Onuma, professor at Meiji University's School of Law, represented other scholars to say the fact that the war was an aggressive one started by Japan has become a common understanding of international law, which Abe could not whitewash.

Abe also hinted recently that his statement may be released as his personal view, instead of making it a more official one adopted by the cabinet meeting.

In response to this, the scholars pointed out that even without cabinet approval, the statement is still made by Japan's prime minister, which will be seen as reflecting the entire government's view.

"If it causes negative effect to international community, not only the reputation of Japan, but also the nationals' interests will be strongly damaged," said the statement.

It further pointed out that Japan's development and prosperity after the WWII are greatly benefited from those countries who have suffered Japan's aggression. "Japan should also express its appreciation to those countries' generosity," it said. Endi