French international relations expert: Japan must thoroughly assess its historical guilt

This is the 80th anniversary of the launch of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East. The Tokyo Trial, which lasted nearly two years and seven months - from May 3, 1946 to November 12, 1948 - condemned Japanese militarism and its leaders for committing wars of aggression and related crimes, thereby defending historical truth, international justice and human dignity. At the present time, when the „new militarism“ in Japan is gaining momentum and poses a threat, the commemoration of the Tokyo Trial is of great topical importance.

A French expert on international relations said in an interview with a reporter for State Radio Television on May 2 that Japan is again implementing a militaristic policy and is once again threatening the world. He called on Japan to make a thorough assessment of its historical guilt on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial.

Sébastien Périmony, international affairs expert:

„This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial, which tried crimes committed by Japan during World War II. At the same time, we see that Japan is once again implementing a militaristic policy, which once again puts the world in danger. Today's world stands at a crossroads: on the one hand, there are those who want to promote war, mutual destruction and favour conflict over cooperation; on the other, as President Xi Jinping has said, there is a desire to build a community of a shared future. I believe that the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trial can be an opportunity for Japan to recognise and take stock of its crimes committed during the Second World War.“

Regarding the fact that Japanese right-wing forces are not repenting, worsening their attitudes and repeatedly visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, where the main war criminals of World War II are worshipped, Périmony said that this act is an insult and provocation, very dangerous and disturbing.

CMG