Japan's future depends on its views of its past

Japanese politicians make trouble without thinking about the possible consequences. Their actions and words sour Japan's relations with its Asian neighbors, further tarnishing its own national image and making Japan's burdens heavier, says an article of People's Daily. Excerpts:

A nation will certainly feel anxious when it loses. Such anxiety will force it to create more trouble. On Apr 23, 168 Japanese Parliament members visited Yasukuni Shrine to worship the war criminals, and Japanese right-wing radicals landed on China's Diaoyu Islands on the same day.

The two farces are similar. They damaged relations between Japan and its neighbors and challenged the postwar international order.

Neither farce can fulfill its objectives. The infamous visit to Yasukuni Shrine exposes Japanese politicians' hypocrisy, and the activists landing on Diaoyu Islands were finally driven away by Chinese law enforcement vessels.

Japan's anxiety is deeply rooted in its flawed historical values. Japan will not integrate into the modern international community until it acknowledges its mistakes and crimes in recent history. Abe is no different from his predecessors. No matter how many tricks he uses at home and abroad, the two farces on April 23 make all his previous efforts meaningless.

The Japanese government should realize that peace, stability and development are the main theme of the modern world. Japan should thoroughly reflect on its past. Otherwise, it has no future at all.