August 17, 2015

"Many who heard and read the '70th anniversary' remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have called for action over words. Indeed, Abe's written statement to mark the 70th commemoration of the end of World War II had lots of words—more than those of his predecessors Tomiichi Murayama (50th anniversary) and Junichiro Koizumi (60th anniversary) combined. Abe is criticized for omissions and evasions, especially the lack of a fresh apology.

Words, of course, are important on such occasions, but they are symbolic and suspended unless they get anchored in action. So, the public needs to be vigilant about if and how words get translated into action and hold both words and deeds accountable. But action is interactive, not a one-way street, in international relations. Japan's neighbors and the United States need to consider how their own actions influence Japan's."

Read more:

http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/up-front/posts/2015/08/17-pm-abe-words-vs-actions-moon